headlight
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
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headlight
have been having the driver side headlight flickering. RL is at the dealer for normal maintenance and I asked them to check knowing there is a TSB on this issue. I have Acura extended warranty, but dealer claims this is not covered under the warranty.
Is this true?
Is this true?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,920
Likes: 421
just got the car back
they could not reproduce the flicker (duh). They did not follow any TSB to determine if there is a problem. I know I read it here someplace - will search unless someonehas a quick link.
They also claim if its the bulb, its not covered either way - warranty or TSB. Their quote to fix:
Bulb $220.
Labor $180.
$400. to replace a light bulb!!!
they could not reproduce the flicker (duh). They did not follow any TSB to determine if there is a problem. I know I read it here someplace - will search unless someonehas a quick link.
They also claim if its the bulb, its not covered either way - warranty or TSB. Their quote to fix:
Bulb $220.
Labor $180.
$400. to replace a light bulb!!!
Moto Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Bulbs generally aren't covered under warranty by most manufacturers, but $220 a bulb is highway robbery.
I'd just get a pair of McCulloch 5300k bulbs (that's right, 2 of 'em) on Ebay for $150 or so and do a self install. Then use part of the $250 you just saved from the dealer rape and reward yourself with a 6 pack for labor costs.
I'd just get a pair of McCulloch 5300k bulbs (that's right, 2 of 'em) on Ebay for $150 or so and do a self install. Then use part of the $250 you just saved from the dealer rape and reward yourself with a 6 pack for labor costs.
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
just got the car back
they could not reproduce the flicker (duh). They did not follow any TSB to determine if there is a problem. I know I read it here someplace - will search unless someonehas a quick link.
They also claim if its the bulb, its not covered either way - warranty or TSB. Their quote to fix:
Bulb $220.
Labor $180.
$400. to replace a light bulb!!!
they could not reproduce the flicker (duh). They did not follow any TSB to determine if there is a problem. I know I read it here someplace - will search unless someonehas a quick link.
They also claim if its the bulb, its not covered either way - warranty or TSB. Their quote to fix:
Bulb $220.
Labor $180.
$400. to replace a light bulb!!!
and you'll find the specifics on the notice was sent to the dealership
i referenced the date of the notice about the flicker which was due to a dying bulb when i brought my new bulbs for them to install. they were sent a device to test the bulb without having to take out a working bulb from the other side of the car.
the freaking bumper and entire headlight assembly has to be taken out in order for the bulb to be replaced.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
It was the August 2007 bulletin that addressed the issue.
For what it's worth, I am dropping my car off tomorrow morning for the second time to try and see what is causing both of my headlights to flicker and, sometimes, go out. I just bought the car a couple of months ago and will s**t on the dealers desk if they try to give me the "bulb's not covered" crapola as it has been this way since I bought it. My flicker generally occurs when I go over a bump which leads me to believe that there is something loose somewhere along the way.
FYI, I understand that one of the Acurazine sponsors sells bulbs for around $110.00 a pair.
For what it's worth, I am dropping my car off tomorrow morning for the second time to try and see what is causing both of my headlights to flicker and, sometimes, go out. I just bought the car a couple of months ago and will s**t on the dealers desk if they try to give me the "bulb's not covered" crapola as it has been this way since I bought it. My flicker generally occurs when I go over a bump which leads me to believe that there is something loose somewhere along the way.
FYI, I understand that one of the Acurazine sponsors sells bulbs for around $110.00 a pair.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
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after searching, found this these posted by neuronbob - may have even been in a thread started by me before.
In any case, seems to be dispute over whether it is covered by warranty or not. Also several references to just change the bulb from left side to right side to see if problem "follows bulb" or stays. How easy is it to pull the bulb out. I inferred from nyctl, that it required removing bumper!
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-90/headlight-flicker-500412/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/headlight-bulb-type-501046/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/igniter-ballast-bulb-500985/
In any case, seems to be dispute over whether it is covered by warranty or not. Also several references to just change the bulb from left side to right side to see if problem "follows bulb" or stays. How easy is it to pull the bulb out. I inferred from nyctl, that it required removing bumper!
