How to replace a headlight on a 2001 Honda Accord

If a headlight goes out in your 2001 Honda Accord, you can replace the bulb yourself and save some money on parts and labor.  You'll need a type 9006 bulb (55 watts) which you should be able to find at any local auto parts store.  The bulb comes already mounted on its housing, and you should be able to buy a single bulb for no more than ten bucks or so.  Installing the new bulb shouldn't take more than fifteen minutes of your time.

To replace the bad bulb, follow the steps below.  These instructions were written for a 2001 Honda Accord EX.  The DX and LX models will be almost identical; the only differences may be which parts sit directly behind the headlights.

First, turn the car off and pop the hood.  (The hood lever is under the dashboard on the left side, near where your left foot rests.)  Open the hood and prop it up so you have plenty of room to work.

If you're going to replace the passenger-side bulb, there is a black plastic duct that opens toward the battery -- remove this piece by pulling it straight up.  (It's not attached to anything.)  Now you have access to the headlight.  If you're replacing the driver-side bulb, you already have access to the headlight, but you might have to work around the windshield wiper fluid tank and the rod that props up your hood.

Before removing the old headlight, take a good look at the new headlight (the one you just bought) so you know where it connects and where the housing ends.  Now disconnect the old headlight from its wires by pushing down on the tab on the lower part of the connector to release the latch, and then pushing the connector down and away from the headlight housing.  If this headlight has never been replaced before, you may have to use a little bit of force in order to separate the headlight from the connector.

Once the connector has been removed, twist the headlight counter-clockwise slightly (about a quarter of a turn) to disengage it from its holder, and then slide it straight out.  Like before, if this headlight has never been replaced, it may take some effort to turn the headlight.  If it still won't go and you're worried about breaking something, you can remove the three Phillips-head screws mounted around the headlight instead, and then you should be able to pull it right out.  (If possible, use a magnetic screwdriver to avoid the possibility of a screw falling down into the bowels of the car.)

It's important not to touch the new headlight's bulb if you can help it.  Oil from your hands (as well as sweat and dirt) can cause the bulb to not shine as brightly as it should, but it can also cause it to overheat and crack.  If you do touch the bulb, clean it off with a lint-free rag and some alcohol.

Slide the new headlight into the opening vacated by the old light, and either twist it clockwise a quarter of a turn or reattach the three screws to lock the light in place.  Match the connector up to the bottom of the headlight housing and snap it back together, then reseat the duct (if you're doing the passenger-side bulb).

Now that everything is back in place, turn the car on and try out the headlights to make sure the new bulb works.  Once you've checked that it does, close the hood.  Congratulations -- you just saved yourself a trip to your mechanic and a bill for parts and labor.

(Originally published on Helium.com, October 2010)