2021 HONDA ACCORD

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

LED Headlight Module

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.5 h
Tools
7
Steps
12

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the LED headlight module assembly on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbocharged engine.

Warnings

LED headlight modules are sensitive electronic components. Avoid touching LED surfaces or circuit boards directly.
Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes before beginning work to prevent airbag system faults.
ℹ️Work on headlights when engine and components are cool to avoid burns and thermal damage to plastic components.
ℹ️Honda headlight modules require aim adjustment after installation using proper alignment equipment.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
8mm socketEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Trim panel removal tool setEssential
Extension bar (6-inch)
Flashlight or work light
Clean cloth or towel

Parts

  • LED headlight module assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — 33100-TVA-A51 (Left) or 33150-TVA-A51 (Right)
  • Headlight bulb protective cap (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle
  3. Allow engine and headlight assemblies to cool completely if recently operated
  4. Open hood and secure with prop rod
  5. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 3 minutes minimum
  6. Gather all tools and new headlight module, inspect new part for shipping damage

Procedure

  1. 1
    Disconnect battery negative terminal
    Using a 10mm socket, loosen the battery negative terminal bolt. Remove the terminal from the battery post and secure it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Wait 3 minutes for capacitive discharge in vehicle electrical systems.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Remove front bumper upper cover clips
    Locate the plastic clips securing the upper radiator cover to the bumper assembly above the headlight area. Using trim removal tools, carefully pry up and remove 2-3 clips on the side where headlight is being replaced. Pull the cover section forward enough to access the headlight assembly mounting area.
  3. 3
    Disconnect headlight electrical connector
    Locate the main headlight electrical connector at the rear of the headlight assembly. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight back from the module. If equipped with separate DRL or position light connectors, disconnect those as well by pressing tabs and pulling away.
    Do not pull on wires; grip connector body only to avoid damaging wiring harness.
  4. 4
    Remove headlight module mounting bolts
    Locate the three mounting bolts securing the headlight assembly. Two bolts are accessible from the top of the assembly using a 10mm socket. The third bolt may be accessed from the wheel well area or top depending on design year. Remove all three bolts completely and keep them organized for reinstallation.
    ℹ️On some model years, partial wheel well liner removal may be required for bottom bolt access.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Release headlight assembly retaining clips
    The headlight assembly is secured by mounting bolts and positioning clips at the bumper interface. Gently pull the outer edge of the headlight assembly forward while checking for any remaining clips or tabs. The assembly should release from the bumper and fender mounting points.
  6. 6
    Remove headlight module from vehicle
    Carefully maneuver the headlight assembly forward and out of the vehicle. Guide the assembly past the fender and bumper edges, being careful not to scratch paint or damage adjacent components. Set the old assembly on a clean protected surface with lens facing up.
    Headlight assemblies are bulky and have fragile mounting tabs. Support the assembly weight fully during removal.
  7. 7
    Prepare new headlight module
    Remove the new headlight module from packaging. Inspect for any shipping damage to lens, housing, or mounting tabs. Verify all protective covers are removed from lens surface and connector ports. Compare new module to old unit to confirm correct part application.
  8. 8
    Install new headlight module into position
    Guide the new headlight assembly into the mounting location, aligning the positioning tabs with slots in the bumper and fender. The assembly should seat flush with surrounding body panels. Ensure no wiring is pinched behind the assembly during installation.
  9. 9
    Install and torque mounting bolts
    Thread in all three mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolts in a cross pattern using a torque wrench to the specified value. Verify the headlight assembly sits flush and aligned with body panel gaps on all sides.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect the main headlight electrical connector by aligning and pushing firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Reconnect any additional DRL or position light connectors. Gently tug on each connector to verify secure engagement.
  11. 11
    Reinstall radiator cover and clips
    Position the upper radiator cover back to its original location. Press down firmly on each clip location until clips snap fully into place. Verify the cover is secure and sits flush with surrounding trim.
  12. 12
    Reconnect battery negative terminal
    Clean the battery terminal post and cable end with a wire brush if corrosion is present. Place the negative terminal onto the battery post and tighten the terminal bolt using a 10mm socket and torque wrench to specification. Ensure terminal is secure but do not overtighten.
    Overtightening battery terminal bolts can damage the terminal or battery post threads.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
  2. Ensure no tools or parts remain in engine compartment
  3. Check that headlight assembly gaps match opposite side and are consistent
  4. Confirm all trim panels and covers are properly reinstalled

Verification

  • Turn ignition to ON position and verify headlight operation in all modes (low beam, high beam, DRL)
  • Check that turn signal and position lights function correctly if integrated into headlight assembly
  • Verify no warning lights appear on instrument cluster related to lighting system
  • Visually inspect headlight aim and schedule professional headlight alignment to DOT specifications
  • Confirm proper headlight assembly seating and panel gap alignment from outside vehicle

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