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Acura TL 2004-2008: How to Replace Fog Lights

Replacing the fog lights in your Acura TL is super simple and definitely something you can do at home. Here’s how!

By Jeffrey Bausch - May 2, 2016

This article applies to the 3rd Gen Acura TL (2004-2008).

Are one or both of the fog lights out in your Acura TL? Chances are, it’s time to replace them. Fortunately, Acura made the replacement process super simple and easy to do. What's more, the replacement bulbs are fairly inexpensive, at less than $20. Save yourself the trip to the shop to have this problem fixed, and learn how you can take care of the matter yourself in about thirty minutes time.

Acura TL 2004-2008: How to Replace Fog Lights

Materials Needed

  • New fog light bulbs
  • Gloves
  • Pliers (or flat head screwdriver)

Step 1 – Remove engine covers

  • Remove the front engine compartment cover first; there are four pins here. Pull them up with a pair of pliers or pry them up with a flat head screwdriver. Lift the cover straight up to remove it.
  • Now, remove corner-engine cover (it’s over the air intake). Simply pull the two fasteners from the cover with pliers, and pull the cover straight back to remove it.
  • For easier access to the fog light area, lift the upper part of the air intake straight up.
acura tl fog light bulb how to remove replace
Figure 1. Remove the lower engine bay covers near the lights.

Step 2 – Remove old fog light and replace with new

  • Reach deep into the bay to access the fog light bulb. When located, push down the tab on the socket connection and pull the connection down to unhook it.
  • Now, grasp the back of the socket and twist it counterclockwise (about one-quarter of a turn) to remove the old bulb socket. Discard the old bulb and then attach the socket connection to the new fog light (use gloves to avoid getting oil on the bulb).
  • Position the new fog light socket into its mount. Turn it clockwise until it locks. Now turn on the fog light to make sure it works.
acura tl fog light bulb how to remove replace
Figure 2. Disconnect harness from bulb, and then twist bulb to remove from housing.

Step 3 – Replace everything

  • Lower the air intake back into place. When secure, re-attach the corner cover and push down the two fasteners to secure it.
  • Finally, replace the front-engine cover and push down the four fasteners to secure it.
acura tl fog light bulb how to remove replace
Figure 3. Functional fog lights restored.

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