🔧 CR-V - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

You’ll remove the rear tail lamp assembly, twist out the turn-signal bulb socket, and swap the bulb. This restores proper signaling and prevents fast-blink (which can happen when a bulb is out).

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and switch all exterior lights OFF before starting.
• ⚠️ If the bulbs were recently on, let the tail lamp cool for 5-10 minutes.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves—bulbs can be hot and oils from skin can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the tail lamp as you pull it free to avoid cracking the lens.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Trim removal tool (non-marring)
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (7440) - Qty: 1 (replace in pairs recommended)

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and shift to Park.
• Open the tailgate so you can access the tail lamp mounting screws on the body side.
• Lay a shop towel nearby to set the lamp on (prevents scratches).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the tail lamp mounting screws

• Open the tailgate and locate the two screws on the inboard edge of the tail lamp (near the hatch opening).
• Use a Phillips #2 screwdriver to remove both screws and set them aside.

Step 2: Release the tail lamp from its alignment pins

• Grip the tail lamp housing with both hands and pull it straight rearward (toward you).
• If it feels stuck, use a trim removal tool (non-marring) to gently start a gap at the edge, then pull straight back again.
• Pull straight back to avoid breaking clips.

Step 3: Remove the rear turn signal bulb socket

• Behind the lamp, find the turn-signal bulb socket (the one that aligns with the amber section of the lens).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand and pull it out of the tail lamp housing.

Step 4: Replace the bulb

• Wear nitrile gloves.
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket (it’s a wedge-style bulb).
• Push the new rear turn signal bulb (7440) straight into the socket until fully seated.
• If your old bulb number doesn’t match 7440, match the new bulb to the number stamped on the old bulb base.

Step 5: Reinstall the socket and tail lamp

• Insert the socket back into the tail lamp and twist clockwise by hand until it locks.
• Align the tail lamp’s guide pins with the body grommets, then push the lamp straight forward until it seats flush.
• Reinstall the two screws using the Phillips #2 screwdriver and tighten snugly (do not over-tighten).

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition to ON and test the rear turn signal (left or right) and hazards.
• Confirm the turn signal flashes at a normal rate and the tail lamp sits flush with the body.
• If it still hyper-flashes, check the other rear turn bulb and the front turn bulb on the same side.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $3-$15 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$125 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.

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🎯 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.