electrical
Headlight Bulb - Single
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
18 min
Tools
3
Steps
9
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers the replacement of a single headlight bulb (low beam or high beam) on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine.
Warnings
⚠Allow headlights to cool for at least 10 minutes before beginning work to avoid burns from hot bulb assembly
⚠Never touch the glass portion of a new halogen bulb with bare fingers as skin oils will cause premature bulb failure and hot spots
ℹ️This procedure covers access from the engine bay. No bumper or headlight assembly removal is required
Tools required
Microfiber cloth or lint-free glovesEssential
Flashlight or work light
Torque wrench (5-15 Nm range)
Parts
- H11 halogen bulb (low beam) or 9005 halogen bulb (high beam) × 1 — Honda 33115-T2A-A01 (H11) or 33125-T2A-A01 (9005)
Preparation
- Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground with the engine off and cooled
- Open the hood and secure it in the fully open position
- Identify which bulb needs replacement: low beam (larger outer position) or high beam (smaller inner position)
- Put on lint-free gloves or prepare a microfiber cloth to handle the new bulb
Procedure
- 1Access the headlight bulb compartmentLocate the bulb access cover on the rear of the headlight assembly in the engine bay. For the driver side, you may need to move wiring harnesses aside for better access. The access cover is a round rubber or plastic cover approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
- 2Remove the bulb access coverRotate the access cover counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull it straight out from the headlight housing. Set the cover aside in a clean location where it won't collect dirt or debris.
- 3Disconnect the bulb electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector attached to the base of the bulb. Press the release tab on the connector and pull it straight off the bulb base. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
- 4Remove the bulb retaining ringIdentify the wire retaining clip that secures the bulb in the housing. Press the clip wire inward toward the bulb and rotate it counterclockwise to unhook it from the retaining slots. Swing the clip out of the way to release the bulb.Torque specBulb Retaining Ring5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 5Remove the old bulbCarefully pull the old bulb straight out of the headlight housing. Note the orientation of the bulb tabs and keying to ensure correct installation of the replacement. Inspect the bulb socket for any corrosion, melting, or damage.
- 6Install the new bulbUsing a microfiber cloth or while wearing lint-free gloves, remove the new bulb from its packaging without touching the glass envelope. Align the bulb tabs with the slots in the headlight housing and insert it fully until it seats against the housing. Ensure the bulb is oriented correctly and seated completely.
- 7Secure the bulb with the retaining ringSwing the wire retaining clip back over the bulb base. Press it inward and rotate clockwise to engage it in the retaining slots. Verify the clip is fully seated and holds the bulb firmly in place. The retaining ring should be snug with approximately 5.0 Nm of resistance when properly secured.Torque specBulb Retaining Ring5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 8Reconnect the electrical connectorPush the electrical connector firmly onto the bulb base until you hear or feel it click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked onto the bulb terminals.
- 9Reinstall the access coverAlign the tabs on the access cover with the slots in the headlight housing. Push the cover in fully and rotate it clockwise approximately 1/4 turn until it locks into place. Ensure the cover is fully seated to maintain the weatherproof seal.
Reassembly
- Ensure all wiring harnesses are returned to their original positions and not pinched or stressed
- Verify the bulb access cover is fully seated and locked to prevent moisture intrusion
Verification
- Turn the ignition to ON position (engine does not need to be running)
- Turn on the headlights and verify the new bulb illuminates properly
- Check both low beam and high beam functions to ensure correct operation
- Verify there are no warning lights on the instrument cluster related to headlight malfunction
- Inspect for proper beam pattern and confirm there is no moisture visible inside the headlight lens