Replacing a headlight in an ’04 Civic.

September 29, 2008 4:37 PM

How do I replace the driver’s side low-beam headlight on my 2004 Honda Civic LX?

I’m certain that I’ve got the right replacement bulb (9006) and am pretty sure that I know how to do it, however I’m afraid of destroying a component on the lamp assembly or somehow electrocuting myself. I have consulted the owner’s manual and understand what I am supposed to do, but I am still unable to remove the assembly.

I’ve called my Honda service department and was told that there is no special tool or instrument required for this basic owner-replaceable part.

I understand that I am to turn the interior lamp assembly a quarter of a turn (towards the empty notch-marks) and then to pull it out. I am unable to even slightly move the assembly the slightest bit. If it is a movable part, it seems like it’s been fastened rather tightly.

What am I doing incorrectly?

posted by vkxmai to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

If the headlights aren't on, you won't electrocute yourself. The bulb retaining clips can't really be over-tightened, so you may need to push it in slightly while turning, or try the other way. It really is about the easiest thing to fix on a car though, so don't over-think it.
posted by bizwank at 4:58 PM on September 29, 2008

Actually, does this help? My experience is mostly with Toyotas and it sounds like they use a different style of clip. A picture of what you're looking at would also help.
posted by bizwank at 5:08 PM on September 29, 2008

I think you are probably trying to turn the entire plastic housing, instead of just the part that holds the bulb. Look at where the wires feed into the headlight. Turn just the part that the wires feed into. Then pull it out. Simple. If I had a picture I could show you exactly.

No, you won't electrocute yourself. Careful of touching the glass part of the new bulb when you insert it though. The oil from your fingers can create a hot spot on it when the bulb turns on, and burn it out instantly.
posted by autojack at 5:08 PM on September 29, 2008

Thanks for your help! I went back out and tried again, following your suggestions. I did check Yahoo! and Wiki answers before posting here, of course.

I am indeed turning the part that holds the bulb. I think the issue is that I am unable to push the bulb-holder down slightly to turn it the required quarter-turn. It is either too tight or somehow stuck.

I’m going to take it to the dealer tomorrow and ask them to show me how to remove it.
posted by vkxmai at 6:01 PM on September 29, 2008

they do indeed get stuck. sometimes the only way is to break the plastic bulb-holding round thingie. new ones are pretty cheap.

sometimes the bulb itself gets stuck as well, wiggling and pulling usually gets it out.

the only way to get electrocuted by 12 volts is to pierce the skin with both electrodes. you'd have to work at it.
posted by KenManiac at 6:27 PM on September 29, 2008

In replacing the passenger side low beam headlight on a 95 Accord, we were convinced we had to turn the bulb according to the text of the owner's manual. Looking at the diagram, it turned out that we had to turn a ring that went around it while the bulb remained motionless. This may not be your answer. It did require a bit of force. Not so much that we needed extra leverage, but enough that I'm not sure Mrs. Advicepig could have done it by hand.
posted by advicepig at 7:18 PM on September 29, 2008