Acura MDX: How to Replace Tail Light Assembly

Whether it’s a blown bulb, faulty light, or cracked assembly, a broken tail light is both annoying to deal with and illegal to drive. Fortunately, Acura made it super simple to fix in the MDX.

By Jeffrey Bausch - April 22, 2016

This article applies to the Acura MDX.

In need of a new tail light assembly for your Acura MDX? There are a bunch of reasons why this might be – maybe the bulb’s blown out, or the assembly cracked. It could even be something as simple as not liking how dim the tail light is. Whatever the reason, the good news is that accessing the bulbs—that is, actually removing the tail light assembly—is super simple. Here's how to get the job done.

Materials Needed

Flathead screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver
Plastic wedge tool
New bulb / tail light assembly

Step 1 – Remove caps, grommets, and screws

With the trunk open, locate the two grommet caps located next to the tail light assembly, on the interior portion. Pop them out with a flathead screwdriver. This will reveal two plastic screw grommets – loosen with a Phillips head screw driver, and remove. This will reveal two screws – remove them with a Phillips head screw driver.

Figure 1. Pop off the grommet caps.
Figure 2. Remove grommet screws.

Step 2 – Remove the tail light assembly

With both screws removed, use a soft wedge (preferably one made of plastic, though a covered flathead screwdriver should suffice) in between the assembly and the body of the car; wedge the assembly loose. Now pull the tail light assembly out.

Step 3 – Remove all bulbs before replacing the assembly

Unscrew all of the light bulbs from the back of the tail light assembly; when they’re all removed, you can discard the old tail light assembly. Replace with new assembly by inserting the light bulbs in to their appropriately assigned holes; twist to secure in place.

Figure 4. Remove each bulb from the assembly.

Step 4 – Replace tail light assembly

Once all of the bulbs are in place, move the assembly back into its location within the body of the vehicle. Line the assembly hole up so the screw holes match up. Insert screws and tighten. Place grommet caps over and tighten. Finally, replace grommet covers.