Honda released its compact SUV, the CR-V, in 1997 and based it on the same platform as the Civic. The 2003 CR-V came fitted with a 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine. The CR-V came standard with a black front and rear bumper. Inside the rear bumper lays a small bulb with the responsibility of illuminating the license plate when it's dark. Replacing the license plate bulb requires no tools.
Locate the license plate light assembly in the rear bumper, directly above the license plate. Press the assembly toward the front of the vehicle to disengage it and pull it down from the bumper.
Press the locking button on the plug on top of the light assembly and pull the plug from the assembly.
Press the locking tab on the left side of the license plate bulb lens and pull the lens upward to remove it. Grab the bulb under the lens and pull it from the assembly.
Grab a new 2825 license plate bulb with a clean, lint-free cloth and press it into the license plate light assembly. Don't touch the bulb with your bare hands, as the oil from your hands can cause premature bulb failure.
Insert the right side of the license plate light lens into the assembly, engaging the tab into the hole in the assembly. Pivot the lens until the tab on the left clicks into place.
Plug the wiring harness back into the top of the license plate assembly.
Insert the assembly in the rear bumper and press it toward the rear of the vehicle until it seats into place.
