DIY 99-01/02-03 Tail Light Swap

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Old Apr 30, 2008 | 03:43 PM
  #1  
ONTHEMOVE's Avatar
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DIY 99-01/02-03 Tail Light Swap

Got these off Ebay for $132 shipped. They're Depo. Look pretty good, but I will continue looking for an OEM set at a reasonable price. Anyhoo.




Start by taking off the Rear trunk plastic, easy 4 clips.


Then unscrew the cargo net plugs, now your quarter panel lining is somewhat free to get back there and unscrew the six 8mm nuts. Keep a hand on the lense of the light so it doesn't pop out onto the ground.

Unplug the 2 plugs on the driver side light and the one plug on the pass side.

The tail light out. If you want to clean up, any dirt or grime, now's the time.


Switch over the wiring and bulbs. The turn indicator connection/opening was too big, the bulb housing fit but was loose. I just put some electrical tape over it.
Not sure if this a Depo fitment problem or a difference in the 00/03 tail lights, but but I bet someone will chime in and tell us :wink: Also switch over that little grey box, not sure what it does.


I'd say stick with the oem gaskets, they're thicker and seem to just be made better.


Gently slide the new light in and screw the nuts on while keeping a hand on the lense till you have at least one nut finger tight.

Tighten all your nuts and plug your plugs back in.

Check your lights to make sure everything works. I needed and new parking bulb.

http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...RG-Results.htm

Replace the net screws and trunk plastic and your finished.

Step back and enjoy your work.



Hope this was helpful, won't be my last DIY, that's for sure.
Old Apr 30, 2008 | 04:14 PM
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Old Apr 30, 2008 | 06:40 PM
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Old Apr 30, 2008 | 07:53 PM
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The bulb harnesses from the 99-01 and the 02-03 lights are different in regards to the turn signal. It happened to me when I bought mine. For some reason, Acura decided to change the type of bulb used for the turn signal on the 02-03s as well as the size of the bulb socket. I didn't want to rig the bulb so I ended up buying the 02-03 harnesses for my taillights. DEPO makes quality aftermarket replacements. I wouldn't even bother looking for the OEM ones since they'll be pretty much the same.
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Old Apr 30, 2008 | 07:55 PM
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Nice DIY!
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Old May 6, 2008 | 07:09 PM
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Great DIY:thumbsup:

Don't get depo for the headlights though guys, tails seems ok, based on this right up. The fitment on the headlights is perfect actually (contrary to the rumors), I have no issues, but the cutoff seems blurry compared to OEM. Something to do with the reflective cover in front of the HID bulbs.


I'll be resealing my oem housings sometime when I get around to it.
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Old May 6, 2008 | 07:39 PM
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Nice job I need to do this one day but I will probably screw up.
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Old May 6, 2008 | 08:51 PM
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Old May 6, 2008 | 08:55 PM
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Awesome dude! Thanks for posting those pics, helps me with what to take off when I remove my bumper.
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Old May 7, 2008 | 10:25 AM
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Nice write-up... I just placed this in the DIY section....
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Old May 7, 2008 | 10:30 AM
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Looks very nice with the new tails you got there comparing to the old one. Nice writeup.

DEPO has good quality, but like the above said, may not be good enough for the headlights. But for $132, can't complain with that price.
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Old May 7, 2008 | 01:26 PM
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this is the next step for me and my 99! looks so much better
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Old May 7, 2008 | 10:00 PM
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Question

Originally Posted by VoLLy_1llusioNz
Awesome dude! Thanks for posting those pics, helps me with what to take off when I remove my bumper.
What?
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Old May 8, 2008 | 12:35 AM
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Originally Posted by 2000tlrjm
What?
Please where to get for $132?
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Old May 10, 2008 | 11:00 PM
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really really helpful.. i just put them on today they look great
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Old May 10, 2008 | 11:39 PM
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Search on Ebay for this :

Acura TL 99-03 Red/Clear Tail Light Type S Look Pair 00

Seller name: COCO701111

Paid: 147 USD including tax and shipping to Canada.

I got my lights in excellent condition had no probs with them.
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Old May 11, 2008 | 01:19 AM
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Looks great, such a nice upgrade at a reasonable price. I have to agree that you should NOT replace the headlights with DEPO. The beam patter is poor.
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Old May 11, 2008 | 01:45 PM
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Thanks for all the comments guys. I'll be doing a few more write ups next week. Got a lot of goodies last week: s-techs, HPs, new turanza's and raybesta's
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Old May 11, 2008 | 11:05 PM
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Excellent DIY man
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 02:59 AM
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Hey guy i just order my tail light from rpm garage(off ebay) I want to replace the tail light gasket. My is a 2000 TL non type s and they are off of a 2002 TL Type S so my question is Are the 2000 and the 2002 gasket the same or Which one should i order from Acura from 2000 or 2002? Thanks Guy I cant wait till i get them on
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 09:30 AM
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Gaskets should be the same for 99-03. If not, order one for the 02-03 since that's the kind of tails you will be using.
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by 8800honda
Hey guy i just order my tail light from rpm garage(off ebay) I want to replace the tail light gasket. My is a 2000 TL non type s and they are off of a 2002 TL Type S so my question is Are the 2000 and the 2002 gasket the same or Which one should i order from Acura from 2000 or 2002? Thanks Guy I cant wait till i get them on
How much was it? I have been meaning to do this.
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 04:05 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by Trackruner228
How much was it? I have been meaning to do this.
I got a good deal on them. I had a 10% off Coupon on ebay and Microsoft was give 30% cash back if you brought it on 12-1-08 with "Buy it now" and paypal. It was $145 plus $88 shipping (since it is coming from over sea) so $233 with all the discount i paid like $175. Which i think i got a good deal since they are oem tail light and have the wiring harness with them. I cant wait to get them i will post a picture once it is done. I have been waiting to do the swap since i got my TL. Thanks Again Chris
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Old Dec 4, 2008 | 04:51 PM
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I just called Acura Dealership. The parts dept. Manager said that the gasket was the same for all the 1999-2002. The guy was pretty cool he was asking if i was doing a type s tail light swap.I thought it was cool he knew what i was planning on doing.They were $13 bucks a piece
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 06:23 PM
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thanks

just swapped out my tail lights - thanks for posting your pics and instructions.
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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 12:32 AM
  #26  
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a before/after pic. really happy with this easy mod.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/542/lightst.jpg/

Last edited by mr_protege; Dec 11, 2011 at 12:35 AM. Reason: fixed link
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Old Nov 17, 2014 | 12:47 PM
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Got mine installed today! Gotta say, it's a nice mod for pretty cheap. Cheap for me anyways lol.









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