🔧 Accord - Taillight Bulb Replacement

You’ll replace the left and right taillight bulbs by accessing the back of each taillight housing from inside the trunk. This is a quick job: remove the trunk access cover, twist the bulb socket out, swap the bulb, and reinstall.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the lights OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool—incandescent bulbs get very hot.
• ⚠️ Avoid touching the glass of a new bulb with bare fingers (skin oils can shorten bulb life); use gloves.
• ⚠️ Support the trunk liner so it doesn’t tear when you pull it back.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flashlight

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Stop/Tail light bulb (typically 7443) - Qty: 2

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and open the trunk.
• Make sure the headlight switch is OFF.
• Tip: Replace both sides so brightness matches.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the left taillight bulb area

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• In the trunk, locate the access panel/liner behind the left taillight.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to pop out any plastic clips.
• If your liner uses screws, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver.
• Pull the trunk liner back just enough to see the bulb sockets; use a flashlight.

Step 2: Remove the taillight bulb socket (left side)

• Find the socket for the stop/taillight bulb (usually the larger, more central socket on the housing).
• Grip the socket and rotate it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn by hand, then pull it straight out.
• Tip: Twist the socket, not the wiring.

Step 3: Replace the bulb (left side)

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Install the new stop/tail bulb (typically 7443) by pushing it straight in until fully seated.
• If you accidentally touched the glass, wipe it clean with a dry lint-free cloth.

Step 4: Reinstall the socket and test (left side)

• Insert the socket back into the taillight housing.
• Twist clockwise by hand until it locks (snug—do not overtighten).
• Turn the lights on and verify the left taillight works (tail lights on) and brightens with the brake pedal.

Step 5: Repeat on the right side

• Move to the right trunk liner area.
• Use the plastic trim removal tool and Phillips screwdriver to open access.
• Twist the socket counterclockwise, replace the bulb, reinstall, and test the right side.

Step 6: Reinstall the trunk liner and clips

• Reposition the liner correctly so it sits flat.
• Reinstall clips by pressing them in by hand; use the plastic trim removal tool to align as needed.
• Reinstall any screws with the Phillips screwdriver.

---

✅ After Repair

• Test: parking lights ON = both taillights glow evenly.
• Test: press brake pedal = both sides brighten.
• If a new bulb doesn’t work, remove the socket again and confirm the bulb is fully seated and the socket is fully locked.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$150 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$30 (parts only)

You Save: $50-$120 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.

Assumption: You’re replacing the outer stop/tail bulbs (typically 7443) on your Accord; bulb type can vary by lamp position.