low-beam bulb replacement

[svalleynsx]

Need a tip on removing my low-beam bulb which has burned out. Looking at service manual it says remove 2-P connector then retaining clip. Is there some kind of lock tab on this connector or is it supposed to just pull apart? I can't seem to remove it either way.

 

[whiteNSXs]

The bulb replacement has been such pain in the butt especially if you get big hands. I used to just follow what the book says and ended up swearing, groaning, and swearing again for 15 minutes before finally getting the new bulb and cap back on. Now I have HID but if I have to change a bulb on a non-HID-equipped car, I would just take out the 4 screws of the headlight cover and flip the cover up. It sure saves time and knuckles.
Steve

 

[dalybo]

if you have the flip up headlights, do you have a copy of the 1991 Service Manual?

 

[nsxtasy]

do you have a copy of the 1991 Service Manual?

He already said that he did. (You can refer to an electronic copy on this website, in the FAQ under "Reference". The bulb replacement is on page 23-190 of the manual, which is page 1176 of the PDF file.)

If I recall correctly from the last time I did this (before installing my HID's), the first step was to remove the retaining clip by pushing on the two outermost metal tabs and using them to rotate the clip (I forget which direction, clockwise or counterclockwise) and then remove it, then removing the bulb and connector as one unit. Once the bulb and connector are out of the headlight housing, you can see that there is indeed a tab in the middle of the connector (or was it the bulb?) that you press to release the bulb from the connector. Then put the new bulb into the connector, place the bulb and connector into the headlight housing, and secure them with the retaining clip. At least, that's my recollection.

As Steve noted, it might be easier to first remove the headlight garnish (the plastic cover over the headlight unit); instructions for removal are on the previous page of the manual. FWIW, my hands are average sized and I've replaced the bulbs without removing the garnish.

Do NOT touch the glass part of the headlight bulb with your fingers; if you accidentally do so, remove it and clean it with alcohol before replacing it.

 

[svalleynsx]

Yes, referred to section 23-190 for replacement of bulb on my '91 In a greatly expanded view it does appear to be a one-piece retaining clip and not a circlip type with a split collar which I originally thought it to be. The problem is it's such a tight space in there, I can't seem to locate the ends of this clip, let alone rotate it in either direction as noted by nsxtasy. I'll try removing the plastic headlight cover this weekend if all else fails. Thanks guys for the tips and advice.:smile:

 

[Hugh]

Yes, referred to section 23-190 for replacement of bulb on my '91 In a greatly expanded view it does appear to be a one-piece retaining clip and not a circlip type with a split collar which I originally thought it to be. The problem is it's such a tight space in there, I can't seem to locate the ends of this clip, let alone rotate it in either direction as noted by nsxtasy. I'll try removing the plastic headlight cover this weekend if all else fails. Thanks guys for the tips and advice.:smile:

The actually bulb is held in the projector buy a shiny silver retainer ring that is spring loaded to secure the bulb.. It has protruding tabs that you need to push down while rotating the ring (I believe CCW) to release it.

This whole process is MUCH simpler if you remove the body color headlight unint cover which is held on with 4 philips head screws. The outer screws are concealed with oval shaped plastic trim pieces which should be carefully pried off with a jeweler's flat blade screw. When replacing the trim pieces, the flattened end should be towards the rear.

 

[dquarasr2]

I just did this on Sunday. 2 minutes to remove the old bulb, 1/2 hour to get the new one back in. I told my wife I'd starve if I were a technician.

It can be done without removing the headlight assembly, but use patience and if possible borrow someone with smaller hands.

Good luck.

 

[nsx2tall]

I just did this on Sunday. 2 minutes to remove the old bulb, 1/2 hour to get the new one back in. I told my wife I'd starve if I were a technician.

It can be done without removing the headlight assembly, but use patience and if possible borrow someone with smaller hands.

Good luck.

Amen.

First headlight 1 hour, second headlight 10 minutes. 1 bloody knuckle.

 

[svalleynsx]

Well FINALLY got around to doing this. My only advice is, JUST LET THE DEALER DO THIS!!! Hopefully as a courtesy fix.

Got the retaining clip loose after many tries, with only a few scraped knuckles and one HUGE ACHING BACK:frown: The problem is clipping it back in! Just doesn't seem as willing to go in as it came out. I finally just quit and just wedged it in there so there's not that much movement in the harness clip.

Also some little piece broke off either the retaining clip or socket harness and I could hear it drop somewhere in the front bay. :frown: You'd think Honda would've came up with a better solution.

On the bright side, I now have low beams back working.:smile: