2021 HONDA ACCORD

1.5L I4 TurboFWDCVTgasturbo
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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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

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn off ignition and remove key
  3. Allow engine and exhaust components to cool if vehicle was recently operated
  4. Open hood and secure with prop rod

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove front bumper cover attachment
    Locate 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.
  2. 2
    Remove headlight cover screws
    Locate 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 spec
    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Disconnect headlight electrical connectors
    Identify 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.
  4. 4
    Remove headlight assembly mounting bolts
    Using 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 spec
    Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Release headlight assembly from bumper
    The 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.
  6. 6
    Inspect and prepare new headlight assembly
    Compare 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.
  7. 7
    Install new headlight assembly
    Position 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.
  8. 8
    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Thread 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 spec
    Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect 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.
  10. 10
    Reinstall headlight cover and bumper retainers
    Position 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 spec
    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Verify headlight operation
    Turn 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.
  12. 12
    Perform preliminary headlight aim check
    With 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 spec
    Adjuster Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
  2. Verify bumper cover retainers are properly secured and bumper is flush with headlight assembly
  3. 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

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