How to Replace Both Headlight Bulbs on a 2017 Honda Accord
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, safety tips, and install checks for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
How to Replace Both Headlight Bulbs on a 2017 Honda Accord
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, safety tips, and install checks for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
🔧 Headlight Bulbs - Bulb Replacement
Assuming you mean the front low-beam headlight bulbs. On your Accord Coupe, the bulbs are reached from the back of the headlamp housing, so this is a fairly straightforward job with a little tight-space work.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- If your low beams are HID/xenon, do not touch the glass bulb with bare hands. HID systems run at high voltage and can shock you if handled incorrectly.
- Turn the lights off and let them cool before starting.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable if you are uncomfortable working around the headlamp wiring.
- Use gloves so skin oil does not get on the new bulb.
- Do not force the bulb or connector; the socket and seal can be damaged.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- Ratchet
- Short extension
- Trim clip removal tool
- Flat plastic trim tool
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Wheel chocks
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Low-beam headlight bulbs - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Dust cover O-rings or seals - Qty: 2
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Turn the headlight switch OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
- If the bulb is on the side with the washer reservoir or air duct, you may need extra room by turning the steering wheel away from that side.
- If your car has HID low beams, wait a few minutes before touching the back of the lamp housing.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open access to the back of the headlamp
- Open the hood and locate the rear of the headlamp housing.
- If access is tight, use the 10mm socket and ratchet to remove any nearby intake duct or cover that blocks access.
- If the front wheel area blocks your hand, use the floor jack, jack stands, and trim clip removal tool to remove the front fender liner fasteners as needed.
- Keep all clips in a small tray.
Step 2: Remove the rear dust cover
- Use your hand or a flat plastic trim tool to remove the round dust cover from the back of the headlamp.
- Set the cover aside where dirt cannot get on the sealing surface.
- Inspect the seal for cracks or tears.
Step 3: Disconnect the bulb connector
- Press the release tab and unplug the bulb connector by hand.
- If the connector feels stuck, wiggle it gently; do not pull on the wires.
- For HID bulbs, let the bulb sit a moment before handling it further.
Step 4: Remove the old bulb
- Release the bulb retainer by rotating it or unhooking the spring clip, depending on which bulb style is fitted.
- Pull the old bulb straight out.
- Do not twist harder than needed.
Step 5: Install the new bulb
- Using work gloves, install the new bulb in the same orientation as the old one.
- Make sure the locating tabs line up before locking it in place.
- If it is an HID bulb, avoid touching the glass.
- Reconnect the bulb connector until it clicks.
Step 6: Reinstall the dust cover and removed trim
- Reinstall the rear dust cover by hand until it seats fully.
- Reinstall any removed intake duct, brackets, or liner fasteners using the 10mm socket and ratchet.
- Torque to factory spec if you removed any 10mm bolts.
Step 7: Repeat on the other side
- Use the same steps to replace the second bulb.
- Keep both bulbs as a matched pair so the light color stays even.
✅ After Repair
- Turn the headlights on and confirm both low beams work.
- Check that the beam pattern looks even on a wall or garage door.
- If one side does not light, recheck the connector and bulb seating.
- If the dash shows a warning light, cycle the ignition off and back on after the repair.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $180-$450 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $40-$180 (parts only)
You Save: $140-$270 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.
🎯 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.

















