treyster

Hey guys, I searched for about 30 minutes and could not find anything except a thread with x'd out pics.

Can someone post a DIY thread for switching out '01 for '03 tailights?

Thanks

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

Pry up the plastic clips around the rear trunk carpet
Take off the plastic cover
pull back carpet slightly to gain access to the lights
Unplug the bulbs(twist out)
Use a small ratchet(8mm I think) unbolt the lights
Replace with the new ones.

nbennettksu

iTrader: (2)

the clips aren't going to match up, just stick the bulbs in there and add tape around; thats what I did and the bulbs have never come out of the socket

treyster

Man, that sounds easy enough. Do I need the L and R brackets also or is tape the best and easiest answer?

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

If you buy the 03 light socket harness it will be plug & play.

nbennettksu

iTrader: (2)

ya but I think they are like 18$ each, wasnt really worth it to me.

I didn't buy any L/R brackets, the lights just bolted straight up, then I stuck the lights into the sockets and put tape over the hole so the lights wouldnt slip out!

treyster

thanks again guys!!

nbennettksu

iTrader: (2)

no prob, shoot us some pics when you put 'em on!

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

03 Turn Signal Sockets were $10.

Picked them up today from my local Acura.

Headlights bolted straight up.

Treyster, Very easy mod and tape will do.

Alperovich

you can try and call acura of augusta in GA, they usually give a good deal, just mention your a forum member.

its 706-737-5200 ask for jason in parts!

nbennettksu

iTrader: (2)

sweet, I'll have to try them, I'm only like 1.5 hours from them

treyster

OK guys, thanks for the help, I installed them this afternoon, it only took 30 minutes. The only one problem, my back up lights don't work!! Oh well, I'm not going to worry about it for now!!

treyster

Finally get to update the signature!!!

aznboi2424

iTrader: (10)

both rear lights dont work? they should. I've taken my rears out multiple times with no problems.

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

That's odd that they don't work...

Did you get new bulbs?

I broke the wires (filament? forgot the name) in the bulbs when I swapped them out.

Picked some new ones and everything was all good.

combat mediC

iTrader: (1)

You searched for 30 minutes I search for 30 seconds, then ask bennett to make a new thread, that way he takes the heat.

treyster

It's the weirdest thing. the bottom lights work fine. I took out the top half, the outside top half locked in perfectly, the inside top wouldn't, I assume because I don't have the correct bracket, but they both do not work. I'll check it out this weekend.

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

^ Has nothing to do with the correct bracket.

The only bracket or socket that doesn't match up perfect is the turn signals.

If I'm not mistaken...you mentioned reverse lights.

treyster

Yes, I did, and now my brake lamp warning light came on and the left brake lamp isn't working. It looked fairly easy popping the bulbs out and installing in the '03 taillight. What the hell did I do wrong???

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

It is easy...did you break the bulb filament?

I'm not sure about the brake light on the dash...the sockets were stubborn and in there tight.

You sure you got them in all the way?

GreenMonster

Guess my Jyard suggestion worked, eh ??

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/closed-wtb-03-cl-s-taillights-358211/

treyster

Yessir!! I bought one the same day!! Thanks GM!!

treyster

That's the strange part, it was working fine yesterday (except for reverse lights), then went out today.

I'm pretty sure The 'clicked' when I turned and locked them in place. Who knows.....

nbennettksu

iTrader: (2)

you shut your pie hole

combat mediC

iTrader: (1)

treyster

OK, problem solved. I guess when I was changing the taillights, the bulbs got a little jarred. After a quick and cheap bulb change, the brake lights are working. Now all I have to do is change the reverse lights out, it'll only cost me $4.99

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

Ok...see I told you so!

Good to hear you are "somewhat" back up and running!

treyster

Got my reverse bulbs changed, and everything is good!!! I'm finally done!

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

Nice.

dave586270

iTrader: (3)

Lol, such a long thread for a simple install. I swapped my '01's for a set of '03 tails and it was simply plug and play. Took out the '01's and then plugged in the '03's and i was good to go. Had a burned out back-up light but that was the only problem with the install. Hope it all worked out for ya man

treyster

That's the way mine should have been if I wasn't a dumbass and broke my filiments! I did not do anything to the turn signal lights except lay them in there. Do I need to tape them down or blow it off??

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

Exactly!

Same shit happened to me which is why I told you to check your bulbs.

I barely even touched them...too sensitive.

dave586270

iTrader: (3)

Why would you want to tape them down? Are you having problems getting them into the new sockets? They should snap in just like the rest of the bulbs.

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

Because the '03 turn signal "openings" don't fit the sockets from the 01's...so they need to be taped to keep them in one place.

You have to purchase the '03 socket from the dealer to make it fit perfect.

I accidentally broke mine in the same process.

dave586270

iTrader: (3)

Oh shit, well if thats the case then I would buy the new socket. You can go to an Acura OEM Parts website and save some $$$ over the dealer. I don't know how picky you are about it. I would want them to sit in the socket right. But if you don't care, then tape away my friend!

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

I bought the socket but I still haven't installed them yet...everything is working fine and the turn signals bulbs are not dangling around.

When you install the tail lights...

You are also supposed to replace the '01 "white" bulbs with the '03 "amber" ones but I like the look of the white bulbs for the turns so I left them in...

Looks better with the SSM paint color IMO.

dave586270

iTrader: (3)

Hey, as long as its working then your all good! I didn't put the amber turns in either. I used the chrome ones. They look almost clear until they light up. Then they are amber just like they should be

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

Yeah I wanted to get those...

Didn't find out about them until after I ordered the amber ones.

I might just hold on to them as a back-up and get the chrome ones.

Did you get yours on eBay?

dave586270

iTrader: (3)

Thats what I ended up doin. They guy I bought the tails from included all the bulbs so I just kept the amber ones for backup. I actually have a friend that works at an Advanced Auto Parts so I get everything at his cost price. Don't have to go online for much
I def like the look of the chrome ones better. I'd recomend it if you can find some. I haven't seen them in a while.

nf3d0149ab

iTrader: (5)

Yeah...I just might do that but I don't even notice the bulbs because the top of my tail light is slightly tinted.