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How to Replace the Headlight Bulbs on a Honda Civic

Your Honda Civic’s headlights help you see at night or in poor weather, and let other drivers know where your vehicle is headed on the road, while helping you abide by state laws. Replacing failing or burned out headlight bulbs on your 2016-2019 Honda Civic is an easy repair that can help ensure you can see to drive safely. It’s recommended that both of your Honda Civic’s headlight bulbs be replaced at the same time, since the bulbs have been used for the same amount of time and they are likely to fail around the same age. Malfunctioning headlight bulbs on your Civic can make it difficult for you to see where you’re going, or for other drivers to see your Civic on the road, and could put you and others in danger. Our detailed step-by-step instructions will help you perform a headlight bulb replacement on your 2016-2019 Honda Civic and help to keep you driving safely.

Tools & Materials List

Step by Step Instructions:

Remove the Old Headlight Bulb

Install the New Headlight Bulb

Additional Resources

Tools & Materials

Headlight Bulb Replacement Instructions

Today, we’ll be changing the headlights on this 2019 Honda Civic, and procedures will be similar on a lot of late-model Civics, but be sure to know the specifics for your vehicle before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.

Remove the Old Headlight Bulb

Front of a Honda civic and man opening the hood

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

Park on a level surface and open the hood.
Headlight bulb housing under the hood

Step 2: Locate the Headlight Bulb

Slip the wiring harness off the bulb you need to change by pressing in on the tab and sliding it down off the back of the bulb.
hand with blue glove holding a headlight bulb

Step 3: Remove the Old Headlight Bulb

Remove the bulb itself from the headlight housing by turning it counter-clockwise and lifting it out.

Install the New Headlight Bulb

mechanic holding two headlight bulbs

Step 4: Gently Handle the New Headlight Bulbs

When you handle your new headlight bulbs, be sure not to touch them with your bare hands.

Do It Right: Finger oil or grease can cause hot spots on the glass that may make the bulbs burn out prematurely.

Hand holding new headlight bulb at the installation position

Step 5: Insert the New Headlight Bulb and Turn

Lower your replacement bulb into place and secure it in the housing by turning it clockwise. Slip the wiring harness onto the bulb until you hear it click into place and close the hood.

Do It Right: We always recommend you change headlights in pairs, so repeat these steps on the other side.

Additional Resources

These step-by-step instructions and video detail how to replace the headlight bulbs on a 2019 Honda Civic SI, and replacement procedures will be similar for your 2016, 2017, and 2018 Honda Civic. Replacing a faulty or failing headlight helps you follow state road laws, and makes other drivers aware of your vehicle’s presence and intended direction. If you notice that your Honda Civic’s headlight bulbs are dim, burned out or only function sporadically, it is important to replace both bulbs as soon as possible to ensure you are safe on the road. O’Reilly Auto Parts carries headlight bulbs, tail light bulbs, and other exterior light bulbs for your Honda Civic to help you make your repairs and complete your maintenance.

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.