How to replace a rear turn signal light on a 2001 Honda Accord sedan

If one of the rear turn signal lights (flashers) goes out on your 2001 Honda Accord sedan, you can replace the light yourself for just the cost of the new bulb, rather than taking the car in to a repair shop or service center.  A replacement bulb (type 7440) can be purchased from just about any local auto parts store.  Amazon sells a pair of Sylvania long life 7440 bulbs for $6.99.

Other than the new bulb, all you'll need for the job is a standard-sized flathead (slotted) screwdriver.  Replacing the rear turn signal bulb should only take a few minutes.

First, open the trunk.  There is a soft cover that goes around the inside walls of the trunk, hiding the car's frame from view; on the side of the trunk with the bad bulb, remove the plastic screw holding this cover in place.  (The screws for both sides are located right next to the trunk opening on their respective sides.)

With the screw out, you can peel back this cover to expose the frame and wiring.  You'll see two gray plastic units with wires coming out of them - these are the brake light and turn signal light.  The turn signal light is the lower of the two units.  To remove it, simply twist it counter-clockwise a quarter turn or so, until it can be slid free.

Once you have the light assembly out, remove the power connector by pushing in on the gray tab on the connector, and then pulling the connector away from the light assembly.  Now all you have to do is pull the old bulb out and slide the new bulb in.  (Be careful when installing the new bulb not to break or damage it.)

With the new bulb in place, reattach the connector and then push the whole assembly back into its hole.  Turn it clockwise to lock it into place.  Now is a good time to test the new bulb - turn on your turn signal (either left or right, depending on which bulb you replaced) and make sure the light comes on.

After you've verified that the new bulb works, close everything up by pushing the trunk cover back into place (line the plastic screw mount up with the hole in the trunk frame) and securing it with the plastic screw.

(Originally published on Helium.com, January 2012)