This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the outer tail light assembly on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda tail light assembly for your specific model year and trim

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all lights and remove key from ignition
3. Open trunk fully to access interior tail light mounting points
4. Identify which tail light assembly requires replacement (left or right side)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access trunk interior panel
   From inside the trunk, locate the carpeted or fabric trunk liner panel on the side corresponding to the tail light being replaced. Carefully pull back or remove any clips securing the liner to expose the back of the tail light assembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the back of the tail light assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight back to disconnect it from the tail light. Ensure you do not pull on the wires themselves.
3. 3

   Remove tail light mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket and ratchet, remove the mounting bolts securing the tail light assembly to the body. There are typically 2-3 bolts accessible from inside the trunk. Keep these bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove tail light assembly from exterior
   Move to the exterior of the vehicle. Gently pull the tail light assembly straight rearward away from the body. The assembly may be held by alignment pins or clips. Use steady, even pressure to avoid breaking mounting tabs. If resistance is felt, verify all bolts have been removed.
5. 5

   Inspect mounting surfaces
   With the old assembly removed, inspect the body mounting points for any damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting surface with a shop towel if needed. Check that the body seal or gasket surface is clean and dry.
6. 6

   Install new tail light assembly
   Position the new tail light assembly at the mounting location from the exterior. Align the assembly with the body opening and mounting pins. Press firmly and evenly until the assembly seats flush against the body. Verify proper alignment before proceeding to bolt installation.
7. 7

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   From inside the trunk, hand-thread all tail light mounting bolts to avoid cross-threading. Once all bolts are started, use a torque wrench to tighten each bolt to the specified torque in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating of the assembly.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Plug the electrical connector into the back of the new tail light assembly. Push firmly until you hear or feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked.
9. 9

   Reinstall trunk liner
   Reposition the trunk interior liner panel and secure any clips or fasteners that were removed during disassembly. Ensure the liner sits flush and does not interfere with the tail light wiring.

Reassembly

1. Verify all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
2. Ensure electrical connector is fully seated and locked
3. Confirm trunk liner is properly reinstalled with all clips secured

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON position (engine does not need to start)
• Test all tail light functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Have an assistant observe from outside while you activate each lighting function
• Inspect the exterior gap between tail light and body panel for uniform fitment
• Verify no warning lights appear on the instrument cluster
• Close trunk and verify tail light assembly does not interfere with trunk seal or operation

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