How To Install Headlights in an Acura

Headlights on new Acura models offer better visibility and high intensity light bulbs. It is a good thing that they do not burn out very often but when they do, you have to replace them promptly. It is illegal to drive after dark with a burned out headlight. Replacing the light bulb yourself will save you money and will only take a little time.

1. Open the hood of your car. If you are replacing the headlight in the driver's side. Slide the windshield washer reservoir to the left to unhook it.


2. Use a crescent wrench to unfasten the bolt on the battery tie-down. The battery tie-down is the metal strap, going across the battery that holds the battery securely in place. Create more space to work by moving the battery toward the windshield. You can remove the battery away from the headlight by taking the bolt off of one end of the battery tie-down.


3. Find the wire connected to the headlight, this would be the electrical wire. The wire has a clip on the end that is slipped over a tab on the rear of the light bulb. Remove the electrical wire by grabbing it and pulling it straight back. It will come right off.


4. Find the rubber black weather stripping that goes around the headlight assembly all the way. The stripping has a small tab that is usually on the top. To remove the stripping, grab the tab and pull gently until it comes off. Store the weather stripping in a safe place until needed.


5. Find the hold down springy wire stretched across the back of the headlight assembly. Un-clip the end of the hold down springy wire from its space and then turn the wire out of the way. Pull the back of the assembly toward the windshield until you can see the bulb. The light bulb should easily slip out now.


6. Replace the old light bulb with the new bulb. Do not touch the bulb with your fingers. Make sure that the tabs on the new bulb fit properly into the slots.


7. Put the hold down springy wire back into the proper place, slipping the end that is free back into its spot. Replace the rubber seal and make sure that the right side is on the top. If necessary, use an object with a soft, rounded tip to press the weather stripping back into place. Press the stripping all the way around the headlight assembly.


8. Push the electrical connecting wire onto the tab of the light bulb and check to make sure everything is functioning properly. To check, you can hook the windshield washer back up or move the battery back in place and attach the bolt to the battery tie-down.