electrical
Headlight Assembly - Pair
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.8 h
Tools
5
Steps
15
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both headlight assemblies on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine, including proper electrical disconnection and alignment.
Warnings
⚠Headlight assemblies contain glass and plastic lens components. Handle with care to avoid scratches or cracks.
⚠The headlight electrical connectors may be difficult to access. Do not force connectors or pull on wiring harnesses.
ℹ️If replacing headlights due to moisture intrusion, inspect the bulb access covers and seals for damage.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool
Torque wrenchEssential
Work gloves
Parts
- Left headlight assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Right headlight assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake
- Turn off the ignition and remove the key
- Open the hood and prop it securely
- Allow the headlights to cool completely if they were recently in use
Procedure
- 1Access the driver side headlight assemblyLocate the upper plastic cowl cover at the base of the windshield on the driver side. Remove the plastic clips securing the cowl section above the headlight by pulling them straight up or using a trim removal tool. Set the cowl section aside.
- 2Disconnect driver side headlight electrical connectorsReach behind the headlight assembly and locate the main headlight connector (large gray or black connector) and any additional connectors for LED daytime running lights or turn signals. Press the locking tabs and pull each connector straight back from the headlight assembly. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
- 3Remove driver side headlight mounting boltsLocate the three 10mm mounting bolts securing the headlight assembly. Two bolts are accessible from the top of the assembly, and one is accessible from the side near the fender. Remove all three bolts completely and set them aside.ℹ️Support the headlight assembly with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 4Remove driver side headlight assemblyGently pull the headlight assembly forward and outward from the fender. The assembly has alignment pins that must clear the mounting brackets. Wiggle the assembly slightly if needed while pulling forward. Once the pins are clear, lift the assembly away from the vehicle.
- 5Access the passenger side headlight assemblyRepeat the process on the passenger side. Remove the upper plastic cowl cover section above the passenger headlight by releasing the retaining clips. Set the cowl section aside.
- 6Disconnect passenger side headlight electrical connectorsReach behind the passenger headlight assembly and disconnect all electrical connectors by pressing the locking tabs and pulling straight back. Ensure all connectors are fully separated from the headlight assembly.
- 7Remove passenger side headlight mounting boltsRemove the three 10mm mounting bolts securing the passenger headlight assembly (two from the top, one from the side). Support the assembly while removing the final bolt.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 8Remove passenger side headlight assemblyPull the passenger headlight assembly forward and outward, clearing the alignment pins from the mounting brackets. Wiggle gently if needed, then lift the assembly away from the vehicle.
- 9Install new driver side headlight assemblyPosition the new driver side headlight assembly near the mounting location. Align the locating pins on the back of the assembly with the corresponding holes in the mounting brackets. Push the assembly rearward until it seats flush against the fender and body panels. Verify proper alignment before installing bolts.
- 10Secure driver side headlight mounting boltsInstall the three 10mm mounting bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all three bolts are started, torque each bolt to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the assembly.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 11Connect driver side headlight electrical connectorsReconnect all electrical connectors to the driver side headlight assembly. Push each connector straight into its socket until you hear or feel a positive click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is secure.
- 12Install new passenger side headlight assemblyPosition the new passenger side headlight assembly and align the locating pins with the mounting brackets. Push the assembly rearward until it seats flush against the fender and body panels. Verify gaps are even around the assembly perimeter.
- 13Secure passenger side headlight mounting boltsInstall the three 10mm mounting bolts hand-tight, then torque each bolt to specification using a cross pattern to ensure even seating.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 14Connect passenger side headlight electrical connectorsReconnect all electrical connectors to the passenger side headlight assembly. Ensure each connector clicks into place and is secure by gently pulling on the connector body.
- 15Reinstall cowl coversReplace the upper plastic cowl cover sections on both sides of the vehicle. Press the retaining clips firmly into place until they snap and lock securely.
Reassembly
- Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Check that both headlight assemblies are flush with adjacent body panels with even gaps
- Ensure all cowl cover clips are properly secured
- Verify no tools or parts are left in the engine compartment
Verification
- Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine
- Turn on the headlights and verify both low beams illuminate properly
- Activate the high beams and verify both high beams function correctly
- Turn on the parking lights and verify daytime running lights function
- Activate the turn signals on both sides and verify all turn signal functions work
- Visually inspect both headlight assemblies for proper alignment and secure mounting
- Check for any warning lights on the instrument cluster related to exterior lighting