2012 2013 2014 Honda CR-V CRV Tail Trunk Brake Stop Light - How to Remove or Replace

Ten-minute video of basic disassembly and reassembly steps to replace broken or dysfunctional 3rd Brake light (LED Panel) of 4th generation Honda CR-V.

[@danchiu995]

Thanks for the video. I couldn't find the nuts as hard as I looked but I found it wayyyy easier just to take the spoiler off. 3 bolts ontop of the car and spoiler comes right off and you can access everything easier. But great video to get me started!

[@ocenaside1111]

Glad I could help. Best!

[@cubukluugur6777]

Hallo haben Sie ein Black Edition Modell? Bei meinen Black Edition sind auch keine 2 Mutter unter der unteren Abdeckung.

[@hikerrobot]

I found your video useful. Gave me the reassurance I needed to know that I wouldn't be damaging the plastic panels when I tried to remove them.

[@ocenaside1111]

Greetings! If you remove the panels as shown in the video, there is no chance of damaging them. The only way to disengage the clips holding the panels is to pull the panels out. Hope this helps. Best!

[@zacharymurdock6721]

You could always remove the connector after you’ve pulled the assembly out instead of having the headache of trying to get it disconnected while its still in place.

[@ocenaside1111]

Agreed

[@deweyjenkins6682]

This video actually shows you how to do the complete job. Thank you.

[@ocenaside1111]

Glad it was helpful. Thank you.

[@bobwilkinson2008]

I've just replaced mine - many thanks for the tutorial. DIY much cheaper than what Honda wanted to quote. One note however: it didn't just pop off due to the 2 lugs a few inches either side of the connector which had to be pressed in and eased through the hole from within. But, because of these, the new one clicked into place and hence there was no need for the duck tape before restoring the nuts. Also, the new (red (old was white)) one came with the bolts already on. Thanks again.

[@ocenaside1111]

Thanks for sharing BW!

[@lostintheirishsea]

Thanks for this. I’d I hadn’t read your comment I’d never would have got the light out.

[@bitesizerallying9454]

Thankyou for this! Managed the job quite easily- would not have been confident removing that trim until I saw you doing it! Only hiccup was losing the 8mm socket inside the boot until blue tack and chop sticks came to the rescue!!!! Recommend applying blue tack between the t shape driver and socket to prevent this! Brilliant video!

[@ocenaside1111]

Thank you, BSR! It is great you managed to do the job, even with the challenge of dropping the socket. A telescopic magnet is a great tool to retrieve it (if steel socket is used). I am glad my video has been helpful. Best!

[@gomezalberto27]

Where did you get it?

[@toriedwards4270]

Thank you so much! I just replaced this on my own, in less than an hour. The Honda dealership wanted to charge me nearly $600.

[@ocenaside1111]

You rock, Tori!!! Glad this was helpful. Best!

[@lostintheirishsea]

Really helpful video and I saved about £60 over what the Honda garage was going to cost. I managed to lose one of the nuts when I took them off but I retrieved it with a strong magnet on the end of a coat hanger. Cheers.

[@ocenaside1111]

Glad it helped. Best!

[@diannemarsh8704]

and tanks for the tutorial, the counter guy who sold me the new led light said you just have to pop it off (the light). good thing I didn't force it. This is really Peter, using wife's login.

[@ocenaside1111]

I see you managed to remove the panel safely. Glad if I could've been of any help, Peter!

[@AnthonyMHale]

Thanks for this. Super helpful 👍🏼

[@ocenaside1111]

Glad it was helpful AH!

[@robertdelorme8779]

Thanks Max! Was so easy, got my part of Amazon for 38.00 Canadian, can't imagine what a dealer charges to change it up.

[@ocenaside1111]

Glad it helped, Robert! Yes, dealerships often try to skin our rear :)

[@Osckii]

Honda tried to charge me 458$US last week. I in the other hand Bought an Amazon replacement for 120$ and this video. Thanks dude.

