Mazda MX-5
Miata License Plate Light Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out license plate
light bulb in a 4th generation 2016 to 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
By Paul B. Michaels Author & Photographer Auto Mechanic Since 1989 |
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 2018 Miata License Plate |
 Left License Plate Light |
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This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the 4th generation ND (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021) Mazda MX-5 Miata in changing a burnt out license plate light bulb located in the rear bumper cover. Owners of other Mazda vehicles such as the Mazda2 (Demio), Mazda3 (Axela), Mazda5, Mazda6 (Atenza), CX-3, CX-5, CX-7, CX-9, RX-8 and MPV may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The compatible replacement miniature wedge base light bulb part number is 2825 (also known as W5W). If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, install some 2825 LED bulbs. The only tool needed to remove the light housing in order to access the sockets and replace the light bulbs is a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool. |
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 Release Tab - Right Side |
 Pull Out Light Housing |
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| Use the small
flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry bar tool to push in the release tab on
the right side of the light housing. Gently pull the right side of the light housing out of the back bumper cover. |
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 1/4 Turn Counterclockwise |
 Pull Out Old Light Bulb |
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| Rotate the grey
plastic light bulb socket 1/4 turn in the counterclockwise direction. Pull the old light bulb straight out of the socket. |
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 Old Light Bulb Removed |
 Push In New Light Bulb |
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| Push a new number
2825 miniature wedge base light
bulb straight into the socket. If you would like to have brighter license plate lights, install some compatible replacement 2825 LED bulbs. Tip - If you installed a LED bulbs and they don't work, you may need to remove them from the socket, rotate them 180 degrees and push them back into the socket. Some LED bulbs are polarized and will only work when the "+" positive and "-" negative metal electrical contacts are in the correct orientation. |
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 1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock |
 Re-Insert Light Housing |
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| Re-insert the bulb
socket into the housing and rotate it 1/4 turn in the clockwise direction to
secure it into place. Line up the light housing with the opening in the rear bumper cover. |
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 Pop In Light Housing |
 Light Housing Secured |
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| Gently snap the
light housing back into place. Double check that the light housing is secure. |
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 Test New Light Bulb |
 Two License Plate Lights |
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| To test the new
bulb, turn on the parking lights or headlights to activate the license plate
lights. Or you can press the "Unlock" button on the key fob. Be sure to record the bulb change in your vehicle's service records. For more,
check out all of my
2016-2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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