How to Replace Tail Lights on a 2006 – 2011 Honda Civic | O’Reilly Auto Parts | O'Reilly A

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Your Honda Civic's tail lights help let other drivers know that you are in front of them, and some tail light bulbs also include an extra filament that allows you to illuminate your brake lights or turn signals to make other drivers aware of your car slowing down, stopping, or turning. Replacing failing tail light bulbs on your 2006 to 2011 Honda Civic is an easy repair that can help ensure you’re complying with state road laws and driving safely. It’s recommended that both tail light bulbs on your Honda Civic be replaced at the same time, since the bulbs have been used for the same amount of time and they are likely to fail with the same amount of use. Malfunctioning tail light bulbs can create problems with other drivers seeing your Honda Civic on the road, and could put you and others in danger. Our detailed instructions can help you perform tail light bulb replacement on your 2006 to 2011 Honda Civic to help you stay safe on the road while abiding by road laws.

Tools & Materials List

Step by Step Instructions:

Remove the Old Tail Light Bulbs

Install the New Tail Light Bulbs

Additional Resources

Today, I’ll be changing the tail lights on this 2008 Honda Civic Si, and procedures will be similar for many of this model from 2006 to 2011, but be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.

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Collin from O’Reilly Auto Parts opening the trunk of a 2008 Honda Civic Si

Step 1: Open the Trunk

Open the trunk of your Honda Civic Si and identify where the back of the tail light assembly will be.

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Collin using a trim tool to gently remove the two plastic fasteners from the Honda Civic Si

Step 2: Remove the Plastic Fasteners

Use a trim tool to remove the two plastic fasteners and pull the carpet back out of the way.

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Exposed tail light assembly of a Honda Civic to show where the bulbs are housed

Step 3: Remove the Bulb from the Housing

Remove each bulb that needs to be changed from the assembly by turning it counterclockwise to release it.

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Old tail light bulb in the hand of the mechanic showing where he pulling it from the socket

Step 4: Remove the Tail Light Bulb from the Socket

Remove the bulb by gently pulling it from the socket.

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New tail light bulb in the socket

Step 5: Install the New Bulb into the Socket

Press your replacement bulb into place in the socket.

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Collin from O’Reilly Auto Parts reinstalling the tail light bulb into the tail light assembly

Step 6: Insert the Socket into the Bulb Housing

Reinstall the bulb into the assembly by turning clockwise. Repeat these steps for each bulb that needs to be replaced.

Do It Right: We recommend changing bulbs in pairs, so repeat these steps for the same bulb on the other side.

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Plastic fastener being inserted into the carpet in the trunk of the Honda Civic

Step 7: Reinstall the Carpet and Plastic Fasteners

Put the carpet back in place and replace the two plastic fasteners you removed earlier. ** After installed, test your lights to ensure they are working properly. Then, close the trunk.

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