🔧 Accord - Rear Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

The rear turn signals on your Accord use replaceable amber wedge bulbs accessed through the trunk lining. Replace both bulbs as a pair because they have the same age and the other bulb may fail soon.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the vehicle completely off and keep the key fob away from the Accord.
• 🧤 Allow the lamp assembly to cool before touching the bulb or socket.
• 🔋 Do not touch orange high-voltage cables or connectors; the hybrid system does not need to be disconnected for this repair.
• 💡 Do not operate the turn signal while the bulb socket is removed.
• 🛡️ Battery disconnection is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Plastic trim removal tool
• Nitrile work gloves
• Safety glasses
• LED inspection light

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear turn signal bulbs (7440NA amber, 21W) - Qty: 2 - Replace in pairs

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Accord on level ground, select Park, and set the parking brake.
• ⏹️ Turn off the exterior lights and press the power button to shut down the vehicle.
• 🔑 Move the key fob away from the vehicle so the hybrid system cannot be started accidentally.
• 📦 Open the trunk and remove belongings near both rear corners.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Expose the Rear Lamp Access Area

• Put on the safety glasses and nitrile work gloves.
• Use the LED inspection light to locate the trunk-lining retainers directly behind the rear lamp.
• Use the plastic trim removal tool to lift the center pin of each required retainer, then remove the complete retainer.
• Carefully pull the side trunk lining inward. Do not crease or tear it.
• Keep the retainers together in a small container.

Step 2: Remove the Turn Signal Socket

• Use the LED inspection light to identify the socket aligned with the amber turn signal section of the outer rear lamp.
• Grip the socket by its plastic body with your nitrile work gloves.
• Rotate the socket counterclockwise approximately one-quarter turn, then pull it straight out.
• Do not pull on the electrical wires.

Step 3: Replace the Bulb

• Use your nitrile work gloves to grasp the old bulb and pull it straight out of the socket. A wedge bulb is held by friction and does not require twisting.
• Inspect the socket for melted plastic, green corrosion, or burned terminals. Stop and replace the damaged socket if any are present.
• Align the contacts of the new 7440NA amber bulb with the socket and push the bulb straight in until fully seated.
• No fastener torque specification applies; the bulb and socket are installed by hand.

Step 4: Reinstall the Bulb Socket

• Use the LED inspection light to align the socket tabs with the openings in the lamp housing.
• Insert the socket fully and rotate it clockwise approximately one-quarter turn until locked.
• Do not use pliers or force the socket. Its sealing gasket should sit evenly against the housing.

Step 5: Test the New Bulb

• Leave the trunk lining loose and close the trunk without trapping tools or trim.
• Move the LED inspection light away from the vehicle.
• Switch on the hazard warning lights and confirm the repaired lamp flashes brightly at the same speed as the opposite side.
• Turn off the hazard lights and reopen the trunk.

Step 6: Refit the Trunk Lining

• Position the trunk lining against the body by hand.
• Reset each retainer by extending its center pin.
• Insert the retainer body into its hole, then press the center pin flush using your finger.
• Use the plastic trim removal tool only if the lining needs gentle alignment.
• Repeat Steps 1-6 on the opposite side to replace the matching bulb.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Check the left turn signal, right turn signal, and hazard lights.
• 👀 Confirm both rear signals are amber, equally bright, and flashing at a normal rate.
• 🔍 Check that the trunk lining is secure and no retainers are missing.
• 💧 After the next rain or wash, inspect the lamp for moisture that could indicate an improperly seated socket seal.
• 🧰 No scan-tool reset, coding, or hybrid-system procedure is required.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $50-$100 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $25-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.5 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.