[@kaz16043]

Honda today tried to charge me 179 English pounds. Thanks for the video.👍

[@andyfrancis5253]

I concur with Bob Wilkinson; two clip-lugs still hold light assembly until they're pushed down through the rear with a screwdriver, or the likes, you should hear a click as they release. No need for silicone nor tape, as the new assembly has a 'sponge seal' that is weather sealed by compression. The clips will also hold the light in situ while the 8mm nuts are screwed back on and tightened to complete the weather-proof seal.

[@ocenaside1111]

This would be the case when the clips are working correctly. My clips were not engaging. @8:10 you can see that the LED panel slides smoothly into place. No clicks. Best!

[@ytyrhspce55345]

Wonderful, thank you for making this video.

[@ocenaside1111]

Thank you too! Glad it helped.

[@philaukscunas7820]

great video, dealer wanted 210, got OEM from local shop around 130

[@ocenaside1111]

Nice job! Best regards!

[@amish1000]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Bless you. 🙏

[@ocenaside1111]

You are so welcome!

[@sodapuffs]

Thanks for posting this video.

[@ocenaside1111]

Any time

[@williamturner9534]

Great instructions,thanks a ton.

[@ocenaside1111]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arthurcorpus9994]

Thank you, good job really helpful 👍

[@ocenaside1111]

Glad it helped!

[@AC-ck5xv]

Thank you for this post....I have actually a problem to remove the plastic panel...I think something is already broken...but I'll wait to be warmer outside...

[@ocenaside1111]

Hi AP, You simply need to me more brave and firm in pulling the plastic trim. If anything is broken, it usually caused the panel to fall out of place, not the other way around :)

[@AC-ck5xv]

​@@ocenaside1111 Thank you. I got it, finally.

[@user-om5rg3pd9b]

Quick question. Could the plug in cable not be done once the light fixture is removed..or is there not enough cable length. Thanks…very informative video. 🙂

[@ocenaside1111]

Hello! Great question! I was afraid that I may not have enough room to unplug when the light is removed, thus I unplugged it before that. I now think there is enough cable lenght to unplug after removal of light. Best regards!

[@CubeFritz23]

Hi,small hole in the left side of the light is probably for window washer ?

[@ocenaside1111]

Hi CubeFritz23! You are correct. The opening on the lefts side of the light is relief for the washer nozzle.

[@diannemarsh8704]

I have a 2016, seems pretty close to yours. I cannot seem to get the trim panel off, my hands not strong enough. Could I use c clamp maybe?

[@bobwilkinson2008]

Mine was also stiff but a screwdriver under the edges helped a lot.

[@ocenaside1111]

Using any feasible tool (preferably plastic material), that will not damage the trim, or the glass is ok. Thanks BW!

[@user-br3uk3yp3o]

Thanks

[@ocenaside1111]

Welcome

[@bobcooper4044]

There is no need to fiddle with the electrical connecter inside the tailgate as you did. When you remove the light it pulls through to the outside and is then easy to unclip

[@ocenaside1111]

Agreed! This is better idea, as it eases the installation and eliminates the need of a special tool. I had to remove from the inside, as I did not pull to check if the slack of the wire will allow disconnecting from outside. Cheers!

[@leftercani9879]

Hi. I replace the lighter but still does not work . Maybe the sensor need to be replace too? Do you know?

[@ocenaside1111]

Hi LC, I would recommend you refer to your Honda's User Manual to locate the fuse for the third brake light. If you find no info, you need to get info help from your local dealer. Best!

[@yolandaparrish]

It’s really hard to get the old light to pop off with the credit card. I feel like I’m going to break something. It’s still on there really tight. Is it ok to just pull it off with force??

[@ocenaside1111]

@Yolanda, The gasket originally has adhesive on both sides, and it is glued to the light assembly and the door. In fact, your card will be cutting thru the gasket. It may be a little hard, but you need to push the card thru the old gasket. Just be careful not to scratch the paint on the door. Once you go around and split the gasket and remove the light assembly, you will see parts of the gasket left on the door and the light. You can remove the gasket and adhesive residue on the door using isopropyl alcohol. Hope this helps.