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-90/headlight-flicker-500412/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/headlight-bulb-type-501046/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/igniter-ballast-bulb-500985/
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
after searching, found this these posted by neuronbob - may have even been in a thread started by me before.
In any case, seems to be dispute over whether it is covered by warranty or not. Also several references to just change the bulb from left side to right side to see if problem "follows bulb" or stays. How easy is it to pull the bulb out. I inferred from nyctl, that it required removing bumper!
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=500412
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=501046
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=500985
In any case, seems to be dispute over whether it is covered by warranty or not. Also several references to just change the bulb from left side to right side to see if problem "follows bulb" or stays. How easy is it to pull the bulb out. I inferred from nyctl, that it required removing bumper!
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=500412
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=501046
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=500985
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-90/05-rl-headlight-flicker-695557/
not an inference at all
it is a requirement!
front bumper needs to be removed
headlight needs to be removed
pics of that process can be seen here in the DIY clearing thread just below
Step 1
Step 1: You'll need to pull off the plastic piece in the engine compartment that covers the radiator, a couple of the plastic tabs keep the grille in place and you'll have to get behind it to take the screws out that hold the lights in. You'll Pictured is the hard to find screw to get bumper off (1 on each side). There is 4 - 10mm bolts on the underside of the bumper that you have to remove, then pull out all of the plastic tabs. Don't remove the allen wrench screws. Start from this corner, where I am unscrewing this screw and pull bumper outwards gently. It will begin to pop off and continue all the way around the front of the car.
Step 2
Step 2: unplug these 2 plugs from the bumper and there is 1 more on the other side. That's it. the bumper is off. Takes about 10 minutes. Pull off the styrofoam off that is under the bumper cover as well.
Step 3
Step 3: This is looking left into the engine with that cover off that I told you about. This is the back screw to the headlight assembly on the left side.
Step 4
Step 4: remove this screw tucked behind the battery. It's a bitch to get to, but you shouldn't have to remove the battery. This is looking right into the engine compartment, the back screw to the right (drivers) headlight.
Step 5
Step 5: Unscrew this screw on both sides. Also unscrew the black screw right above it in this picture. It's the front screw to the quarter panels and it will give you a bit more wiggle room.
Step 6
Step 6: Unscrew this screw on each side. You'll need a socket extention.
Step 7
Step 7: Remove this screw on both sides and the light will pull out. Then unplugs all the plugs. They are all different sizes, so re-installation is simple.
Without the Lights
Step 1: You'll need to pull off the plastic piece in the engine compartment that covers the radiator, a couple of the plastic tabs keep the grille in place and you'll have to get behind it to take the screws out that hold the lights in. You'll Pictured is the hard to find screw to get bumper off (1 on each side). There is 4 - 10mm bolts on the underside of the bumper that you have to remove, then pull out all of the plastic tabs. Don't remove the allen wrench screws. Start from this corner, where I am unscrewing this screw and pull bumper outwards gently. It will begin to pop off and continue all the way around the front of the car.
Step 2
Step 2: unplug these 2 plugs from the bumper and there is 1 more on the other side. That's it. the bumper is off. Takes about 10 minutes. Pull off the styrofoam off that is under the bumper cover as well.
Step 3
Step 3: This is looking left into the engine with that cover off that I told you about. This is the back screw to the headlight assembly on the left side.
Step 4
Step 4: remove this screw tucked behind the battery. It's a bitch to get to, but you shouldn't have to remove the battery. This is looking right into the engine compartment, the back screw to the right (drivers) headlight.
Step 5
Step 5: Unscrew this screw on both sides. Also unscrew the black screw right above it in this picture. It's the front screw to the quarter panels and it will give you a bit more wiggle room.
Step 6
Step 6: Unscrew this screw on each side. You'll need a socket extention.
Step 7
Step 7: Remove this screw on both sides and the light will pull out. Then unplugs all the plugs. They are all different sizes, so re-installation is simple.
