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How to Replace the Tail Light Bulbs in a 2016 to 2019 Honda Civic

How to Replace Tail Light Bulbs

Your Honda Civic's tail lights help other drivers know you are in front of them. Some tail light bulbs are multi-functional, and also serve as 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 2016 to 2019 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, step-by-step instructions will help you perform tail light bulb replacement on your 2016 to 2019 Honda Civic to help you stay safe on the road while avoiding a traffic ticket.

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Tools & Materials

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses

Gloves Nitrile Gloves

ratchet Ratchets

Sockets Ratchets

LED Headlight Bulbs Tail Light Bulbs

Honda Civic Tail Light Bulb Replacement Instructions

Today, we’ll be changing the tail light in this 2019 Honda Civic, and procedures will be similar on a lot of 2016-2019 Civics, 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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Remove the Old Tail Light Bulb

Man with blue gloves using ratchet on tail light assembly

Step 1: Remove Tail Light Assembly Bolts

First, park on a level surface and open the trunk or hatch. Use your ratchet and 8mm socket to remove the two bolts securing the tail light assembly and set them aside someplace safe.
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Man in blue gloves holding tail light bulb attached to assembly

Step 2: Pull Tail Light Assembly Away from Car

To remove the assembly, you’ll need to pull straight out toward the side of the car to disengage the two pegs on the back side of the assembly from the plastic grommets on the side panel.



Do It Right: If the assembly isn’t wanting to come off, use a trim tool to gently pry it out of the car until the pegs separate from the grommets.

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Two hands hold old tail light bulb

Step 3: Remove Tail Light Bulb from the Housing

Once the assembly is removed, carefully reposition it in place so that you have access to the back side of the housing, making sure not to strain any of the wires connecting the bulbs. Locate the bulb you need to replace and turn it clockwise to disengage it from the housing.
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removing old taillight bulb from socket

Step 4: Remove Old Tail Light Bulb

Pull the bulb out of the housing and then remove the bulb from its socket by gently pulling directly out.
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Install the New Tail Light Bulb

Two hands in blue gloves installing tail light bulb into socket

Step 5: Press New Tail Light Bulb into Socket

Press your replacement bulb firmly into the socket.
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Hand inserting bulb into the housing

Step 6: Install Bulb into Housing

Install it in the housing by turning it clockwise and securing it. Repeat this process for any bulbs that need to be replaced.



Do It Right: Before reinstalling the tail light assembly, test the bulbs to make sure they’re working. If you installed LED Bulbs that don’t appear to be working, remove the bulbs, rotate them 180°, and reinstall them.

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Man replacing tail light assembly to the back of the Honda Civic

Step 7: Replace Tail Light Assembly

Once you are sure the new bulbs are functional, align the pegs on the back of the housing with the grommets on the side panel and carefully push the assembly back into place.
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Man tightening bolts with a ratchet on the back of the Honda Civic

Step 8: Reinstall Tail Light Assembly Bolts

Reinstall the two bolts you removed earlier and close the trunk or hatch.



Do It Right: We always recommend you change bulbs in pairs, so repeat these steps for the matching bulbs on the other side.

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Additional Resources

How To Install Tail Lights On Vehicle

How to Install a Tail Light Bulb
New Headlight Bulb on Car

How to Install Headlight Bulbs
headlight assembly how to

How to Replace a Headlight Assembly

These step-by-step instructions and video detail how to replace the tail light bulbs on your 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Honda Civic. Replacing a faulty or failing tail light helps you abide by state road laws, and makes other drivers aware of your vehicle’s presence and intended direction. If you notice that your 2016 to 2019 Honda Civic's tail light bulbs are not working or only function sporadically, it is important to replace both bulbs as soon as possible to ensure you are safe on the road.

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The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.