🔧 Fit - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

On your Fit, the rear turn signal bulbs sit inside the taillamp assemblies. You’ll remove the taillamp, twist out the turn-signal bulb socket, swap the bulb, then reinstall everything.

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 bulbs cool first; they can burn you.
• 🔸 Don’t touch the new bulb’s glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• 🔸 Support the taillamp as you pull it out to avoid scratching paint.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• 8mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 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
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and open the rear hatch.
• Turn the light switch to OFF.
• Set aside a soft towel to place the taillamp on after removal.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the taillamp fasteners

• Open the hatch and locate the taillamp mounting fasteners along the inside edge of the taillamp (near the hatch opening).
• Use a flashlight to clearly see the screw heads/bolt heads.

Step 2: Remove the taillamp fasteners

• If your Fit has Phillips screws: remove them using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, then set them aside. Torque to 3.5 Nm (31 in-lbs) on reinstall.
• If your Fit has small bolts/nuts: remove them using an 8mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet. Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs) on reinstall.
• If it resists, don’t force—recheck for hidden fasteners.

Step 3: Pull the taillamp assembly straight back

• Hold the taillamp with both hands and pull it straight outward (away from the body).
• If it’s stuck on its guide pins, use a trim removal tool to gently help it release (work slowly so you don’t chip paint).
• Place the taillamp on a towel so the lens doesn’t get scratched.

Step 4: Remove the turn signal bulb socket

• Find the turn signal bulb socket on the back of the taillamp (it will be one of the smaller twist-lock sockets).
• Twist the socket counterclockwise about 1/4 turn by hand and pull it out.
• Twist-lock means “turn to unlock,” no screws.

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket (no twisting for this style).
• Install the new bulb by pushing it straight in until fully seated.
• If you have it, apply a very thin film of dielectric grease to the socket seal (not on the bulb glass).
• Reinstall the socket into the taillamp and twist clockwise to lock.

Step 6: Test the turn signal before reassembly

• Turn the ignition to ON and switch on the hazard lights.
• Confirm the repaired side flashes normally (not fast).
• Turn ignition OFF again before reinstalling the taillamp.

Step 7: Reinstall the taillamp

• Align the taillamp guide pins with the body holes and press the taillamp straight in until it sits flush.
• Reinstall the fasteners using a Phillips #2 screwdriver or 8mm socket (whichever you removed). Torque to 3.5 Nm (31 in-lbs) for screws or Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs) for 8mm fasteners.

Step 8: Repeat on the other side (recommended)

• Repeat the same process for the opposite rear turn signal.
• Replacing in pairs keeps brightness consistent.

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✅ After Repair

• Test left and right turn signals, hazards, and brake lights.
• If the signal “hyper-flashes” (very fast), the bulb may be the wrong type or not seated fully—recheck the fitment and socket lock.
• Make sure both taillamps sit flush and don’t wiggle.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$160 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $50-$140 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.