Owners of other Acura or Honda vehicles such as the RDX, ILX, TLX, RLX, TL, CL, RSX, RL, TSX, ZDX, NSX, Integra, Pilot, Accord, Civic, Fit, Clarity, CR-V, CR-Z, HR-V, Odyssey, Element  and Ridgeline may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The compatible replacement light bulb part number are as follows: Brake 7443 (or W21/5W), Rear Turn Signal # 7440A (or WY21W) and Reverse # 921 (or W16W).

The tools needed to access and replace the light bulbs include a small flathead screwdriver, an 8mm socket with an extension bar and a 1/4" drive ratchet (or you can use a Phillips head screwdriver) and a plastic pry bar tool.

Locate the two small plastic screw access covers along the inner edge of the tail light assembly.

Insert the blade of a small flathead screwdriver into the notch and gently pry open the screw cover.

Swing open the hinged screw cover.

Repeat the process for the second screw cover.

You could also use a Phillips head screwdriver. Although I would avoid using a screwdriver to prevent from stripping the screws.

The pegs are located near the outer edge of the housing and they are inserted into plastic grommets on the rear corner of the SUV.

Use a plastic automotive trim panel removal tool to gently pry the outer edge of the tail light housing away from the rear corner of the SUV.

Pull the tail light housing straight off the back of the vehicle.

Rest the tail light housing on the back bumper cover.

There are two brake (stop) lights in the housing. One brake light is near the bottom edge and the second brake light is near the middle of the housing in between the reverse and rear turn signal lights.

When I say "top", "middle" or "bottom", I'm referring to the light bulb's position when the tail light housing is attached to the SUV.

Rotate the large grey plastic brake light bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out of the housing.

If you have trouble removing the old light bulb, try gently rocking or wiggling it back and forth before pulling it straight out.

Push a new dual filament number 7443 (also known as the W21/5W) light bulb straight into the socket.

Re-insert the brake light bulb socket into the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it in place.

Rotate the reverse light bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out of the housing.

Pull the old light bulb straight out of the socket.

If you would like to have brighter reverse lights, there are compatible replacement 921 LED light bulbs available.

Re-insert the reverse light bulb socket into the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.

The second brake light bulb socket is located near the middle of the housing in between the reverse and the rear turn signal lights.

Pull the old light bulb straight out of the socket.

Push a new number 7443 light bulb straight into the socket.

The yellow or tan plastic rear turn signal light bulb socket is located at the top of the assembly (when the housing is attached to the SUV).

Rotate the rear turn signal bulb socket 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out of the housing.

Push a new amber (orange) colored number 7440A (also known as the WY21W) light bulb straight into the socket.

Re-insert the rear turn signal bulb socket into the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.

Line up the two white plastic pegs with their corresponding plastic grommets on the rear corner of the SUV.

Push the tail light housing back into place.

The plastic outer edge of the tail light housing should be flush with the painted metal rear quarter body panel.

Try to avoid over tightening the two bolts to prevent from cracking the plastic interior edge of the tail light housing.

Gently pop the screw covers back into place.

To test the new tail light bulbs, have an assistant turn on the headlights to activate the rear parking lights, turn on the hazard signals, step on the brake pedal and place the transmission in reverse.

Be sure to record the light bulb change in your vehicle's service records.

For more, please check out all of my 2001-2006 Acura MDX DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.