How to Replace Tail Light 03-05 Honda Civic

Difficulty: Advanced · About 60 min · Honda Civic

Replace a tail light, including removing the rear bumper cover, on a 2003-2005 Honda Civic.

Steps

1. Change the taillight bulbs

   Turn the clip and pull it out, pull back the insulation, twist the sockets counterclockwise to remove them, pull the bulb straight out, push the new one in, then twist the socket back into place.

2. Remove the rear bumper cover

   Remove the 10mm bolts and Phillips screws behind the wheel wells, pry off the covers at the top of the bumper and remove the 10mm bolts behind them, pry out the clips underneath, then pull the bumper out on each side.

3. Remove the taillight assembly

   Remove the two 8mm bolts underneath it and the three 8mm bolts on its back, twist out the sockets, then remove the Phillips screw and the bracket.

4. Install the new taillight assembly

   Remove the Phillips screw from the new assembly, attach the bracket and replace the screw, line up the taillight and push it into place, replace the 8mm bolts, twist the sockets back in, then refit the insulation.

5. Install the rear bumper cover

   Line it up and push it into place, replace the top 10mm bolts and their covers, replace the clips underneath, then replace the wheel well screws and bolts.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.