ulala

Hi guys,
some bozo ran into rear of my 04 TL broke the driver side taillight cover. I purchase a new cover but this diy i found on this site scared me by mentioning how i should remove the bumper first. If i go to a dealership they will charge me 250 in labor only. Is there any way i can change the cover without removing the bumper? i tried to fold the inside trunk panel to see the back of the taillight but the panel wouldn't stay folded. Is there any easier way to get the housing? Any help will be appreciated.

Ron A

You definitely have to remove the bumper, but it isn't that hard.

The scans for the bumper and taillight removal are in this thread.

ulala

Thanks ron for your info.
i guess i will dismantle the driver side bumper and pull it to get enough space to remove the cover. Do you think this is going to work?

Ron A

I have no idea. Maybe someone who has done that will know.

Retired Submariner

I thank this site for the info and the parts pictures so I could replace the tail light lens on my '04 Acura TL. This is why I want to give this info on what I learned while replacing the lens. It took me a total of 90 minutes from start to finish.

1. You must remove the bumper cover to replace the tail light lens. I only removed one side and gained enough access to get to the 1 screw holding the lens and the two bolts that were the base for the lens.

2. Tools:
a. 2 small screwdrivers to remove plastic clips. (There are 2 small slots in the clip to pry up with the 2 screwdrivers and the clips come apart very easily. )
b. 8 mm combination wrench
c. 10mm socket
d. long 8" socket extension and driver.
e. Drop light
f. Bungie cord
g. Long Tweezers (for led lamp wire and plug removal and assembly)

3. Bumper cover removal:
a. remove 3 flat head phillips head screws holding rear mud guard (RMG).
b. remove 2 flat head phillips head screws holding RMG bracket.
c. remove 1 flat head phillips head screw holding the cover to the car body located just above the (RMG).
d. remove 6 (or more) clips from the bumper cover. don't forget the 3 around the rear tail pipe. They must be removed.
e. remove the small oblong painted cover and the 10mm bolt securing the bumper cover (just under the top of the bumper)
f. the cover can now be pulled away from the side and pulled rearward.

4. Trunck mat and interior:
a. remove rubber package tray (if you have one) and package nets.
b. remove package net Lugs by unscrewing (by hand).
c. remove 1 clip with 2 small screwdrivers.
d. pull truck sill cover away from the body and pad on one end only.
e. pull trunk padding out of the way to access the lens assembly and hold with bungie cord out of your way.

5. Lens removal.
a. remove 4 nuts (8mm) holding lens assembly to car body.
b. from under bumper cover, remove 1 flat head phillips head screw from bottom of lens.
c. loosen the 2 bolts that hold the lens bracket to the car body.
d. the lens can now be removed from the car body.
e. remove the bulb with a 1/4 twist.
f. unplug wire connector.

6. Lens replacement.
a. remove 4 phillips head screws holding the led lamp assembly to lens.
b. lift up the assembly and unplug the connector from the PC board.
c. pull the connector from the broken lens. Square plug, square hole! (Tweezers are needed to re-assemble and pulling plug through square hole.)
d. carefull remove the gasket (for reuse)

7. Reassemble.

Ron A

Thanks, Retired Submariner, for the excellent detailed procedure. I have added this thread to the 3G Garage #E094.

Skidazl

Retired submariner, thank you so much for the detailed info. I am very non-mechanically inclined, but with your help was able to replace my cracked tail light. The hardest part was snaking the led connector through the replacement lens. Thank you very much...

Brooks Hoy

iTrader: (1)

thread revival emergency..where can i buy the same rear tail light covers he is referring to? cannot find them anywheree
exact same thing happened to me

thoiboi

Where did you search exactly.? Acura Parts @ AcuraOEMparts.com - Genuine Acura OEM Parts from Delray Acura

Brooks Hoy

iTrader: (1)

I just used that page, that part is either not listed, or its number 33 or 34, which for some reason is cut off from the list...it stops at 32..am i missing something?
btw thanks for the link, awesome resource.