The brake light in a 2009 Honda Accord is a standard dual‑filament bulb, most commonly a 3157 type (often sold as 3157 or 3157A). The exact bulb can vary by trim level and market, so it’s best to verify on your specific vehicle.
In the 2009 Accord, the brake light function is part of the rear tail-light cluster and uses a dual‑filament bulb to provide both the brake signal and the tail light. The center high‑mount stop lamp (CHMSL) is a separate lamp and may use a different bulb depending on the market and trim. To be sure you’re ordering the correct part, check the bulb in the housing or consult the owner’s manual for your vehicle’s exact specification.
Common rear brake light bulb types in the 2009 Accord
Before listing the typical bulb types, note that rear lighting assemblies can vary slightly by region and trim. The most common bulb for the rear brake and tail light on the 2009 Accord is from the 3157 family.
- 3157 or 3157A dual‑filament bulb for rear taillight and brake light functions.
- 3157A is a variant used in some markets or trims; it uses the same footprint with a slightly different filament arrangement.
- Turn signal and other rear-light functions may use different bulbs (for example, 7443/7440) depending on market, so verify separately if you’re replacing other lamps.
In short, for the brake function itself, the 3157/3157A bulb is the standard reference for most 2009 Accords; always confirm by inspecting the actual bulb in your car or by checking the manual or parts diagram for your trim and region.
How to verify and replace the brake bulb
To ensure you buy the correct bulb, identify the exact bulb type by inspecting the bulb in the rear taillight housing or by consulting the owner’s manual. If you remove the taillight, you will typically see two filament sections indicating a dual‑filament 3157 family bulb.
Step-by-step replacement
1) Open the trunk and access the rear tail-light assembly. 2) Remove the electrical connector and the bulb socket. 3) Gently twist the old bulb out and note any markings (3157 or 3157A). 4) Insert the new 3157/3157A bulb, seat the socket, and reconnect the wiring. 5) Reassemble and test the lights by applying the brakes and turning on the headlights.
Market and trim notes
Some markets and trims may list 3157A as the preferred part number even though it functions identically to 3157. If you’re unsure, bring the old bulb to a parts store or reference a current parts diagram for your exact VIN/trim to confirm the correct specification.
Summary: For a 2009 Honda Accord, the rear brake light typically uses a 3157 family dual‑filament bulb (3157 or 3157A), with the CHMSL being a separate bulb. Verify with your vehicle’s manual or by inspecting the bulb in place, and follow safe replacement steps to ensure proper operation.