Complete replacement of both left and right headlight assemblies on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, including removal of front bumper cover and proper electrical connection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Left headlight assembly × 1 — 33150-TBA-A01 (LH) or equivalent
• Right headlight assembly × 1 — 33100-TBA-A01 (RH) or equivalent
• Plastic clips (bumper cover) × 6 — 91503-SZ3-003 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to full lock left, then right to verify clearance, then return to center
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
5. Wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Remove front wheel well liner fasteners on both sides for improved access (optional but recommended)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front grille upper cover
   Open the hood and locate the plastic cover clips along the top edge of the grille. Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry up the center pins of each clip, then remove the clips completely. Lift the upper grille cover away from the vehicle. There are typically 4-6 clips securing this cover.
2. 2

   Remove front bumper cover fasteners
   Locate and remove all bumper cover mounting bolts and screws. Remove two 10mm bolts at the top of the bumper near each headlight. Remove approximately 6-8 plastic push clips along the top edge of the bumper cover. Working from underneath, remove the plastic undertray screws and push clips securing the lower bumper edge. Remove one 10mm bolt on each side behind the front wheel well liner.
3. 3

   Disconnect fog light connectors (if equipped)
   If your vehicle is equipped with fog lights, reach behind the bumper cover and locate the electrical connectors for each fog light. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight back to disconnect. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove front bumper cover
   With an assistant supporting the bumper cover, carefully pull the bumper cover straight forward and away from the vehicle. The cover is secured by clips on each side that slide into the fender. Pull gently but firmly to release these clips. Set the bumper cover aside on a clean, padded surface to prevent scratching.
   ⚠Bumper cover clips can break if forced at wrong angle; pull straight forward parallel to ground
5. 5

   Disconnect driver side headlight electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector on the back of the driver side headlight assembly. Press down on the locking tab while pulling the connector straight back. If equipped, disconnect the smaller connector for the DRL/turn signal bulb. Note connector orientation for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove driver side headlight mounting bolts
   Locate the three 10mm mounting bolts securing the driver side headlight assembly - one at the top, one on the side near the fender, and one at the bottom. Using a 10mm socket, remove all three bolts completely. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove driver side headlight assembly
   Carefully pull the headlight assembly straight forward and out of the vehicle. The assembly has alignment pins that fit into grommets on the body; wiggle gently if needed to release. Inspect the mounting points and alignment pins for damage. Clean the mounting surface with a clean cloth.
8. 8

   Disconnect passenger side headlight electrical connector
   Repeat the disconnection process for the passenger side headlight. Press down on the locking tab of the main electrical connector while pulling straight back. Disconnect any additional connectors for DRL or turn signal bulbs if equipped.
9. 9

   Remove passenger side headlight mounting bolts
   Remove the three 10mm mounting bolts from the passenger side headlight assembly in the same locations as the driver side - top, side, and bottom positions. Keep hardware organized and separated by side.
10. 10

    Remove passenger side headlight assembly
    Pull the passenger side headlight assembly straight forward and out of the vehicle. Check alignment pins and mounting grommets for wear or damage. Clean all mounting surfaces thoroughly before installing new assemblies.
11. 11

    Install new driver side headlight assembly
    Remove protective film from new driver side headlight lens. Align the headlight assembly pins with the mounting grommets on the vehicle body. Push the assembly firmly into place until it seats completely flush with the body panel. Verify proper alignment before installing bolts.
12. 12

    Secure driver side headlight mounting bolts
    Install and hand-tighten all three 10mm mounting bolts. Using a torque wrench, tighten each bolt to the specified torque in a star pattern (top, bottom, side) to ensure even pressure and proper sealing. Verify the headlight sits flush with surrounding body panels.
    ℹ️Apply torque gradually in multiple passes to prevent lens cracking or misalignment
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect driver side electrical connectors
    Reconnect the main headlight electrical connector by aligning the connector and pushing firmly until you hear and feel a click. Reconnect any additional connectors for DRL or turn signal bulbs. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is locked in place.
14. 14

    Install new passenger side headlight assembly
    Remove protective film from new passenger side headlight lens. Align the assembly with mounting grommets and push into place until fully seated. Verify proper alignment with body panels and ensure equal gap spacing matches the driver side.
15. 15

    Secure passenger side headlight and connect electrical
    Install and torque all three mounting bolts to specification in a star pattern. Reconnect all electrical connectors for the passenger side headlight, ensuring each connector clicks into place securely. Verify no wires are pinched or under tension.
    Torque spec

    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reinstall front bumper cover
    With assistance, align the bumper cover with the vehicle body. Guide the side clips into the fender slots by pushing the bumper straight back until the clips engage with an audible snap. Ensure the bumper sits evenly on both sides before securing fasteners.
17. 17

    Secure bumper cover fasteners
    Reconnect fog light electrical connectors if equipped. Install all bumper cover mounting bolts and tighten the two top 10mm bolts near each headlight. Install plastic push clips along the top edge and undertray. Install the side bolts behind the wheel well liners. Verify all fasteners are secure and bumper gaps are even.
18. 18

    Reinstall grille upper cover and reconnect battery
    Align the upper grille cover and install all plastic clips by pushing the center pins until flush. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Clear any stored fault codes if equipped with an OBD-II scanner.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify bumper cover clips are fully engaged on both sides with even gaps
3. Check that all protective films have been removed from new headlight lenses
4. Replace any broken plastic clips or fasteners with new OEM parts

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine) and verify both headlights illuminate on low beam
• Test high beam function on both headlights
• Verify turn signals, DRL, and parking lights function properly on both sides
• Check headlight alignment by parking 25 feet from a wall or garage door - beam pattern should be level and symmetrical
• Inspect all panel gaps around headlights and bumper cover for proper alignment
• If vehicle has adaptive headlights, drive vehicle and verify no warning lights appear; professional calibration may be required

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