How to Change a Honda Civic Tail Light
by Leonardo R. Grabkowski
The Honda Civic has been available in several configurations over the years. The sedan and coupe have been most prevalent, but a hatchback model was also produced. Replacing the tail light bulb in your Honda Civic is a simple procedure, no matter which model you have. The process is the same in all generation seven and eight (2001 to 2005, 2006 to 2010) Civics, with the exception of the 2001 to 2005 Civic SI hatchback model. The models also use different bulb types; see the Tips section for the proper replacement bulbs.
Changing the Tail Light on a Civic Sedan or Coupe
Step 1
Wear gloves before getting started. The Civic's replacement tail light bulbs reuse the old socket. You'll be touching the glass part of the bulb to replace it. Doing so with your hands can cause damage to the bulb.
Step 2
Open the trunk and access the corner for the tail light you need to replace. In the rear corner (closest to the tail light), you'll find a Phillips screw within plastic fasteners. Remove the Phillips screw from the fastener.
Step 3
Pull the fastener out of its mount to free the corner trunk lining. Pull the lining back to access the tail light.
Step 4
Remove the bulb socket by turning it counterclockwise. Pull the old bulb out of the socket with your hand. Fully insert the replacement bulb into the socket.
Step 5
Reinsert the socket in its place. Turn it clockwise. Push the corner trunk lining back into position. Push the plastic fastener into its mount, and then replace and tighten the Phillips screw.
Changing the Tail Light on a Civic SI Hatchback (2001 to 2005)
Step 1
Wear gloves before getting started. The Civic's replacement tail light bulbs reuse the old socket. You'll be touching the glass part of the bulb to replace it. Doing so with your hands can cause damage to the bulb.
Step 2
Open the rear hatch and examine the corner in the cargo compartment. Find the plastic access door near the tail light. Insert a flat head screwdriver into the access door's indention. Pry the door open carefully.
Step 3
Remove the bulb socket by twisting it counterclockwise. Push the glass part of the bulb into the socket, and turn it counterclockwise to remove it from the socket.
Step 4
Push the replacement bulb into the socket. While gently pushing down, turn it clockwise to attach it. Reinsert the bulb socket into place; turn it clockwise. Position the access door into place; push it firmly to reattach it.
References
Tips
- 2001 to 2010 Honda Civic coupes and sedans use tail light bulb 7443.
- 2001 to 2005 Honda Civic SI hatchback models use tail light bulb 7528.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Phillips screwdriver (sedan and coupe)
- Flat head screwdriver (hatchback)
- Replacement bulb
Writer Bio
Leonardo R. Grabkowski has been writing professionally for more than four years. Grabkowski attended college in Oregon. He builds websites on the side and has a slight obsession with Drupal, Joomla and Wordpress.
