abusive

It appears my passenger-side HID finally bit the dust; doesn't turn on, although there is a barely visible flicker for 2-3 seconds when power is applied to the lights.

After reading through every post on this (and other forums) it seems that HONDA OEMs are the ideal way to go if I want the factory lighting color.

So I'm going to order a new set of bulbs but don't want to pay $180 to have them installed. For those who have changed their own bulbs, I would appreciate any tips you can provide. I'd rather not pull off the bumper..

Thanks in advance.

getakey

There are several threads on how to do without removing the bumper. I changed the Driver side. My understanding is that the passenger side is abit more involved because a couple things need to be removed for access.
I found it to be somewhat a PITA, but probably worth not paying the $180 labor.
I would recommend putting rags right underneath the back of the light assembly when you get access. Then you can practice with old bulb and if you drop it, it is retrievable.

The work on the driver side was pretty blind - not sure if you have better vision on pass side. I'd reread the threads several times before doing.

oo7spy

I still don't know how dropping the bumper adds any help. When I dropped mine, there was still as much access to the headlight as before. After all, you are infront of the lamp, not behind it.

OP, for the driver's side, if you loosen the battery tie down, you can slide the battery toward the engine about 4-5" without disconnecting. That will help immensely.

abusive

Update - it was a piece of cake. Not sure why I was getting concerned over doing it myself.

I simply pulled off the vanity shroud,removed the windshield washer fluid's reservoir neck, unscrewed the protective plastic cap, igniter, undid the clips and popped the bulb out.
The whole thing has be done by touch only. All in all, it took 15 minutes.

silver3.5

Something that took 15 minutes to do by a novice and the dealer wants $180 for labor, equating to roughly 2 hours. 110% robbery. Glad you saved yourself some money!

carrera

Glad to hear it went well. Appreciate any info about the replacement bulbs (i.e, which ones did you get, where did you get them and how much did you pay?).

Thanks.

abusive

Sadly - I'm not a novice but have been a retired shadetree mechanic for nearly a decade. Used to do all sorts of motor swaps/rebuilds etc...

Anyway.. I just went with OEM. One thing that always attracted me to this car was the headlights. I actually bought them from oemhondaparts (or something like that). The bulbs for the 2011-12 odyssey, with HIDs, are the same bulbs and they were ~$140/ea.

oo7spy

That is too expensive IMO.

silver3.5

No novice!

Now that's novice! Here's one reputable place to get them way way cheaper than the stealers!
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/pro...roducts_id=148

oo7spy

getakey

I will soon be replacing my passenger side bulb for 2nd time (2005 RL). First time, dealer replaced for free when car was 4 yrs old. I replaced driver side myself last year.
Now passenger side is starting to flicker. Hope it holds out until I get the bulb shipped.

pierret777

Just received the Morimoto 5000K.
Going to try and report back.

NJ06RL

Bought philips HID D2S on ebay for $80 a pair shipped. My indie mechanic installed them for $60 in labor by opening up the front wheel wells. Total cost to me $140 to replace both sides. They have been great for the last three months.

pierret777

Just installed the morimotos. They look great.
Took just over an hour for both sides.
Had to take out the entire battery to get access to the driver one. The instructions helped out a lot.