Can anyone show me the instructions on how to replace the headlights on 2000 Acura TL? TIA.

 

I knew I should have taken pics since I just did it. Trial and error for me, but it's a lot easier than what I thought.

I unbolted the windshield washer fill tube and unbolted the air filter box (just yanked it off the intake) for a little more room because I have manly hands. Torx security bit T20 driver for that weird star screw, unplug the grey plug, twist the cap off the back, unhook the metal clip around the bulb socket (clips on the bottom), pull straight out, twist and pull the bulb out, push and twist the bulb in (so that the notch on the base of the bulb is at the top and the wires on the socket are on the bottom), put back in the hole, push the clip down and latch it, make sure the seal is on the cap properly, twist the cap back on, put the torx screw back in, plug the grey plug back in, put the air filter box and washer filler back.

After having done it once, should take 15 minutes tops now...including time to have a beer inbetween bulbs.

 

Are you trying to replace the Whole headlight or just the bulbs?

 

SwampGas, Thanks for the instructions.
I'm looking to replace the lamp for now.

 

Okay got another question. Now I'm not sure if it's the lamp or the unit.
When I turn on the headlights, it doesn't lit up right away.
It takes a while and then it's on. I'm not sure it's the bulb or something else.
Sometimes when it's on and I go over the bump, it's off and then comes back on later.
It is the bulb or the entire unit.

 

Is it both sides? You can always swap the bulbs to check the wiring and ballast.

 

It's just on one side only. I can give a try in swapping the bulbs and see.

 

i believe that most hid systems have an igniter that starts up the bulb when commanded on. id be looking more into that....also could be built into the ballast. im not sure with honda/acura. im not 100% sure on all hid im still learning more everyday at work.

 

Yeah..you need to strike the lamps in order to get them on. That's where the high voltage comes from.

 

Well I didn't swap the bulbs since the effective one is working on and off at times. I don't think it's the bulb is bad. It's something else. It's coming on and off and I don't know what

 

Wiring or the ballast.

 

Wiring or ballast. (probably the ballast)

 

What's ballast and how can I fix it?

 

Number 11...they call it the "inverter" because it steps up the DC by using a push-pull inverter. Never actually cracked one open to see the inside though...I'd be curious to know if it's as easy as replacing a bummy $1.25 transistor instead of dropping $200 on a new one.

Check the wiring first...and you can always swap the ballasts if you don't have a way to check voltages on each side. Heh if there's one thing I learned from reading everything here, it's taking off the bumper and putzing around for an hour is worth it compared to $75/hr plus parts in the shop.

 

is number 11 on this chart the ballast and/or inverter? and what is number 2? the ignitor? thanks!

 

It's the ballast...but it's technically an inverter (so the diagrams probably call it an inverter). Same thing: steps up voltage and limits current. 2 is the ignitor.

 

It has to be replaced with a working ballast. Mine isn't 100% either. i'll prpbably have to change it eventually. I'm not looking forward to coughing up $300.

 

Anyone know of a good video showing how to take the front bumper off a 2000 TL? Have to get to the headlight assembly to replace lamp ballast. From all indications the ballast is mounted underneath the headlight assembly and to get to it you have to get to bolts that you can only get to by removing the front bumper. It looks like after market headlight kits are much cheaper to put in that the OEM ballasts, and more waterproof.

 

there a few on youtube