How to change honda civic headlight

What is a headlamp bulb?

A vehicle's headlights (or headlamps) serve to illuminate the road during nighttime driving and to make the vehicle more visible during daytime driving. The headlamp system includes a low beam used for normal driving, and a high beam that is only to be used when no other cars are present on the road. While cars of the past relied on round, sealed-beam lamps, modern vehicles feature headlamps with aerodynamic shapes and replaceable halogen bulbs. Some headlamps are powered with high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs that put out more light. These lamps are also known as "Xenon headlamps" and stand out by their bright bluish-white glow.

How does the headlamp bulb work?

A headlamp incorporates a bulb placed in front of a reflector (or a series of mirrors) that projects a beam of light through a lens and directs the beam to the road ahead. Halogen lamps produce more light with less heat output than older incandescent bulbs due to the halogen gas injected into the bulb. HID, or “Xenon,” headlamps provide even more light by producing an electrical arc for illumination rather than a glowing tungsten filament. Some late model vehicles feature self-leveling headlamps that that remain level with the road regardless of the angle of the vehicle. Vehicles with "adaptive headlamps" use a motor to shift the focus of the lamp to follow curves in the road.

What are the symptoms related to a bad headlamp bulb?

The most common symptom of a headlight bulb that needs to be replaced is a lamp that does not work. Some headlight bulbs will work intermittently when they are wearing out.

Can I drive with a headlamp bulb problem?

While it is possible to drive a vehicle with a burned out headlamp bulb, it is not legal in most states, and in others a burned out headlamp bulb is considered an equipment malfunction. Care should be exercised when driving with a burned out headlamp, as the lights serve not only to illuminate the road, but also to signal drivers to oncoming traffic. A burned out headlamp bulb should be replaced as soon as possible.

How often do headlamp bulbs need to be replaced?

The lifespan of a headlight bulb depends on how often the lights are used, how roughly the vehicle is driven, and how the bulb was handled on installation. A standard halogen headlight bulb can last as long as one thousand hours of operation, and a high intensity discharge (HID or "Xenon") bulb can last twice as long. Since headlight bulbs may contain sensitive filaments, rough driving or frequent driving over rough roads can cause the bulbs to wear out faster. Also, oil from a technician's hand during installation can create hot spots on a headlight bulb, which causes the bulb to burn out faster.

Honda Civic Headlight Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to replace the low beam, high beam, & parking / turn signal light bulbs in a Honda Civic headlight assembly.

Rear of Headlight Assembly

High Beam Bulb Socket

Owners of other Honda or Acura vehicles such as the Accord, Crosstour, CR-V, CR-Z, Element, Fit, Insight, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, RL, TL. TSX, ZDX, MDX, and RDX may also find these instructions to be helpful.

The three light bulbs inside the headlight assembly and their part numbers from Sylvania and other manufacturers are the following: Low Beam # 9006, High Beam # 9005 and Parking / Turn Signal # 1157A.

Only a flathead screwdriver is needed to replace the majority of the headlight bulbs.

1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise

Pull Out # 9005 High Beam

Pull Off Power Connector

Its power connector is blue and located closest to the center line of the vehicle.

To replace the driver side high beam bulb, you may need to remove the battery and coolant overflow tank.

Rotate the base of the high beam bulb 1/4 turn counter clockwise and then pull it straight out from the headlight assembly.

Push down on the tab on the blue power connector and wiggle it off the base of the bulb.

Replace it with a new # 9005high beam bulb, push on the blue power connector, insert the bulb into the headlight assembly, and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it.

Plastic Wheel Well Cover

Pop Out Plastic Rivet

2nd Plastic Pop Rivet

For the passenger side bulbs, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left to create extra clearance area.

For the driver side, turn the wheel all the way to the right.

Locate the two black plastic pop rivets along the edge of the fender well cover and remove them with a flathead screwdriver.

Two Black Rivets Removed

Pull Back Fender Well Cover

Low Beam & Turn Signal

Behind the wheel well cover you'll be able to see the low beam headlight bulb socket and the parking / turn signal light bulb socket.

Low Beam - 1/4 Turn CC

Pull Out Low Beam

Tab On Power Connector

Then pull it straight out from the headlight assembly. Push on the tab on the white power connector and wiggle it off from the brown base of the bulb.

# 9006 Low Beam Bulb

Sylvania 12V 51W

Insert New Low Beam Bulb

Then insert the bulb into the headlight assembly and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it.

1/4 Turn Clockwise

Low Beam Secured

Turn Signal / Parking Bulb

Rotate its base 1/4 turn counter clockwise and pull it straight out from the headlight assembly.

To remove the turn signal bulb from the socket, pull it straight out. If it doesn't come out easily, try wiggling it while you pull.

Push in a new # 1157Aamber colored bulb into the socket. Insert the bulb and socket into the headlight assembly and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it.

1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise

1157A Amber Light Bulb

Turn Signal Bulb Socket

Can I change my headlights myself?