2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement

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This 2008 Honda Pilot was hit by a falling limb which broke its waterproof seal. As a result the tail light assembly now has standing water in it. In order to fix this issue I will be replacing the assembly with a new one purchased online.

If you have a 2008 Honda Pilot, and the tail light assembly is broken, then use this guide to replace the broken assembly with a new one.

The tail light assembly is the part of the vehicle that houses the tail lights. A broken assembly can, over time, become a safety hazard. Without a proper housing it is far more likely that your tail lights will fail. This includes your brake lights and turn signal. Driving without these safety features isn’t safe for you or other drivers.

Before using this guide, find a quality tail light assembly that is made for a 2008 Honda Pilot and have it at the ready. These can be bought for a reasonable price from many online vendors.

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crwdns2931653:01crwdne2931653:0 Tail Light Assembly

2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement, Tail Light Assembly: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement, Tail Light Assembly: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

Open the vehicle's trunk to see the two bolts holding the assembly to the body.
Remove the two 8 mm bolts using either a Phillips head screwdriver or socket wrench.
Save the bolts! They will be needed for installing the new assembly.

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2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

Place both hands on the assembly and pull it away from the vehicle.
There are two clips on the back of the assembly that are connecting it to the vehicle. They will disengage if the assembly is pulled with adequate force.
If the clips won't disengage try using a rocking motion while pulling on the assembly.

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2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

Unlock the three light sockets connected to the assembly by twisting them counter clockwise.
Pull the light sockets out of the assembly.

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2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

Set the old assembly aside.
Take the new assembly, and put the light bulb sockets into their corresponding holes.
Twist each socket clockwise to lock them into place.

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2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

2008 Honda Pilot Tail Light Assembly Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0

Line the clips on the back of assembly up with their holes, and push the assembly into place.
Take the bolts from Step 2 and place them into the holes on the new assembly. Twist them clockwise until secure.

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