How to Replace Headlight Bulbs in an Acura TL
by Chyrene PendletonYou need not worry about blinding oncoming drivers while driving your Acura TL at night. Acura TL models feature low beams with Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, which provide you with exact beam patterns, giving you a better field of vision on the road. The low beams of your Acura TL also feature brighter, whiter lighting from the Xenon lights, which give you more clarity. Your Acura TL headlights also have halogen high beam bulbs, which provide you with the longest distances for visibility.
Step 1
Open the hood of your Acura TL.
Step 2
Slide the engine compartment covers apart on the left and right side.
Step 3
Remove the bulkhead cover by pulling it straight up and a little to the left to avoid the hood latch handle.
Step 4
Use a flat head screwdriver to remove the three holding clips on the driver's side then pull the upper part of the air intake duct straight up if you need to replace the bulb on the driver's side.
Step 5
Pull the engine coolant reserve tank out of its support brace if you need to change the bulb on the passenger's side.
Step 6
Push on the tab then pull the electrical connector down to remove it from the halogen bulb.
Step 7
Turn the halogen bulb 1/4 turn counterclockwise to remove it.
Step 8
Place a new halogen bulb into the hole, handling it by its base, then turn it 1/4 turn clockwise. This will lock the bulb into place.
Step 9
Push the electrical connector all the way onto the halogen bulb.
Step 10
Turn your headlights on to ensure the new bulb works.
Step 11
Place the upper part of the air intake duct firmly into position then replace the three holding clips if you replaced the halogen bulb on the driver's side.
Step 12
Position the engine coolant reserve tank back into its brace if you replaced the bulb on the passenger's side.
Step 13
Replace the left and right engine compartment covers. Verify that you have the washer fluid cap securely in place after you replace the right engine cover and make certain the tabs and pins are placed correctly.
References
Tips
- Clean the halogen bulb with denatured alcohol and a clean cloth if you touch the halogen bulb glass.
Things You'll Need
- Flat head screwdriver
- 60-watt, 12-volt halogen replacement bulb (HB3)
- Denatured alcohol
- Clean cloth
Warnings
- Avoid changing the low beam headlight since these bulbs have high voltage. Arrange for your Acura dealer to replace the low beam headlight instead.
- Since halogen bulbs can get very hot, make certain you do not touch the halogen bulbs or bump them against anything. Even a scratch can cause the bulb to shatter, as well as oil and perspiration from your skin.
Writer Bio
Chyrene Pendleton has been a business owner and newsletter editor for more than seven years. She is a freelance writer with over 25 years experience and teaches a variety of topics, including alternative health, hair care and metaphysics. Pendleton is a certified television show producer, radio talk-show host and producer, and a computer programmer with a bachelor's degree in computer science.