Tail light lens replacement

[Waynegarf]

I'm attempting to replace the outer tail light lens on a 2003 honda accord. I can remove the 3 bolts on the back of the assembly. However, it appears that there may be additional stuff that also need to be removed. Does the bumper cover need to be removed to get to the brackets underneath and/or the side of the lens assembly? Any help or instructions would be appreciated.

[8695Beaters]

The bumper no, but probably a good deal of the interior. You can try fitting a box wrench into the hole they give you to replace bulbs. When I put in my new tail lights, I already had all the interior out, so I'm not sure how well that will work.

[Waynegarf]

It was easy removing the 3 nuts in the tail light area. Are there additional areas which I need to get to either under the tail light behind the bumper or under the interia trunk lining by the tire jack??

[8695Beaters]

My lights had 5 bolts to remove. The assembly is one piece, so there are probably three bolts hiding under the trunk liner on the side of the trunk. Take a look at the picture: You can see the 5 holes where my lights bolted in. Your car will probably have a similar setup. Underneath my lights is a piece of trim, and then the bumper.

Did you break your old light? Buy a junkyard light and take a look at the bolt pattern. That will tell you what you are missing.

[carbraker]

No, you don't need to remove the bumper cover. I just finished replaced my Acura tail lights. Here is some information about replacing tail lights this will help you a lot: How to Replace a Tail Light

[Waynegarf]

I appreciate the advise, however, I still don't have the answer I'm looking for to replace the tail light lens. Unfortunately, the Haynes Honda Repair guide also does not specifically address the tail light lens.

When you look at the bottom of the replacement tail light lens which I already purchased online from a dealer, it looks as if the tail light lens assemby is placed on a bracket. It also appears as if the bracket may keep the tail light assembly from slipping out. The bottom of the replacement lens assembly also extends 3/8" below the lens and just below the top ridge of the bumper. Looking under the bumper, there is a phillips head screw that could be the culpret. Unfortunately, I need almost a 2 1/2' reach to get to it. Where can I go for ADVICE.

[8695Beaters]

Like I said, if you can find a light that's already out of the car, then you can see exactly what screw/tab/whatever is keeping your light from coming out.

[PrimeTimeV6]

It might actually just be stuck on from the heat on the gasket or it may have some dum dum (non hardening weather gasket) holding it in place.

[Waynegarf]

It's really hard to believe that someone hasn't already replaced a lens or that directions aren't available on the web somewhere. The directions for the 2006 Accord tail light replacement call for removal of the bumber cover.

[8695Beaters]

Well if those directions are out of a Honda/Haynes manual, then I guess that's what you need to do. I've taken my tail lights out a few times and I have never needed to remove a bumper. But that was an Integra.