DIY 99-01/02-03 Tail Light Swap
04-30-2008, 03:43 PM
#1
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.
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.
The following 7 users liked this post by ONTHEMOVE:
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and 2 others liked this post.
04-30-2008, 07:53 PM
#4
'12 & '13 AL West Champs!
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. 
DEPO makes quality aftermarket replacements. I wouldn't even bother looking for the OEM ones since they'll be pretty much the same.
05-06-2008, 07:09 PM
#6
Suzuka Master
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.
I'll be resealing my oem housings sometime when I get around to it.
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05-07-2008, 10:30 AM
#11
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.
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.
05-10-2008, 11:39 PM
#16
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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.
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.
12-03-2008, 02:59 AM
#20
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
12-03-2008, 12:16 PM
#22
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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
12-03-2008, 04:05 PM
#23
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
12-04-2008, 04:51 PM
#24
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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