Without the Lights
Last edited by nyctl; Dec 3, 2008 at 08:02 PM.
Torch & Pitchfork Posse
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,729
Likes: 1,807
From: Tampa, Florida
To clarify,,,,
The bumper facia may need to be removed to REMOVE the headlight assembly.
But as getakey is questioning, does replacing the bulb require removing the bumper facia? If the headlight assembly does not have to be removed to replace the bulb, then the bumper facia need not be removed either.
Perhaps someone who was replaced bulbs can clarify if this is done with the headlight assembly in place.
Replacing a bulb and removing the headlight assembly are not the same and may not require as much deconstruction.
The bumper facia may need to be removed to REMOVE the headlight assembly.
But as getakey is questioning, does replacing the bulb require removing the bumper facia? If the headlight assembly does not have to be removed to replace the bulb, then the bumper facia need not be removed either.
Perhaps someone who was replaced bulbs can clarify if this is done with the headlight assembly in place.
Replacing a bulb and removing the headlight assembly are not the same and may not require as much deconstruction.
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
To clarify,,,,
The bumper facia may need to be removed to REMOVE the headlight assembly.
But as getakey is questioning, does replacing the bulb require removing the bumper facia? If the headlight assembly does not have to be removed to replace the bulb, then the bumper facia need not be removed either.
Perhaps someone who was replaced bulbs can clarify if this is done with the headlight assembly in place.
Replacing a bulb and removing the headlight assembly are not the same and may not require as much deconstruction.
The bumper facia may need to be removed to REMOVE the headlight assembly.
But as getakey is questioning, does replacing the bulb require removing the bumper facia? If the headlight assembly does not have to be removed to replace the bulb, then the bumper facia need not be removed either.
Perhaps someone who was replaced bulbs can clarify if this is done with the headlight assembly in place.
Replacing a bulb and removing the headlight assembly are not the same and may not require as much deconstruction.
inorder
to
replace
the
low beam hid bulb
the
front
bumper
must
be
taken
off
and
the
entire
headlight
housing
must
be
removed
THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO REPLACE THE LOWBEAM HID BULB
call your dealer service center and ask if you still cannot understand
hope that clarifies....
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,920
Likes: 421
thanks for ALL the clarification 
great DIY pics
so here's another update:
as I indicated before, Dealer could not reproduce. I expected that as flicker has been intermittent. Have since emailed Dealer with the supposed HID bulb check kit info.
However in terms of reproducing, 2 hours after picking up the car. I made a 15 min trip to the store. Headlight flickered more than it ever has. Kept flickering after turning off the car (auto mode) and I watched it flicker 4 to 5 times in 30 second or so.
Now I find it hard to believe that they could not see it unless it is temperature related. It seems that I have noticed the flicker more in the winter. I had previously thought that this is because I am driving home from work in the dark and therefore would notice more. This might explain not being able to repro in the shop during daylight?
great DIY pics
so here's another update:
as I indicated before, Dealer could not reproduce. I expected that as flicker has been intermittent. Have since emailed Dealer with the supposed HID bulb check kit info.
However in terms of reproducing, 2 hours after picking up the car. I made a 15 min trip to the store. Headlight flickered more than it ever has. Kept flickering after turning off the car (auto mode) and I watched it flicker 4 to 5 times in 30 second or so.
Now I find it hard to believe that they could not see it unless it is temperature related. It seems that I have noticed the flicker more in the winter. I had previously thought that this is because I am driving home from work in the dark and therefore would notice more. This might explain not being able to repro in the shop during daylight?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,920
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one more thing (hate to keep rambling)
what is the expected lifetime of an HID bulb. Can't believe that from a design perspective they would require bumper to be removed (with $180 labor charge) for something that could fail in less than 4 years! I would call that early failure a faulty bulb. Makes the Navi disk upgrade seem cheap.
what is the expected lifetime of an HID bulb. Can't believe that from a design perspective they would require bumper to be removed (with $180 labor charge) for something that could fail in less than 4 years! I would call that early failure a faulty bulb. Makes the Navi disk upgrade seem cheap.
