🔧 Accord - Headlight Bulb Replacement

On your Accord, each headlight assembly uses separate bulbs for low beams and high beams. Replacement is done from behind the headlight housing in the engine bay, and the key is not touching the new bulb’s glass so it lasts.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the lights OFF and let bulbs cool 10+ minutes (they get extremely hot).
• ⚠️ Do not touch the new bulb’s glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Keep the key out of the ignition so lights can’t be switched on accidentally.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required, but avoid metal tools near the battery terminals.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Trim clip removal tool
• Phillips screwdriver
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" extension

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Low beam headlight bulb (H11) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• High beam headlight bulb (9005) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, turn the headlights OFF, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and support it securely.
• Put on nitrile gloves (they prevent skin oil from getting on the bulb glass).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Decide which bulbs you’re replacing

• Low beam = your normal nighttime headlights (most common to burn out).
• High beam = brights/flash-to-pass.
• Use a flashlight and look behind the headlight housing: you’ll see two bulb sockets (one for low, one for high).

Step 2: Access the back of the headlight (driver side)

• Use a flashlight to locate the bulb socket you’re replacing.
• If your hands don’t fit, remove the intake snorkel/clips near the headlight area as needed:
• Use a trim clip removal tool to pop up plastic clips.
• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension to remove any small bolts holding nearby ducting/brackets.
• Set clips/bolts in a cup.

Step 3: Remove the old bulb (driver side)

• Unplug the electrical connector from the bulb by pressing the tab and pulling straight back (use nitrile gloves for grip).
• Rotate the bulb/socket counterclockwise about 1/8–1/4 turn to unlock it.
• Pull the bulb straight out.

Step 4: Install the new bulb (driver side)

• With nitrile gloves on, insert the new bulb into the housing (same orientation as the old one).
• Rotate clockwise to lock it in place (it should seat fully and stop firmly).
• Plug the connector back in until it clicks.
• If you accidentally touch the bulb glass, clean it with rubbing alcohol and let it dry fully before installing.

Step 5: Repeat on the passenger side

• Use a flashlight to locate the matching bulb on the passenger side.
• Access may be tighter near the washer reservoir area; remove any small ducting/clips as needed using the same trim clip removal tool and 10mm socket.
• Repeat: unplug connector → twist bulb out → install new bulb → twist to lock → reconnect.

Step 6: Reinstall anything you removed

• Reinstall ducting/brackets and tighten with a 10mm socket and 1/4" ratchet (snug, do not overtighten).
• Reinstall plastic push-clips using a trim clip removal tool to align them, then press them in.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the headlights ON and verify both low beams work.
• Switch to high beams and verify both high beams work (if replaced).
• Check that each bulb is seated: if a beam looks “off” or scattered, the bulb may not be fully locked.
• If only one side works, re-check the connector is fully clicked in.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$250 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $30-$120 (parts only, depending on bulb type/brand)

You Save: $90-$130 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.