The Official OEM Headlight Difference Thread
The Official OEM Headlight Difference Thread
2004-2008 Acura TL's have 4 different headlight designs. There are:
2004-2005 base TL
2006 base TL(updated ballast mount)
2007-2008 base TL
2007-2008 Type-S
2004-2006 base TL:
2004-2006 TL headlights have the foglights next to the projectors. 2006 base TL is unique in that it "looks" the same as the 2004-2005, but it has an updated ballast with a redesigned ballast mount on the bottom. 2007-2008 TL(type S and base) both use the same updated ballast as the 2006. Also, 2006-2008 TL headlights have the same projectors with the "slope" style cutoff line, whereas the 2004-2005 TL have the "step" cutoff line. Both are great, but some retrofitters seem to prefer the step over a slope. 2007-2007 TL(base and Type-S) eliminated the foglight next to the projector, and instead incorporated a DRL reflector housing. There is a piece of clear plastic in front of the DRL bulb that will melt if used with a halogen bulb running at full power(DRL bulbs run at lower power).
2007-2008 base TL(Looks the same as 2004-2006 except with a DRL instead of foglight):
2007-2008 Type-S:
All 2004-2008 TL headlights mount the same way, so they are all interchangeable, however all base TL's(2004-2008) have a 7443 turn signal/parking light socket, whereas the Type-S has a 1157 turn signal socket. A simple re-wiring of a socket will make them compatible with each other. All of the internal housing parts are interchangeable also, base TL's can use Type-S clear diffusers, and vice versa, 2004-2005 projectors are also interchangeable with 2006-2008 projectors.
2004-2005 base TL
2006 base TL(updated ballast mount)
2007-2008 base TL
2007-2008 Type-S
2004-2006 base TL:
2004-2006 TL headlights have the foglights next to the projectors. 2006 base TL is unique in that it "looks" the same as the 2004-2005, but it has an updated ballast with a redesigned ballast mount on the bottom. 2007-2008 TL(type S and base) both use the same updated ballast as the 2006. Also, 2006-2008 TL headlights have the same projectors with the "slope" style cutoff line, whereas the 2004-2005 TL have the "step" cutoff line. Both are great, but some retrofitters seem to prefer the step over a slope. 2007-2007 TL(base and Type-S) eliminated the foglight next to the projector, and instead incorporated a DRL reflector housing. There is a piece of clear plastic in front of the DRL bulb that will melt if used with a halogen bulb running at full power(DRL bulbs run at lower power).
2007-2008 base TL(Looks the same as 2004-2006 except with a DRL instead of foglight):
2007-2008 Type-S:
All 2004-2008 TL headlights mount the same way, so they are all interchangeable, however all base TL's(2004-2008) have a 7443 turn signal/parking light socket, whereas the Type-S has a 1157 turn signal socket. A simple re-wiring of a socket will make them compatible with each other. All of the internal housing parts are interchangeable also, base TL's can use Type-S clear diffusers, and vice versa, 2004-2005 projectors are also interchangeable with 2006-2008 projectors.
Last edited by paperboy42190; Aug 26, 2013 at 02:50 AM.
Trending Topics
Thanks to guitarplayer16 for the new info. 04-06 canadian TL's have the foglight removed for 9005 bulb DRLs.
That also reminds me that there is a CDM TL headlight in china I forgot to include...I'll have to find some info on that soon
That also reminds me that there is a CDM TL headlight in china I forgot to include...I'll have to find some info on that soon
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 282
From: Mississauga, ON
Great info!
There should be links to headlight modifying DIYs (clearing/blacking out) so once noobs determine which headlights they have, they can be directed to modifying possibilities to achieve the ultimate sexy look for their cars
just a thought
There should be links to headlight modifying DIYs (clearing/blacking out) so once noobs determine which headlights they have, they can be directed to modifying possibilities to achieve the ultimate sexy look for their cars
just a thought
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 282
From: Mississauga, ON
Team Owner
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 36,545
Likes: 6,470
From: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Nice work Paperboy.
Guys, it is absolutely fine to make these kinds of threads. Please contact a Moderator/Admin before you put the word "Official" on it.
Thanks.
Guys, it is absolutely fine to make these kinds of threads. Please contact a Moderator/Admin before you put the word "Official" on it.
Thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 44
Likes: 15
From: Greenfield, IN
OK... my headlights in my '06 were leaking... so I got some replacements from another member... and it turns out the ballast holes/mounts are different. Is there a way to make my ballasts fit.. or do I need to get different ballasts?
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 44
Likes: 15
From: Greenfield, IN
Yep... figured it out... gonna get some '04/05 ballasts... definitely sux to learn the hard way... but that's what I get for not doing my research first... not to mention I just purchased a new '06 ballast!!!
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