[@yolandaparrish]

@@ocenaside1111 I replaced the light with total success 😁

[@yolandaparrish]

Thank you for your help!🙏🏼

[@ocenaside1111]

Great! Glad to hear. You are very welcome.

[@cathycasto8182]

Is the light is going bad its flashing when stepping on break

[@ocenaside1111]

Hi Cathy! Yes, any light pattern other than solid continuous light (when brake pedal is depressed) means there is a problem in the electrical supply. Before you attempt to replace anything, you should first diagnose it with by the proper specialists, and ensure any wiring system issues are resolved. There are many issues that might attribute to the brake light blinking - bad contact anywhere in the wiring, issues with the anti-lock brake system might cause brake lights to flash, or there could be a problem in the PC board of the LED panel itself, etc. One thing you can do to diagnose if the LED brake light is not your problem, is to check the plastic connector of the LED Panel (@3:02). You can disconnect it and connect it again. If your lights are still flashing, you can proceed with diagnostics or replacement. Hope this helps a bit.

[@JCampbellDK]

Is it gonna be the same on the 2016 Honda CR-V?

[@ocenaside1111]

Hi Jake, The subject vehicle in my video is 2013 CR-v (Fourth generation CR-v). 2016 CR-v is a fifth generation. Vehicle's body have changed. The answer is unfortunately - no. Good luck in your search.

[@ocenaside1111]

I'll take that partially back. The major design change was in the front. The rear door looks the same, with the exception of the chrome trim. The procedure should be very close.

[@lukluk7900]

Did u buy from ebay or honda garage??

[@lukluk7900]

I mean led stop light

[@ocenaside1111]

@@lukluk7900 Yes, I purchased the stop light from eBay.

[@lukluk7900]

@@ocenaside1111 wipe liquid is good connect?

[@ocenaside1111]

@@lukluk7900 Not sure what is wipe liquid. Clear silicone works just fine.

[@noelghallager4672]

replaced mine with a non-OEM part and it doesn't work 🙁

[@ocenaside1111]

Thank you for your interest. In this case you need to trace the problem in the wiring between the light and the battery. Good luck!

[@agraiders99]

There is no actual bulb u can take out

[@ocenaside1111]

@Alex, unfortunately - no bulbs. The LED lights are soldered onto a PCBoard, then hermetically sealed. Therefore, it forces the need for replacement of the entire unit.

[@agraiders99]

@@ocenaside1111 oh ok thanks💪

[@cubukluugur6777]

Hallo in Deutschland kostet das 3. Bremslicht 240 Euro. Bei Ebay gibt es China Bremslichter für 25 Euro. Hat schon jemand sowas gekauft? Und wenn ja, wie ist die Qualität der China Bremslicht.

[@ocenaside1111]

Hallo! Chinesische Produkte sind nicht zu unterschätzen. Sie ähneln nicht den originalen japanischen Exemplaren, aber wenn man den Preisunterschied bedenkt (10X), es lohnt sich, die chinesischen zu verwenden. Ich wünsche Ihnen Erfolg!

[@cubukluugur6777]

​@@ocenaside1111Danke für die schnelle Antwort. Mir geht es um die Wasserdichtigkeit! Habe Angst das bei der Autowäsche Wasser an den Dichtungen durchgeht. Und ein Problem verursacht.

[@cubukluugur6777]

Habe ein Blackedition Modell mit Dachspoiler! Da sind an der gleichen Stelle wo bei euch die 8mm Muttern sind, bei mir nur Kreuzschrauben drinnen! Jetzt weiß ich nicht wie man das Licht ausbaut!

[@Allen75000]

921 bulb 💡

[@ocenaside1111]

Hi Allen, stop light is using LED string lights, not a conventional bulb. Regards.