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Acura MDX: How to Replace Headlight Bulbs

Headlight bulbs are essential for driving at night. This article explains how to replace headlight bulbs in an Acura MDX.

By Jared Hammond - April 19, 2016

This article applies to the Acura MDX (2001-2013).

Your headlights can make the difference between seeing that deer or pedestrian on the road and not. So if you're looking for brighter headlights or just a replacement for your old ones, you've found the right article. Replacing headlights at the dealership can be expensive, but it's not that difficult to do yourself and doesn't require any tools.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement headlight bulbs
  • Gloves

Different MDX model years require different bulb types. 2001-2003 models use type 9006 bulbs. 2004-2006 models use type H11 bulbs, 2007-2013 models use type D2S HID bulbs, and 2014 and newer models use LEDs which cannot be replaced.

Step 1 – Remove the old headlight bulb

Open the hood by pulling the hood release lever under the driver's side dash. If you look under the front of the chassis brace, you'll notice the headlight cover. Twist this cover counter-clockwise to open it up.

Figure 1. Remove the headlight cover.

If you have an HID bulb, then you'll need to remove the igniter box first. Just twist it counter-clockwise, then push it aside. Next, you need to remove the retainer clip which can be a little tricky. You must push in the two handles of the retainer clip then pull them out to release the clip. Then all you need to do is pull out the bulb.

Figure 2. Release the retaining clip to remove the bulb.

Changing a halogen bulb is a lot less complicated. You'll find a plug going into the back of the headlight socket. Push in the tabs on the plug and disconnect it.

Figure 3. Disconnect the headlight connector.

Then twist the headlight bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out of the headlight housing.

Figure 4. Remove headlight bulb.

Pro Tip

Wear gloves to protect your hands from getting scraped on the chassis brace when you change the bulbs.

Step 2 – Install new headlight bulbs

Installation is the reverse of the previous step.

If you are installing an HID bulb make sure that the bulb guide, which is the cut out in the back, is pointed up so it installs correctly. After that, it's the same as before. Return the igniter and twist it clockwise to lock it into place. Then return the back cover to the headlight housing, twisting that clockwise as well.

If you're installing a new halogen bulb, just insert the bulb and twist it clockwise to lock it into the headlight housing, then plug in the electrical connector.

Pro Tip

It's very important that you don't touch the glass on the headlight bulbs. Doing this will transfer dirt and oil from your hands to the glass, causing the bulbs to burn out faster once turned on. This is another good reason to wear gloves.

Featured Video: MDX Headlight Bulb Replacement

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