2005 RL
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
I had the same problem with the drivers side light flickering (05 RL) about a year or so ago. I'll have to pull my service order and look, but I believe they replaced the ballast and the motor/system that moves the headlight left/right. This was all done under warranty as it was not a light bulb problem.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 138
Likes: 3
From: Central VA
one more thing (hate to keep rambling)
what is the expected lifetime of an HID bulb. Can't believe that from a design perspective they would require bumper to be removed (with $180 labor charge) for something that could fail in less than 4 years! I would call that early failure a faulty bulb. Makes the Navi disk upgrade seem cheap.
what is the expected lifetime of an HID bulb. Can't believe that from a design perspective they would require bumper to be removed (with $180 labor charge) for something that could fail in less than 4 years! I would call that early failure a faulty bulb. Makes the Navi disk upgrade seem cheap.
http://www.kbcarstuff.com/HID_Kits_H...2001_s/216.htm
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,920
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thanks km
then failing in lessthan 4 years is not close to norm. That would almost 2 hours every day I've had the car. In the summer, they are hardly on at all.
But in any case, just doesn't seem right that changing a bulb should take that much time by design.
then failing in lessthan 4 years is not close to norm. That would almost 2 hours every day I've had the car. In the summer, they are hardly on at all.
But in any case, just doesn't seem right that changing a bulb should take that much time by design.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 286
Likes: 4
first you need to take off the cover on the passenger side on the top of the fender. then you take off the upper portion of the windshield wiper fluid reservoir, its held on by one clip then you just move it aside. then you should be able to reach your hand behind the headlight and remove the cover by twisting it clockwise and it will come off. once the inside is exposed twist off the igniter counter clock wise then pull then youll see the bulb and there youll see it hold in place by the small bracket. in the upper portion of that piece you youll see 2 loops one on each side and you press in and out to remove them, id recommend you use a mirror if you cant see inside the headlight.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 286
Likes: 4
the dealer price is right cause the labor requires the removal of the bumper and the headlights and to realign the lights if necessary , according to my mitchell program it calls for 2 hours so thats about right, id say do it yourself
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 419
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so you're contradicting your own statement above stevie?
which one is it
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 286
Likes: 4
no i was explaining why the dealer would want so much money to replace the bulbs cause i checked it out myself on MITCHELL labor calls for 2 hours but u understand they want to take that route because not everyone can replace bulbs with little space to work with. Im a tech so ill eventually find shortcuts
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
lstevennl, could you please take few pics and write a short writeup of replacing the light buld without taken off the bumper. i have had the same problem, and once in a while the light bulb dead and the AFS light comes on at the same time. also, my warranty is expire, so it will be a ripe off of fixing my baby at dealership. your help will save A LOT of people in this community with A LOT of money. thank you so much.
ps. would the cost be covered by Acura if my case is the TSB? thanks again.
ps. would the cost be covered by Acura if my case is the TSB? thanks again.
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
no i was explaining why the dealer would want so much money to replace the bulbs cause i checked it out myself on MITCHELL labor calls for 2 hours but u understand they want to take that route because not everyone can replace bulbs with little space to work with. Im a tech so ill eventually find shortcuts
so the fair compromise on this issue is that all of the instructions point to the requirement of taking off the bumper and entire housing to install low beam bulbs, (some might call this the easiest if doing it yourself and most expensive step if going to the stealership)
you can alternatively take out the battery and its cover to gain access to the drivers side bulbs and shift around the washer's reservoir to gain access to the passenger side (the cheapest and requires patience and the ability to work in tiny spaces)
regardless of either process, make sure that you do not touch the surface of the new bulbs when replacing.
and obviously you will have to remove the left, right and front engine bay covers.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MD
I had my bulbs replaced due to flickering and it was covered under the warranty. BUT, I think they are not replacing them with the same quality of bulb that was in the my RL originally. See my post here...
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...046&highlight=
The Doctor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 2
From: Bellevue, WA
