This procedure covers removal and installation of the headlight assembly on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbocharged engine, including proper electrical connection and aiming adjustment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Headlight assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — 33100-TBA-A01 (LH) or 33150-TBA-A01 (RH)
• Plastic trim clips (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off headlights and allow to cool for at least 3 minutes if recently used
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes to allow electrical system to discharge
5. If working on driver side, turn steering wheel fully right; if passenger side, turn fully left for improved access

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front bumper cover fasteners
   Remove the two plastic clips at the top of the bumper cover directly above the headlight assembly using a trim removal tool. Pull clips straight up to avoid breaking them. On some models, you may need to remove the grille for improved access.
2. 2

   Access headlight mounting area
   Remove the plastic cover screws above the headlight assembly in the engine bay. There are typically 2-3 Phillips head screws securing the upper cover panel. Set cover aside to expose headlight mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect headlight electrical connector
   Locate the main headlight connector on the back of the assembly. Press the release tab and pull connector straight back. For models with daytime running lights or LED assemblies, there may be multiple connectors - disconnect all of them. Note connector orientation for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove upper headlight mounting bolts
   Remove the two 10mm bolts securing the top of the headlight assembly. These are accessible from the engine bay once the cover is removed. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lower headlight mounting bolt
   Locate and remove the lower 10mm mounting bolt. This bolt is accessed from below the headlight assembly, near the wheel well. You may need to turn the steering wheel for better access.
   Torque spec

   Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove lateral mounting bolt
   Remove the 10mm bolt on the side of the headlight assembly closest to the fender. This bolt secures the assembly to the fender bracket and prevents lateral movement.
   Torque spec

   Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Extract headlight assembly
   Carefully pull the headlight assembly forward and outward from the vehicle. The assembly has alignment tabs that slot into the fender and bumper - wiggle gently if resistance is felt. Avoid forcing to prevent breaking mounting tabs.
   ⚠Support the weight of the assembly as you remove it to prevent damage to mounting tabs or dropping the unit
8. 8

   Prepare new headlight assembly
   Remove all protective coverings and packaging from the new headlight assembly. Inspect for any shipping damage. Verify all adjustment screws move freely and that lens is clean and undamaged.
9. 9

   Position new headlight assembly
   Align the new assembly with mounting points, ensuring alignment tabs engage with slots in the fender and bumper cover area. Push assembly into position until it sits flush with surrounding body panels. Check that all mounting holes align properly before installing bolts.
10. 10

    Install headlight mounting bolts
    Install all headlight assembly mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque each bolt to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Start with the upper bolts, then lower, then lateral.
    Torque spec

    Headlight Assembly Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the headlight assembly, ensuring they click into place securely. Match connector orientations noted during removal. For multi-connector assemblies, verify each connector is on the correct terminal (low beam, high beam, DRL, turn signal).
12. 12

    Reinstall engine bay cover
    Position the plastic cover over the headlight assembly area and secure with the Phillips head screws. Torque screws to specification to avoid cracking the plastic cover.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall bumper cover fasteners
    Reinstall the plastic clips at the top of the bumper cover above the headlight. Press clips firmly until they click into place. Verify bumper cover sits flush with headlight assembly.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn on headlights and verify proper operation of low beam, high beam, turn signal, and daytime running lights. Check for any error messages on the instrument cluster.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Ensure headlight assembly sits flush with fender and bumper cover with consistent gap spacing
3. Check that all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
4. Verify bumper cover clips are fully engaged

Verification

• Test all headlight functions: low beam, high beam, turn signals, and parking lights
• Visually inspect headlight alignment - both headlights should appear level and aimed similarly
• Check for any warning lights on instrument cluster related to lighting system
• Perform a test drive in darkness to verify proper illumination and aim before final adjustment
• Schedule headlight aim adjustment if beam pattern appears incorrect - this requires specialized equipment or alignment marks on a wall at 25 feet distance

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