Acura MDX
Tailgate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change the cargo area light bulbs
in the tailgate door of a 1st generation 2001 to 2006 Acura MDX SUV.
By Paul B. Michaels Author & Photographer Auto Mechanic Since 1989 |
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![]() 2006 MDX Tailgate Lights |
![]() Insert Flathead Screwdriver |
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This
automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically created to assist
owners of the first generation (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006)
Acura MDX in changing a burnt out cargo area light bulb in the
housing attached to the plastic interior panel of the tailgate door. 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 festoon style light bulb is part number DE3022 which is available from various manufacturers such as Sylvania, GE and PIAA. You can also install some brighter DE3022 LED bulbs. The only tool needed to access and replace the bulbs is a flathead screwdriver or a plastic trim panel removal tool. |
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![]() Pry Out Lens Cover |
![]() Lens Cover Removed |
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The first step is
to open the tailgate door for the cargo area.
Locate the light housing on the left (passenger) side of the plastic interior panel on the tailgate. There are two small notches on the top edge of the lens cover. To prevent from scratching the plastic surfaces, you can either cover the tip of your screwdriver with a thin micro fiber cloth or instead use a plastic pry bar tool. Insert the blade of your screwdriver into one of the two notches on the top edge of the lens cover. Gently pry out the lens cover. You may need to re-insert the screwdriver into the other notch. Try to avoid using excessive force. The lens cover should pop out relatively easily. |
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![]() Small Tabs - Top & Bottom |
![]() Pry Out Metal End Cap |
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Set the lens cover
aside in a safe place. Use the small flathead screwdriver to gently pry out the metal end cap of the burnt out light bulb. If the old light bulb was recently turned on, be careful when you remove it. It might still be hot enough to burn your fingers. |
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![]() Pull Out Old Light Bulb |
![]() Empty Bulb Socket |
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Pull the old light
bulb out of the socket. The OEM light bulbs in this 2006 Acura MDX Touring were part number Kelly 12V5W. |
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![]() Push In New Light Bulb |
![]() Old Bulb Kelly 12V5W |
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Push a new number DE3022
festoon light bulb straight into the socket. If you'd like to have brighter tailgate lights, install some compatible DE3022 LED bulbs. |
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![]() New Light Bulb Installed |
![]() Move On/Off Switch - Test |
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Make sure the new
light bulb is securely installed into the socket. Test the new light bulbs by moving the "On/Off" switch to the "On" position. |
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![]() Line Up Lens Cover |
![]() Gently Snap In Lens |
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Line up the lens
cover with the light housing. Gently pop the lens cover back into place. |
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![]() Lens Cover Replaced |
![]() Test New Light Bulbs |
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Test the new light
bulbs again by moving the switch to the "On" position. Be sure to switch off the lights to avoid draining your 12V battery. Record the light bulb change in your SUV's service records. For more,
please check out all of my
2001-2006 Acura MDX DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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