electrical
Headlight Bulbs - Pair
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
30 min
Tools
3
Steps
8
✓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.
Replace both low beam headlight bulbs on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo by accessing the bulb assemblies from the engine bay.
Warnings
⚠Allow headlights to cool for at least 15 minutes before working if vehicle was recently operated
⚠Do not touch the glass portion of halogen bulbs with bare skin as oil from skin will cause premature failure and hot spots
ℹ️Headlight aiming may need adjustment after bulb replacement if beam pattern changes
Tools required
Gloves (lint-free or nitrile)Essential
Flathead screwdriver (small)
Flashlight or work light
Parts
- H11 halogen bulb or LED equivalent × 2 — H11 bulb type, OEM Honda part 33115-TVA-A01 or aftermarket equivalent
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and turn off engine
- Allow headlights to cool if recently used (minimum 15 minutes)
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
- Put on clean lint-free or nitrile gloves to prevent skin oil contact with new bulbs
Procedure
- 1Locate driver side headlight assemblyFrom the engine bay, locate the back of the driver side headlight assembly. The low beam bulb is typically the outer bulb socket (closest to fender). You will see a large rubber dust cover with a tab or the bulb connector protruding from the back of the headlight housing.
- 2Remove driver side dust coverGrip the rubber dust cover at the back of the headlight housing and rotate it counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn, then pull it straight back to remove. If equipped with a tab, you may need to squeeze or lift the tab while rotating. Set the dust cover aside in a clean location.
- 3Disconnect driver side bulb connectorLocate the electrical connector attached to the back of the bulb. Press the release tab on the connector and pull straight back to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Note the orientation of the connector for reinstallation.
- 4Remove driver side bulbThe bulb is held in place by a wire spring clip or rotating collar. If wire clip: press the clip inward and unhook it from the retaining tabs, then pivot it away. If rotating collar: turn the bulb counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn. Pull the old bulb straight out of the socket. Avoid touching the reflector inside the housing.
- 5Install new driver side bulbRemove the new H11 bulb from packaging, handling only the plastic base. Verify the bulb orientation tabs align with the socket slots. Insert the new bulb straight into the socket until it seats fully. Secure with the wire spring clip (hook it back over the retaining tabs) or by rotating the collar clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks.
- 6Reconnect driver side electrical connectorPush the electrical connector onto the back of the new bulb until you hear or feel a click. Gently tug to verify it is locked in place. Ensure the connector is fully seated.
- 7Reinstall driver side dust coverPosition the rubber dust cover over the back of the bulb assembly, aligning any tabs or orientation marks. Push it into place and rotate clockwise approximately 1/4 turn until it seats and seals properly against the housing.
- 8Repeat for passenger side headlightMove to the passenger side of the engine bay and repeat steps 1-7 for the passenger side low beam bulb. Access and procedure are identical. The passenger side may have slightly more room or slightly less depending on installed accessories.
Reassembly
- Verify both dust covers are properly seated and sealed to prevent moisture intrusion
- Ensure no tools or parts were left in the engine bay
- Close hood securely
Verification
- Turn ignition to ON position and activate headlights to low beam setting
- Verify both headlights illuminate with equal brightness and proper beam pattern
- Check for any flickering or warning lights on the dashboard
- Walk around vehicle to visually confirm both low beams are functioning
- If beam pattern appears misaligned, have headlight aim checked and adjusted if necessary