How to Remove the Headlight on a 2002 Acura CL

In 1997, Acura introduced the CL as the maker's mid-level car -- positioned between the compact Integra and the full-sized TL. Acura discontinued the CL after the 1999 model year and reintroduced it in the 2001 model year. The 2002 Acura CL came standard with a high-intensity discharge headlight system that used an HID bulb for the low beam and a standard halogen bulb for the high beam. Take great care when replacing the low beam, as the HID bulb is rather expensive.

Instructions

Open the Acura CL's hood.

Remove the bolts securing the coolant overflow tank to the upper radiator support beam, using a ratchet and socket, if changing the driver's side headlight. Move the overflow tank toward the passenger's side and secure it with mechanic's wire.

Press the locking button on the headlight bulb socket -- on the inner part of the headlight assembly -- and pull it downward to disconnect it.

Grab the rear of the headlight bulb and twist it counterclockwise to unlock it. Pull the headlight bulb from the headlight assembly.

Insert a new 9005 headlight into the rear of the headlight assembly and twist it clockwise to lock it into place. Plug the wiring harness into the rear of the headlight.

Set the coolant overflow tank back in place on the driver's side of the car, if applicable. Tighten the overflow tank bolts with a ratchet and socket. Close the CL's hood.

Locate the five-digit radio code provided by the dealer when the CL was new. If you do not have this code, see your local dealership to obtain the code.

Open the CL's hood. Loosen the negative battery cable, using a combination wrench, and pull the negative battery cable from the battery. Loosen the positive battery cable, using a combination wrench, and pull the positive battery cable from the battery.

Remove the screw securing the circular HID cover to the rear of the headlight assembly, using a T25 Torx screwdriver. Twist the cover 45 degrees to unlock it and pull it from the headlight assembly, exposing the HID socket behind it.

Twist the HID socket 45 degrees counterclockwise to unlock it, and pull it from the HID bulb.

Press downward on the retaining spring securing the HID bulb in the headlight assembly to release the spring. Pivot the spring upward and away from the HID bulb, and pull the bulb from the headlight assembly.

Insert a new HID bulb into the headlight assembly; make certain to line up the tabs on the bulb with the notches in the headlight assembly. Pivot the HID-retaining spring back onto the bulb. Press the spring's ear downward and insert it into the hook to lock it into place.

Set the HID socket on the rear of the bulb and twist it clockwise to lock it into place. Place the HID cover back into place on the rear of the headlight assembly and twist it clockwise until the bolt hole on the cover lines up with the hole on the headlight assembly. Tighten the HID cover-retaining screw with a T25 Torx screwdriver.

Reconnect the positive battery cable to the battery and tighten it with a combination wrench. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery and tighten it with a combination wrench. Close the CL's hood.

Turn the CL's ignition to the "Acc" position and turn the radio on. Observe as the radio displays "Code" its screen. Enter the five-digit radio code by pressing the corresponding preset buttons on the radio.