🔧 Rear Turn Signal Bulb - Replacement

On your Accord, the rear turn signal bulb is accessed from inside the trunk by removing the tail light assembly fasteners and pulling the lamp straight out. This is a simple job, but the plastic clips and studs can be brittle, so work slowly and keep the lamp lined up when reinstalling.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Let the tail light bulbs cool before touching them.
• Do not pry hard on the tail lamp housing; the mounting studs can crack.
• Handle the new bulb with a clean cloth or gloves. Finger 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:

• 10mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Trim panel tool
• Small flat-blade screwdriver
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulb - Qty: 1 per side

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the trunk and clear out the cargo area near the side trim panel.
• If you are replacing both rear turn signal bulbs, do one side at a time so you can use the other side as a reference.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the trunk and access the tail light area

• Open the trunk lid fully.
• Move any cargo away from the rear corner trim panel on the side you are working on.
• Use a trim panel tool to gently lift any small plastic covers, if equipped.

Step 2: Remove the tail light retaining fasteners

• Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and short extension to remove the tail light fasteners from inside the trunk opening.
• Keep the fasteners in a safe place.
• Pull straight back, not sideways.

Step 3: Pull the tail light housing out

• Hold the tail light assembly with both hands and pull it straight rearward.
• If it feels stuck, gently wiggle it while keeping it aligned with the body.
• Do not use a metal tool against the painted surface.

Step 4: Remove the bulb socket

• Find the turn signal bulb socket on the back of the tail light housing.
• Use a small flat-blade screwdriver only if needed to release the socket tab, then twist the socket counterclockwise and pull it out.
• Twist gently to avoid breaking the tabs.

Step 5: Replace the bulb

• Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket.
• Push the new rear turn signal bulb firmly into the socket.
• Do not touch the glass on the bulb with bare fingers if it is a halogen-style bulb.

Step 6: Reinstall the socket and test the bulb

• Insert the socket back into the tail light housing and twist it clockwise to lock it in place.
• Before reinstalling the lamp, turn the ignition on and activate the turn signal to verify the new bulb works.
• If it does not light, remove the socket and check that the bulb is fully seated.

Step 7: Reinstall the tail light assembly

• Align the tail light housing with the body opening and push it straight in.
• Reinstall the retaining fasteners using the 10mm socket, ratchet, and short extension.
• Torque to 7 Nm (62 ft-lbs).
• Make sure the lamp sits flush with the body panels.

Step 8: Final check

• Close the trunk.
• Check the rear turn signal, brake light, tail light, and hazard lights.
• If the lamp looks crooked, remove it and realign the mounting pins before tightening again.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify both rear turn signals flash at a normal speed.
• Check for any moisture gap around the tail light housing.
• If the turn signal still does not work, inspect the fuse and socket contacts.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$180 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $70-$155 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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