An Acura tail light could cost you anywhere between $40 to $170 depending on the model of your Acura. If you are comfortable doing so, executing this repair at home can save you money and hassle.

The tail lights are a major safety component of any vehicle. They inform other drivers where you are located on the road. A dead bulb or shattered tail light puts you and other drivers at risk. No matter what model Acura you drive, being aware of how to replace your tail lights can save you some cash and a trip to the mechanic.

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has compiled this article to assist you in replacing Acura tail lights. We’ll outline the steps from purchasing and replacing your tail lights (including the estimated cost), to reviewing choices you might not be aware of regarding

Acura insurance

coverage on this particular part.

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How to replace an Acura MDX or Acura TL tail light

Cost: $40 to $170

Time: About 30 minutes

Tools needed: Protective wear for your eyes and hand, Philips head screwdriver, any replacement parts or bulbs

Difficulty: Easy

First, you’ll need to identify the problem. If both tail lights are not working, you may be looking at a broken fuse. Alternatively, if only one tail light is out, it’s most likely you just have to worry about replacing the old bulb.

You should never try to execute a repair if you feel uneasy about it. Your local Acura dealership or trust mechanic can always help you name the problem right away as well as walk you through any potential electric or wiring problems.

If you’re feeling pretty confident about being able to mark the problem and make the repair, locate the part numbers in your user manual before ordering any replacement parts. The replacement parts will vary depending on the Acura model, year, trim level, and engine.

Once you have the correct parts, pull out your tools and any protective safety gear before tackling the light bulb. The first rule of thumb—always disconnect the battery! You can do this by popping off the cables from the battery—negative cable first.

Here’s how to fix the tail lights in two popular Acura models:

Acura MDX

To replace your tail lights in an

Acura MDX

Open the trunk and locate the two grommet caps next to the tail light assembly. Pop them out with a flathead screwdriver, and you’ll find two plastic screw grommets—loosen with a Phillips head screwdriver and remove them. This will reveal two screws—remove them with a Phillips head screwdriver.

Use a soft wedge (preferably plastic) in between the assembly and the body of the car; wedge the assembly loose. Now pull the tail light assembly out.

Unscrew all of the light bulbs from the back of the tail light assembly.

Replace with new assembly by inserting the light bulbs and twisting them into place.

Move the assembly back into its location within the body of the vehicle. Line it up so all the holes match. Insert screws and tighten.

Place and tighten grommet caps and then replace the grommet covers.

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Acura TL

For an

Acura TL

, you’ll need to complete the following process:

Unscrew the cargo net hooks located on both sides of the trunk. You will find another hook, and pull it loose.

Pull up the black plastic trim in the back of the trunk. Then, pull back the side trunk lining which will reveal the tail light assembly.

Pry off the round plastic clips on the bottom of the bumper—use a flathead screwdriver.

Next, disconnect the mud flaps from the bumper (held in place by three screws). Remove the covers located on the top of the bumper inside the trunk lid frame. Then remove the 10mm bolts underneath.

Inside the trunk, you’ll find another pair of bolts on each side. Once all the screws, bolts, and clips are removed, you can remove the bumper from the vehicle.

Inside the trunk, with the lining and bumper pulled away, disconnect the electrical connector for the tail light assembly.

Remove the four nuts attached to the mounting bolts for the tail light assembly. Outside the trunk, remove the two mounting bolts at the bottom of the tail light assembly and then pull out the tail light assembly.

To install the new assembly, line it up so that the bolts fit into the inserts in the car.

Tighten down the mounting bolts on the bottom of the tail light assembly.

Tighten down the four nuts to the back of the assembly.

Reconnect the electrical connector.

Line up the rear bumper.

Tighten down the mounting bolts inside the trunk.

Tighten the mounting bolts below the trunk lid frame.

Reattach rear bumper to mud flaps.

Return screws and clips to the bottom of the rear bumper.

Return trunk lining.

Return trunk lid trim.

Return clips and cargo hooks.

Phew! You’re all set. Don’t forget to hook your battery back up so you can test your workmanship.

Key Takeaway Don’t be intimidated! Replacing an Acura MDX or Acura TL tail light isn’t too overwhelming a task—be patient and make sure you have the correct parts for your Acura MDX or Acura TL model.

Common reasons for Acura MDX and Acura TL tail light malfunctions

Most of the time, it’s easy to determine what is causing a broken tail light. Visible damage caused by fender bender, or fly away golf balls make for an easy diagnosis. If you aren’t sure why your tail light isn’t working, look into these other options:

Dead bulb: If your brake lights are still working, your problem is most likely just a burned-out tail light.

Faulty wiring or fuses: A broken fuse can lead to a burned-out bulb and also will not power a replacement bulb. Check for faulty wiring or a broken fuse.

Damaged socket: Exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion. When you are checking the build, also look to see if you can find any residue or build up on or around the sockets.

Broken control switch: If you’ve already checked off the items listed above and still have a broken tail light, you may be looking at a larger electrical or wiring issue.

MORE:

Best car insurance for an Acura TL 2022

Does car insurance cover broken tail lights?

Your car insurance might cover your Acura MDX or Acura TL broken tail light—but before submitting a claim, make sure it’s not something you can repair yourself and get repair quotes from your local trusted mechanic.

If you are in an accident and your insurance policy includes collision and/or comprehensive insurance, you could get coverage for a broken Acura MDX or Acura TL tail light. If the accident caused pretty visible damage it may be worth submitting an insurance claim.

Collision coverage

would pay for repairs caused by an accident that involves another vehicle or a stationary object (like a stop sign).

Comprehensive insurance

covers damage caused by theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

Like most insurance policies, you’ll need to

meet your deductible

before any insurance payments can take effect. In most cases, this saves you money and hassle. A tail light replacement is not a major expense so it might not be a good idea to go through insurance.

You could spend up to $100 replacing your Acura MDX or Acura TL broken tail light. The average car insurance deductible is $500.

Just be aware that each time you submit a claim, you could incur a rate increase. If the repair cost doesn’t put too much strain on your wallet, it’s a good idea not to submit a claim on a broken tail light.

MORE:

When should you not make a car insurance claim?

How to find affordable Acura insurance

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FAQs

How much does it cost to replace an Acura tail light?

The total cost to replace Acura MDX and Acura TL tail lights depends on the model of your vehicle and whether you take your vehicle to a mechanic for the repair. On average, though, the replacement tail light ranges between $40 and $170. Look up your Acura’s model and replacement parts to get a better idea of the cost of an at-home replacement.

Can you replace tail lights yourself?

Replacing your Acura’s tail lights is one of the easier car maintenance tasks that many owners perform in their own garage.

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