🔧 Accord - Headlight Bulb Replacement

On your Accord, the “headlight bulbs” usually means the main forward lights: low beams and/or high beams. The job is done from inside the engine bay behind each headlight housing, and you’ll avoid touching the glass so the new bulbs last.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn headlights OFF and let bulbs cool 10+ minutes; hot bulbs can burn you.
• ⚠️ Do not touch the new bulb glass with bare fingers; skin oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Keep keys out of the ignition so lights don’t switch on unexpectedly.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required, but keep tools away from the battery terminals.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• 10mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• Flat trim clip tool
• Small flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and use a small flashlight to identify the rear of each headlight housing.
• Put on nitrile gloves (these help you avoid touching bulb glass).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Identify which bulb you’re replacing (low vs high)

• Use a small flashlight and look at the back of the headlight housing.
• The two common headlight bulbs are: Low beam = H11 and High beam = 9005.
• Replace bulbs in pairs for matching brightness.

Step 2: Create working room (each side)

• Passenger side: move the washer-fluid filler neck out of the way by gently pulling it upward; use a flat trim clip tool if a clip needs to be released.
• Driver side: if access is tight, loosen the intake duct/cover fasteners using a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet, then shift it slightly for hand clearance.
• Set any loosened fasteners aside where you won’t lose them.

Step 3: Disconnect the bulb electrical connector

• Reach behind the headlight and locate the connector on the bulb.
• Press the connector tab with your thumb and pull straight back (do not yank the wires).
• If it’s stubborn, wiggle gently while pulling; use the small flashlight to see the locking tab.

Step 4: Remove the old bulb

• Grab the bulb base (plastic part), not the glass.
• Rotate the bulb counterclockwise about 1/8 turn until it unlocks, then pull it straight out.

Step 5: Install the new bulb

• With nitrile gloves on, insert the new bulb into the housing, aligning the tabs.
• Rotate clockwise about 1/8 turn until it locks fully.
• If you accidentally touch the glass, wipe it with a clean dry cloth before installing.

Step 6: Reconnect the electrical connector

• Push the connector onto the bulb until it clicks.
• Gently tug to confirm it’s locked.

Step 7: Reassemble anything you moved

• Reposition the washer filler neck on the passenger side.
• Re-tighten any intake duct/cover bolts using a 10mm socket and 1/4" drive ratchet (snug; no special torque needed for this small fastener).

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat Steps 2–7 for the other headlight so both sides match in color and brightness.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the headlights on and verify: low beams, high beams, and both sides illuminate evenly.
• At night, park facing a wall and confirm both beams look level and similar in height.
• If a bulb doesn’t turn on, re-check the connector is fully clicked and the bulb is fully locked in the housing.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $30-$120 (parts only)

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.