🔧 CR-V - Taillight Bulb Replacement

You’ll replace the rear combination (outer) taillight bulbs on both sides. These bulbs handle your rear running lights and brake lights, so replacing them restores visibility and safety.

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.
• ⚠️ If the lights were recently on, let the bulbs cool 5-10 minutes to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the new bulb glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear stop/tail bulb (7443 / 7443LL) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and shift to P.
• Open the rear hatch for access to the cargo-side panels.
• Have a flashlight ready so you can clearly see the bulb socket positions.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Access the left taillight bulb socket

• Open the rear hatch.
• On the left side of the cargo area, locate the small access cover behind the taillight.
• Use a plastic trim removal tool to gently pop the access cover open.
• Use a flashlight to look inside and find the bulb socket for the outer taillight (usually the larger socket for the stop/tail bulb).

Step 2: Remove the bulb socket

• Grip the socket firmly by hand.
• Twist the socket counterclockwise about 1/4 turn to unlock it, then pull it straight out.
• Tip: Twist first, then pull—don’t yank.

Step 3: Replace the bulb

• Put on nitrile gloves. (Gloves help keep skin oil off the bulb.)
• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Push the new rear stop/tail bulb (7443 / 7443LL) straight into the socket until fully seated.
• If you accidentally touch the glass, wipe it clean and dry before installing.

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

• Insert the socket back into the taillight housing.
• Twist clockwise about 1/4 turn until it locks.
• Turn the ignition to ON.
• Check the left rear running light (headlights ON) and brake light (press brake pedal).
• Tip: Back up near a wall to see light output.

Step 5: Repeat on the right side

• Move to the right cargo-side access cover.
• Use the plastic trim removal tool to open it.
• Repeat Steps 2-4 to replace the right-side bulb with a 7443 / 7443LL.

Step 6: Refit access covers

• Once both sides test OK, snap both access covers back into place by hand.
• No torque specs apply here—press until they sit flush and secure.

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm both sides have working running lights (headlights ON).
• Confirm both brake lights illuminate evenly.
• If a new bulb doesn’t light up, remove it and rotate it 180° in the socket (some aftermarket bulbs are polarity-sensitive).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $50-$110 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.