Headlights Honda Accord/Prelude 1984-1995 Repair Guide

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Buy It Here Today: HEADLIGHT BULBS - EXTERIOR BULBS - EXTERIOR SOCKET

There are two general styles of headlamps, the sealed beam and replaceable bulb type. The sealed beam is by far the most common and includes almost all of the circular and rectangular lamps found on vehicles built through the 1980s. The sealed beam is so named because it includes the lamp (filament), the reflector and the lens in one sealed unit. Sealed beams are available in several sizes and shapes. All Honda vehicles covered in this information except the 1990-95 Accord and 1992-95 Prelude use sealed beam headlights. These latest Accords and Preludes use replaceable bulbs in fixed housings.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Sealed Beams

See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Fig. 1: Headlamp mounting on 1984-85 Accords

Fig. 2: Headlamp mounting on 1986-89 Accords and 1984-91 Preludes

		CAUTION Most headlight retaining rings and trim bezels have very sharp edges. Wear gloves. Never pry or push on a headlamp; it can shatter suddenly.

1. On cars with pop-up or retracting headlamps, turn the ignition switch OFF. Operate the retractor switch on the dash to bring the headlight doors up. The headlights should be off when the doors are up.

2. Remove the headlight bezel (trim). On 1984-85 Accord, the trim involves the one piece lamp surround and corner molding.

Fig. 3: Remove the screws securing the headlight bezel

3. The sealed beam is held in place by a retainer and either 2 or 4 small screws. Identify these screws before applying any tools. Do not confuse the small retaining screws with the larger aiming screws. There will be two aiming screws or adjustors for each lamp. (One adjustor controls the up/down motion and the other controls the left/right motion.) Identify the adjustors and avoid them during removal. If they are not disturbed, the new headlamp should be in identical aim to the old one.

4. Using a small screwdriver (preferably magnetic) and a pair of needle-nose pliers if necessary, remove the small screws in the headlamp retainer.

Fig. 4: Remove the screws securing the retaining ring. Be sure not to disturb the adjusting screws

A good kitchen or household magnet placed on the shank of the screwdriver will provide enough grip to hold the screw during removal.

5. Remove the retainer and the headlamp may be gently pulled free from its mounts. Detach the connector from the back of the sealed beam unit and remove the unit from the car.

Fig. 5: Remove the retaining ring ...

Fig. 6: ... then unplug the connector from the back of the lamp. Be sure to transfer the rubber boot to the new lamp

To install:

6. Place the new headlamp in position and connect the wiring harness. Remember to install the rubber boot on the back of the new lamp. Also, make sure the headlight is right-side up.

7. Have an assistant turn on the headlights and check the new lamp for proper function, checking both high and low beams before final assembly.

8. Install the retainer and the small screws that secure it.

9. Reinstall the headlight trim.

Replaceable Bulb

See Figure 7

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Raise and prop the hood.

3. Remove any components necessary to access the lamp.

Fig. 7: Late model Accords and Preludes are equipped with replaceable bulb headlamps

4. Unplug the connector from the back of the lamp. The connector may be very tight and require wiggling to loosen; support the lamp while with your other hand while wiggling the connector loose.

5. Turn the retaining ring counterclockwise, then pull the bulb from the lamp housing.

To install:

		WARNING Hold the new bulb by the base; do not touch the glass part with fingers or gloves. The grease left on the glass will form hot spots and shorten the life of the bulb. If the glass is accidentally touched, clean the glass with alcohol.

6. Install the new bulb. Make certain all three guide tabs fit into their correct slots. Turn the ring clockwise to lock it in place.

7. Engage the wiring connector firmly.

8. Connect the negative battery cable and turn the headlights on. Check both high and low beam function.

9. Reinstall any components removed for lamp access.

AIMING

See Figures 8 and 9

Fig. 8: Low-beam pattern alignment

Fig. 9: High-beam pattern alignment

The head lamps should be aimed using a special alignment tool, however this procedure may be used for temporary adjustment. Local regulations may vary regarding head lamp aiming, consult with your local authorities.

1. Verify the tires are at their proper inflation pressure. Clean the head lamp lenses and make sure there are no heavy loads in the trunk. The gas tank should be filled.

2. Position the vehicle on a level surface facing a flat wall 25 ft. (7.7 m) away.

3. Measure and record the distance from the floor to the center of the head lamp. Place a strip of tape across the wall at this same height.

4. Place strips of tape on the wall, perpendicular to the first measurement, indicating the vehicle centerline and the centerline of both head lamps.

5. Rock the vehicle side-to-side a few times to allow the suspension to stabilize.

6. Turn the lights on, adjust the head lamps to achieve a high intensity pattern in the areas shown in the illustrations.