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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.

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2006 MDX Tailgate Lights
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Insert Flathead Screwdriver
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
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Lens Cover Removed
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
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Pry Out Metal End Cap
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
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Empty Bulb Socket
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
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Old Bulb Kelly 12V5W
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
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Move On/Off Switch - Test
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
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Gently Snap In Lens
Line up the lens cover with the light housing.

Gently pop the lens cover back into place.

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Lens Cover Replaced
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Test New Light Bulbs
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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