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Civic Aftermarket tail lights Install Guide

Why do it

Tools you'll need

• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Trim tool
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Trim tool
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Trim tool
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Trim tool
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Trim tool
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Trim tool
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Trim tool
• Socket set
• Screwdrivers
• Trim tool

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

• Spec-D tail lights (1992-1995 hatchback) Listed for these years.Fits 1992–1995 · Hatchback only
• Spec-D tail lights (1996-2000 coupe) Listed for these years.Fits 1996–2000 · coupe only
• Spec-D tail lights (1996-1998 sedan) Listed for these years.Fits 1996–1998 · sedan only
• Spec-D tail lights (1999-2000 sedan) Listed for these years.Fits 1999–2000 · sedan only
• Spec-D tail lights (2006-2011 sedan) Listed for these years.Fits 2006–2011 · sedan only
• Spec-D tail lights (2006-2011 coupe) Listed for these years.Fits 2006–2011 · coupe only
• Spec-D tail lights (2016-2021 sedan) Listed for these years.Fits 2016–2021 · sedan only
• Spec-D tail lights (2017-2021 hatchback) Listed for these years.Fits 2017–2021 · Hatchback only

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Steps

1. Open the trim

   • Open the trunk and get to the nuts.
   ▶ Watch this step (Spec-D, on a 1992-1995 Civic) (0:27–0:59)

2. Remove the outer light

   • Take out the old light and its connector.
   ▶ Watch this step (0:59–1:29)

3. Fit the outer light

   • Fit the new light and tighten the nuts.
   ▶ Watch this step (1:29–2:17)

4. Do the center light

   • Swap the other light and plug it in.
   ▶ Watch this step (2:17–3:41)

5. Remove the driver side

   • Take out the old light.
   ▶ Watch this step (Nick Sabe, on a 1996-2000 Civic) (2:13–3:59)

6. Fit the driver side

   • Fit the new light.
   ▶ Watch this step (3:59–6:13)

7. Remove the passenger side

   • Take out the other light.
   ▶ Watch this step (6:13–7:21)

8. Fit the passenger side

   • Fit the new light.
   ▶ Watch this step (7:21–8:31)

9. Remove the driver side

   • Take out the old light.
   ▶ Watch this step (Nick Sabe, on a 1996-2000 Civic) (2:13–3:59)

10. Fit the driver side

    • Fit the new light.
    ▶ Watch this step (3:59–6:13)

11. Remove the passenger side

    • Take out the other light.
    ▶ Watch this step (6:13–7:21)

12. Fit the passenger side

    • Fit the new light.
    ▶ Watch this step (7:21–8:31)

13. Remove the driver side

    • Take out the old light.
    ▶ Watch this step (Nick Sabe, on a 1996-2000 Civic) (2:13–3:59)

14. Fit the driver side

    • Fit the new light.
    ▶ Watch this step (3:59–6:13)

15. Remove the passenger side

    • Take out the other light.
    ▶ Watch this step (6:13–7:21)

16. Fit the passenger side

    • Fit the new light.
    ▶ Watch this step (7:21–8:31)

17. Remove the trim

    • Pull the trunk trim back.
    ▶ Watch this step (1A Auto, on a 2006-2011 Civic) (0:14–0:50)

18. Unplug the light

    • Disconnect the wiring.
    ▶ Watch this step (0:50–1:24)

19. Remove the light

    • Undo the nuts and pull it out.
    ▶ Watch this step (1:24–2:11)

20. Fit the new light

    • Bolt it in.
    ▶ Watch this step (2:11–2:49)

21. Plug in and test

    • Connect it and test it.
    ▶ Watch this step (2:49–3:34)

22. Refit the trim

    • Refit the trim.
    ▶ Watch this step (3:34–4:23)

23. Remove the trim

    • Pull the trunk trim back.
    ▶ Watch this step (1A Auto, on a 2006-2011 Civic) (0:14–0:50)

24. Unplug the light

    • Disconnect the wiring.
    ▶ Watch this step (0:50–1:24)

25. Remove the light

    • Undo the nuts and pull it out.
    ▶ Watch this step (1:24–2:11)

26. Fit the new light

    • Bolt it in.
    ▶ Watch this step (2:11–2:49)

27. Plug in and test

    • Connect it and test it.
    ▶ Watch this step (2:49–3:34)

28. Refit the trim

    • Refit the trim.
    ▶ Watch this step (3:34–4:23)

29. Remove the stock light

    • Take off the old tail light.
    ▶ Watch this step (Sleek Auto, on a 10th gen Civic) (0:20–1:06)

30. Unplug it

    • Disconnect the wiring.
    ▶ Watch this step (1:06–2:26)

31. Test the new light

    • Plug it in and test it.
    ▶ Watch this step (9:14–10:15)

32. Fit the new light

    • Bolt it in and refit the trim.
    ▶ Watch this step (10:15–12:31)

33. Remove the stock light

    • Take off the old tail light.
    ▶ Watch this step (Sleek Auto, on a 10th gen Civic) (0:20–1:06)

34. Unplug it

    • Disconnect the wiring.
    ▶ Watch this step (1:06–2:26)

35. Test the new light

    • Plug it in and test it.
    ▶ Watch this step (9:14–10:15)

36. Fit the new light

    • Bolt it in and refit the trim.
    ▶ Watch this step (10:15–12:31)

How to know it worked

• Brake lights, signals and reverse lights all work.
• No gaps around the lights.
• No water gets into the trunk.
• Brake lights, signals and reverse lights all work.
• No gaps around the lights.
• No water gets into the trunk.
• Brake lights, signals and reverse lights all work.
• No gaps around the lights.
• No water gets into the trunk.
• Brake lights, signals and reverse lights all work.
• No gaps around the lights.
• No water gets into the trunk.
• Brake lights, signals and reverse lights all work.
• No gaps around the lights.
• No water gets into the trunk.
• Brake lights, signals and reverse lights all work.
• No gaps around the lights.
• No water gets into the trunk.
• Brake lights, signals and reverse lights all work.
• No gaps around the lights.
• No water gets into the trunk.
• Brake lights, signals and reverse lights all work.
• No gaps around the lights.
• No water gets into the trunk.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.

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