🔧 Accord - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

You’ll remove the rear tail lamp housing, swap the turn-signal bulb, then reinstall the housing and test the lights. On your Accord, the rear turn signal bulb is accessed from inside the trunk behind the tail lamp.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let the bulbs cool first; they can be hot.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the new bulb glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the tail lamp as you pull it out to avoid scratching paint.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4" drive)
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb (amber) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Trunk liner clips - Qty: 2-6

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and open the trunk.
• Set aside a clean towel to place the tail lamp on after removal.
• Tip: Do one side at a time.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the trunk side trim access

• Use a flashlight to locate the trunk liner behind the tail lamp you’re working on.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to pop out the plastic clips holding the liner.
• If your liner uses screws, remove them with a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

Step 2: Unbolt the tail lamp assembly

• Locate the tail lamp mounting nuts inside the trunk.
• Use an 8mm socket or 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet and 6" extension to remove the nuts.
• Put the nuts somewhere safe so they don’t fall into the trunk trim.

Step 3: Remove the tail lamp from the body

• Hold the tail lamp with one hand and pull it straight rearward.
• If it feels stuck, wiggle gently—don’t pry against the painted body.
• Place the tail lamp on a towel to avoid scratches.

Step 4: Remove the rear turn-signal bulb socket

• Identify the turn signal bulb socket on the tail lamp (the socket that lines up with the amber turn-signal section of the lens).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise by hand to unlock it, then pull it out.
• Tip: If tight, use nitrile gloves for grip.

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• With nitrile gloves on, push the new bulb straight into the socket until fully seated.
• Reinstall the socket into the tail lamp and twist clockwise to lock.

Step 6: Reinstall the tail lamp

• Align the locating pins on the tail lamp with the body holes.
• Push the tail lamp straight in until it sits flush and even.
• Reinstall the mounting nuts using an 8mm socket or 10mm socket with the 1/4" drive ratchet.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs)

Step 7: Reinstall trunk liner

• Reposition the trunk liner.
• Reinstall clips by pressing them in by hand (use the plastic trim removal tool to help align if needed).
• Reinstall any screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the car and test the rear turn signals and hazard lights.
• Verify the tail lamp sits evenly and doesn’t wobble.
• If the new bulb doesn’t light, remove it and rotate/reseat it, then recheck.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$150 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $10-$25 (parts only)

You Save: $70-$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.