So the passenger side HID bulb started flickering a couple days ago on our 09 TSX. I've replaced these bulbs a couple times before on our 13 RDX and was able to do that from inside the engine compartment, with little trouble...but, I figured I wouldn't be able to do that with the TSX. However, I did find a video where an owner was able to do exactly that (replace the bulb from inside the engine compartment). Great, cause my initial thought was I would take the car to the mechanic if the bumper had to come off. There's also video of replacing the bulb through the wheel well.

So thinking HID bulb replacement would probably be as easy as doing it on the RDX, I get started on the TSX. I detach the ground wire on the passenger tire and proceed to remove the housing cap. It's really tight quarters...way more than the RDX and right off the bat, I drop the cap. Sh*T. The cap falls down behind the fender, onto the inside of the tray right in front of the wheel well...but easy enough to retrieve. The rest of the bulb removal goes without issue.

Now comes the hard part...installing the new bulb. Working completely blind in really tight confines...no joy whatsoever. I d*cked around what seemed like forever trying to get the bulb seated and the clips engaged...to no avail. I finally give up and decide a different procedure was in order. I go back and watch the videos of bulb replacement thru the wheel well and removal of the bumper. After watching the video again and considering that I have the tools and fasteners, I decide to go with bumper removal with headlight housing detachment.

Removing the bumper turned out to be simpler and way more straightforward than I had assumed...I spent far less time removing the bumper and headlight housings (4 bolts) than I did d*cking around trying to do the blind install with the bulb. With removing the bumper, you do have to be careful so as not to break any of the clips...taking your time and using finesse will be required. Also, I don't think I'd try removing the bumper outside in wintertime when everything is cold and more brittle. Reinstalling the bumper went as easy as removing it...just make sure everything is lined before popping it in place.

Removing the bumper / headlight housings also allowed me to replace both HID headlight bulbs, both Driving / High Beam bulbs and both Turn Signal bulbs with ease. With 230k miles on this car, replacing any more bulbs on the front will likely not be an issue with my ownership in the future.

In sum, removing the bumper turned out to be way easier than anticipated and would be my recommendation as it allows one to replace all front bulbs and be done with it in one fell swoop.