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Honda Pilot 3rd Brake Light Bulb Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out high mount third brake light bulb on the tailgate of a 1st generation 2003 to 2008 Honda Pilot.

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2006 Pilot Third Brake Light
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Plastic Screw Cover
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Small Flathead Screwdriver
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the first generation (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008) Honda Pilot SUV in changing a burnt out high mount third brake light bulb at the top of the cargo area tailgate door.

Owners of other Honda or Acura vehicles such as the Accord, Civic, Crosstour, CR-V, CR-Z, Fit, Insight, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, ILX, TSX, TLX, TL, RLX, RDX, NSX and MDX may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The compatible replacement miniature wedge base light bulb part number is 921 or W16W which are available from manufacturers such as Sylvania, Bosch, GE, PIAA and Eiko.

You can also use a brighter 921 LED bulb.

The tools needed to access and replace the light bulb include a small flathead screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver.



 
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Screw Cover Removed
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Pry Out Left Side Cover
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Two Trim Pieces Removed
Use a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic automotive pry bar tool to remove the two screw covers on the sides of the third brake light housing.

Insert the blade of the screwdriver in to the small notch between the inner edge of the screw cover and the light housing.

Gently pry out the two screw covers and set them aside in a safe place.

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Phillips Head Screw
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Loosen Counterclockwise
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Remove Second Screw
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the two screws by turning them counterclockwise.
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Two Screws Removed
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Pull Out Light Housing
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1/4 Turn Counterclockwise



 

Set the two screws aside in a safe place.

Gently pull the light housing straight out from the top edge of the tailgate.

Turn over the housing to access the bulb socket.

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

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Pull Out Old Light Bulb
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Push In New # 921 Bulb
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1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock
Push a new number 921 light bulb straight in to the socket.

If you would like to have a brighter 3rd brake light, install a compatible 921 LED bulb.

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

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Replace Light Housing
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Tighten Clockwise
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Replace 2nd Screw
Carefully push the light housing back in to place.

Re-insert the two screws and tighten them in the clockwise direction with the Phillips head screwdriver.

Try to avoid over tightening the two screws to prevent from cracking the plastic light housing.

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Pop In Screw Cover
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Replace 2nd Screw Cap
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Test New 3rd Brake Light
Gently snap in the two plastic trim pieces to cover the screws.

To test the new third brake light bulb, have someone step on the brake pedal.

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

For more, check out all of my 2003-2008 Honda Pilot DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.
 

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