How to Change a Honda Civic Tail Light (with Pictures)

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.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Phillips screwdriver (sedan and coupe)

• Flat head screwdriver (hatchback)
• Replacement bulb

Changing the Tail Light on a Civic Sedan or Coupe

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.

Changing the Tail Light on a Civic Sedan or Coupe

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.

Changing the Tail Light on a Civic Sedan or Coupe

Pull the fastener out of its mount to free the corner trunk lining. Pull the lining back to access the tail light.

Changing the Tail Light on a Civic Sedan or Coupe

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.

Changing the Tail Light on a Civic Sedan or Coupe

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)

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.

Changing the Tail Light on a Civic SI Hatchback (2001 to 2005)

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.

Changing the Tail Light on a Civic SI Hatchback (2001 to 2005)

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.

Changing the Tail Light on a Civic SI Hatchback (2001 to 2005)

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.