electrical
Headlight Assembly
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
5
Steps
12
This procedure covers the removal and installation of the headlight assembly on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, including electrical connector service and proper alignment adjustment.
Warnings
⚠Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from nearby components
⚠Do not touch halogen bulb glass with bare hands; oils from skin will cause premature failure
ℹ️Headlight assemblies are side-specific and cannot be interchanged between left and right
ℹ️Disconnecting battery is not required for this procedure but prevents accidental headlight activation
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Flat-blade trim tool
Torque wrench (3-35 Nm range)Essential
Clean microfiber cloth
Parts
- Headlight assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — 33100-TVA-A01 (left) or 33150-TVA-A01 (right)
- Push-pin retainers (if damaged) × 3 — 91512-SZ3-003
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Turn off ignition and remove key
- Allow engine and exhaust components to cool if vehicle was recently operated
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
Procedure
- 1Remove front bumper cover attachmentLocate and remove the upper bumper cover push-pin retainers above the headlight assembly. There are typically 2-3 retainers in this area. Use a flat-blade trim tool to carefully pry the center pin up first, then remove the entire retainer. Set retainers aside for reinstallation.
- 2Remove headlight cover screwsLocate the Phillips-head screws securing the headlight access cover on top of the headlight assembly. Remove these screws completely and lift off the plastic cover to expose the top of the headlight assembly and electrical connectors.Torque specCover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 3Disconnect headlight electrical connectorsIdentify the main headlight connector (low beam/high beam) and the DRL/turn signal connector. Press the release tab on each connector while pulling straight back to disconnect. For connectors with locking tabs, squeeze the tab firmly before pulling. Do not pull on wires.
- 4Remove headlight assembly mounting boltsUsing a 10mm socket, remove the three headlight assembly mounting bolts. There is typically one bolt at the top center, one at the top outer corner, and one on the inner fender side of the assembly. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.Torque specHeadlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 5Release headlight assembly from bumperThe bottom of the headlight assembly has alignment tabs that insert into the bumper cover. Gently pull the headlight assembly forward while slightly lifting to disengage these tabs. The assembly should slide forward and out of the vehicle. If resistance is felt, verify all bolts and connectors are removed.
- 6Inspect and prepare new headlight assemblyCompare new headlight assembly to the old unit to verify correct side and matching mounting points. If the new assembly does not include bulbs, carefully transfer bulbs from old assembly to new one, avoiding contact with halogen bulb glass. Ensure all rubber seals and gaskets are properly seated on the new assembly.
- 7Install new headlight assemblyPosition the new headlight assembly by inserting the bottom alignment tabs into the bumper cover slots first, then angle the assembly back toward the mounting holes. Align all three mounting holes with the body mounting points. Push the assembly firmly into position to ensure proper seating.
- 8Install and torque mounting boltsThread all three headlight assembly mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, torque each bolt to specification in a cross pattern, starting with the center top bolt, then outer top, then inner side bolt.Torque specHeadlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorsReconnect the main headlight connector and DRL/turn signal connector. Push each connector firmly until you hear or feel a distinct click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on each connector to verify secure connection.
- 10Reinstall headlight cover and bumper retainersPosition the headlight access cover back in place and install the cover screws to specification. Reinstall the bumper cover push-pin retainers by inserting the base of the retainer into the hole, then pressing the center pin down until flush.Torque specCover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 11Verify headlight operationTurn the ignition to ON position (engine does not need to run). Test low beam, high beam, DRL, and turn signal functions on the replaced headlight. Verify all functions operate correctly and no warning lights appear on the instrument cluster.
- 12Perform preliminary headlight aim checkWith headlights on low beam, observe the beam pattern against a wall or garage door from approximately 25 feet. The beam should be level and aimed slightly to the right (driver side) or slightly left (passenger side). If significantly misaligned, locate the vertical and horizontal adjuster screws on the back of the headlight assembly.Torque specAdjuster Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
- Verify bumper cover retainers are properly secured and bumper is flush with headlight assembly
- Close hood and verify proper clearance with new headlight assembly
Verification
- Test all headlight functions: low beam, high beam, DRL, and turn signals on the replaced side
- Verify no warning lights or error messages appear on instrument cluster
- Visually inspect headlight assembly for proper alignment and flush fitment with bumper and fender
- Check that headlight beam pattern appears symmetrical to opposite side
- If headlight aim is off, schedule professional headlight aiming or use Honda aiming specifications for proper adjustment