WRXtranceformed

Figured I would put this here since I took some pictures of the process. I didn't see any prior threads on this from a quick search so if this already exists I apologize in advance.

The first step is to pick up high quality license plate LEDs. I have been burned a couple times in the past with Ebay LED purchases and it's just a waste of time, money and it never looks as good as a quality product. I have had good success using VLEDs.com in the past (not a paid endorsement, just personal experience):

Here is the one I bought. There are other options too if you want brighter:
6K LED 194 168: 6K WHITE HIGH POWER LED BULBS 194 168 158 80LM | 1 PAIR - 194 158 168 - License Plate Lights - Shop Bulb Type

For $15.00 shipped you can't go wrong. I have the 6 LED version on my Jag and they are absurdly bright, I figured the single would be fine and I was right. It's just about perfect without putting a puddle of light on the ground. And they are also less wattage than the stockers I believe.

Before:

My cell camera didn't really capture it but the stock bulbs are reallllly yellow. You can see it is a similar yellow to my back garage light.

First, pry this panel loose on the backside of the hatch from the notch in the lower right corner. Make sure to use a trim tool, or just wrap a multi-tool knife in a thin towel like I did if you want to do it bootleg style:


I was a little nervous because that panel is in there GOOD. Don't be afraid to give it a good yank, maybe wrap the edge with a paper towel so you don't hurt your fingers. There are a few clips that hold it in.

Inside of the back of the hatch you can see the bulbs and their harness / clips:


Pinch the two white tabs at the top and pull the entire assembly out. It might take a little maneuvering to get out out of there:


From here you can pull the old bulb out. For some reason these were in there really tight on this car, I actually couldn't get a good enough grip on them to get them out with my fingers. Instead I CAREFULLY took a set of needle nose pliers at the base of the bulb and with very light pressure on them nudged it out of the socket.

Pop the new bulb in there, here is what it looks like. Word of advice having done this on many cars, TEST it out first before you seal everything back up. High quality bulbs I believe can go into the socket either way but some have a specific polarity and won't light up unless they are flipped around. I think the VLED bulbs I have bought have been fine inserted either way. Both bulbs lit up for me the first time.


Repeat for the other side, insert the clips back into the clear housings in the hatch (there is a front verticle "notch" that slides into the clear plastic housing. You can see it in the middle of the grey plastic piece on picture #3). Reinstall the panel by popping it on and take a step back to marvel at the 5 minutes it took to make your car more awesome:




Crazy how bright these are with only 1 LED! I thought I would contribute to the Acura community again since I was gone for a while Hope this helps somebody wanting to do this mod!

rdxron

Thanks nice write up.

DDTsx06

I did 5k from VLED, makes a difference

CSmoney28

Nice job !!!