Changing a Headlight Bulb on a Honda CRV

Changing the headlight bulb on a Honda CRV is a pretty simple process. At least it was for me. I had read from posts on wikianswers that changing a headlight bulb on a Honda CRV was quite cumbersome for some. So I approached the process with some doubt and caution.

First, I needed to get the right headlight bulb for my 2004 Honda CRV. What I did was to check the online site for Checkers Auto Parts (there are other auto parts sites online) and in a couple of minutes I was able to ascertain the correct part (there were options but I chose to buy the Sylvania 9003/HB2 XV. Through the Checkers online site, I was able to order and pay for the part and then go pick it up from the local Checkers store an hour later. Easy enough. Another option I could have used is to just go in to Checkers and grabbed the bulb right off the rack and pay for it. Going online assured me that the part was in stock at the store of my choice.

Next, I headed home with bulb in hand ready to plunge in to the bulb-changing process. The headlight bulb I had to change was the passenger's side.

Step 1 was to remove the plug from the back mounting of the headlight. This was done easily with no problem. Note that there may be some grease on the mounting so a paper towel or cloth is handy to have. Note: after you remove the plug, take a look at the position of the prongs on the back of the bulb. Taking a look like this will be helpful so that you remember to put the new bulb in the same position. So remember to take a look.

Step 2 is to remove the rubber weather seal. Using my thumbs and forefingers, I was able to pull off the rubber seal with minimal difficulty. Note that there is a tab to pull on to remove the weather seal but just pulling on the tab didn't work for me. I had to use my fingers and thumbs to pull back the seal. After the seal has been pulled back a quarter of an inch or so, it will slide off easily.

Step 3 is to undo the hold-down wire. The function of the hold-down wire is to hold the bulb in securely in place. To undo the hold-down wire, push the end of the wire toward the opening in the slot while simultaneously pushing it toward the front end of the vehicle. Reading this now, you may not be able to visualize what to do, but if you read this then look at the hold-down wire, the process should make better sense. It did for me after reading similar written instructions.

Step 4 is to remove the old bulb. It was at this point that I compare the old bulb with the new one I had bought. They were the same (or at least they looked the same). I then opened the package of the new bulb being very careful not to drop nor touch the bulb. Note that if you leave residue (such as body oil from your fingers) on the halogen bulb (the glass part), the bulb will be compromised after some use and will burn out. So be careful not to touch the bulb. If you do, use some alcohol and a clean cloth to wipe it. For me, handing the bulb without touching the halogen glass part wasn't a problem and I have big clumsy hands, so with care, this shouldn't be a problem. Remember to position the bulb so that the prongs on the back are in the same position as they were before (go back and take a look what I suggested in step 1).

Step 5 is to reverse the process. First is to redo the hold-down wire. Next is to replace the rubber weather seal (note that the word "top" should indeed be on the top). Next is to replug the plug into the back mounting of the bulb.

Step 6: Turn on your headlights to see if you did this correctly. Mine worked fine. And yours should, too.

Note that the cost of bulb replacement at the Honda dealer may cost you about $100.

By doing this yourself, the only money you'll fork out is for the cost of the bulb. The brand I bought cost $12.99 plus tax.

Good luck!