ChrisG9321

I own a 2003 TL Type-S with 90k. I noticed that one of my HID headlights went out. Just picked up a pair of 6000ks from HID Extra.

I have never changed a HID light bulb before. Is there anything I need to be careful of or is there any other facts I should no before attempting to change the bulb?

I also noticed that this is not going to be a 5 minute job judging by the placement of the light housings. Do I need to take the air box out? Does the Washer fluid jug spout also need to come out (for the other side)?

I appreciate any help that you can offer.

Thanks
Chris G

LThouse

iTrader: (1)

I know there is a post on how to remove them in the in the DIY thread if that helps.

Bob_F

Here's a "how-to" from the official DIY Thread:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...24&postcount=2

A couple of quick tips:

Don't touch the bulbs with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can cause the bulbs to fail prematurely.

Everything that you need to remove to gain access to the bulbs can be pulled out without any tools.

You'll need a tamper-resistant Torx #20 tool or bit to remove the plastic bulb housing. I bought one in a set of four from Wal-Mart for less than $10. (You can also cut a slot in the bolt with a Dremel cutting wheel and then use a screwdriver to turn it.)

Finally, be aware that you will lose some nighttime visibility with 6000K bulbs. The OEM bulbs are 4300K and they put the most useable light in the road.

ChrisG9321

I thought the 6000k bulbs were supposed to be brighter? Are they not?

fsttyms1

No. Nothing gives you more usable light than stock 4300. The higher the K the more color shift you get from white to blue to eventually purple all of which start loosing the usable light spectrum. HID bulbs are the same (35) wattage

ChrisG9321

Good to know, I appreciate the information. I looked at that DIY information. Wasnt too helpful. I am not sure if that is for a different year or a different model but I can barely fit a business card in between my air box and the light housing. I have a feeling I have to go in through the wheel-well. I will probably just send it to my local mechanic, this may be over my head.

ineedmyfixofacura

iTrader: (2)

I had to take my air box out to get to the one on the right side (right side if you're looking at the car, if sitting in the car, it'll be the left one) anyways lol, and I had to take off the washer thing, only the top part of it... either way pretty simple job.

I'm a dumb ass when it comes to actually doing work on cars, but I was able to this one, so you should too

muddywaters

Thanks for this links...pictures are worth a thousand words. I was down to the torx screw but had issue getting cap off might have been turning the wrong way and did not want to really twist it without knowing for sure this needed to come off...it does so I will retry. Also the light bulb info was helpful thanks again

fsttyms1

That cap can be on really tight, but it does twist off.

lifterfe

Why can't I see the pictures in this post or comment on that thread?

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=689886

lifterfe

I bought some new HID's from DDM Tuning because I've had to replace both sides (and now the driver's side is out again) and I'm tired of paying dealer prices to change out everything. I just learned after taking everything apart that I need a #20 security type torx screwdriver to get the old bulb out. I'm wondering, though, how to incorporate the new ballast/bulb with the way the stock bulb sits inside the housing with the cover over the back of it. Anyone ever try this?

Ron A

The link changed when we upgraded. This link should work. And welcome to the forums.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/diy-light-bulb-change-2003-tl-s-689886/

BARRACUDAMOTORS

Do U guys think that I can keep my ballast and change just bulb to 8000K, any opinion on that

Gfaze

Yes you can, wattage is the same.

jdjohn84

One of the tricky things about getting those covers off is that they come off by turning in opposite directions. Once the torque screws have been removed, the covers loosen by turning the screwholes on top toward their respective fender. So, the driver side cover turns counter-clockwise to loosen (screwhole towards driver fender), and the passenger side cover turns clockwise to loosen (screwhole towards passenger fender).

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

There are some 55W HIDs as well. If you just want to swap out the bulbs, be sure you get a 35W bulb. Hope this helps you.

SPodell

Sorry for the "newbie" question but is there anything special I need to do before replacing the HID bulbs? I have a 2001 3.2 TL and the owners manual says to take it into the dealer because of the high risk of electrocution. I checked at the local parts dealer and the guy there said that there's "50,000 Volts in that capacitor" so you need to take it to a qualified shop to discharge it before replacing the bulbs.

One website I saw suggests to disconnect the battery for at least 10 minutes prior to changing the bulbs. Does that sound right?

soria

Yes it's fine. I think the service manual itself states <5min.

Warning labels are mostly to protect big companies against liability, not forewarn us of any real danger.

If you change the bulb in the rain while wearing copper gloves; yes, you may die.

bearback

Copper gloves in the rain!

Pretty straight forward replacement - takes about 30 to 45 mins to get the bumper - headlights and bulbs out... just wait at least 5 mins to have the system discharge...

I went with 5000K bulbs - they seem to provide the best light vs. stock... 6000K wasn't great on dark roads.

mikeweb

I'm still not able to see the pics ... am i missing something on my profile ?

Just bought bulbs and wanna put them in this am ...

mikeweb

==========================

I'm still not able to see the pics ... am i missing something on my profile ?

Just bought bulbs and wanna put them in this am ...

lifterfe

Thanks!

fortfun

Where's a good place to buy these bulbs? Don't want to go too cheap and have them not last.