Changing the Tail Light on a Civic Sedan or Coupe

• 1). Wear gloves before getting started. The Civic's replacement tail light bulbs reuse the old socket. You'll be touching the glass part of the bulb to replace it. Doing so with your hands can cause damage to the bulb.
  
  
• 2). Open the trunk and access the corner for the tail light you need to replace. In the rear corner (closest to the tail light), you'll find a Phillips screw within plastic fasteners. Remove the Phillips screw from the fastener.
  
  
• 3). Pull the fastener out of its mount to free the corner trunk lining. Pull the lining back to access the tail light.
  
  
• 4). Remove the bulb socket by turning it counterclockwise. Pull the old bulb out of the socket with your hand. Fully insert the replacement bulb into the socket.
  
  
• 5). Reinsert the socket in its place. Turn it clockwise. Push the corner trunk lining back into position. Push the plastic fastener into its mount, and then replace and tighten the Phillips screw.
  
  

Changing the Tail Light on a Civic SI Hatchback (2001 to 2005)

• 1). Wear gloves before getting started. The Civic's replacement tail light bulbs reuse the old socket. You'll be touching the glass part of the bulb to replace it. Doing so with your hands can cause damage to the bulb.
  
  
• 2). Open the rear hatch and examine the corner in the cargo compartment. Find the plastic access door near the tail light. Insert a flat head screwdriver into the access door's indention. Pry the door open carefully.
  
  
• 3). Remove the bulb socket by twisting it counterclockwise. Push the glass part of the bulb into the socket, and turn it counterclockwise to remove it from the socket.
  
  
• 4). Push the replacement bulb into the socket. While gently pushing down, turn it clockwise to attach it. Reinsert the bulb socket into place; turn it clockwise. Position the access door into place; push it firmly to reattach it.