How to Change a 2003 Honda CR-V Tail Light Enclosure

In 1997, Honda released the all-new CR-V, a compact SUV that fit in well with the rest of the maker's lineup. This small SUV gave customers a midway point between Honda's smaller cars and its mid-sized Passport. One of the CR-V's trademarks was its elongated, vertical taillight enclosures. The 2003 CR-V -- one year removed from a body-smoothing redesign -- had these same vertical taillight enclosures. Replacing a taillight enclosure on the 2003 CR-V is not anymore difficult than replacing a taillight bulb.

Instructions

1

Open the CR-V's rear glass and tailgate.

2

Pry the two circular screw covers -- one upper and one lower -- from the rear doorjamb, using a flat-head screwdriver. Remove the screw under each cover, using a Phillips screwdriver.

3

Pull the taillight assembly from the CR-V's rear pillar. Label each of the four sockets plugging into the rear of the taillight assembly, using masking tape and a permanent marker -- this helps you reinstall them correctly.

4

Remove each socket and bulb from the rear of the taillight assembly, by twisting each socket a quarter-turn counterclockwise and pulling the socket and bulb from the taillight assembly. Remove the taillight assembly from the CR-V.

5

Insert the four bulbs and sockets into the rear of the new taillight assembly and twist each socket a quarter-turn clockwise to lock it in place.

6

Line the clips on the rear of the taillight assembly up with the holes in the CR-V's rear pillar. Set the taillight assembly back in place on the CR-V's rear pillar and tighten the two retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver.

7

Press the two screw covers back into place over the screws until the click into place.

8

Close the CR-V's tailgate and rear glass.