How to Replace a 2005 Civic Headlight

If a bulb in one of your Honda Civic's headlights burns out, you will need to replace it immediately for legal and safety reasons. If the housing that contains the headlights and other bulbs is cracked or broken, it's a good idea to replace it with a new unit. This is especially true with a tail light, where a broken housing must be fixed or covered with colored tape by law. Replacing a bulb in a 2005 model is a simpler process than with some older models; however, replacing a housing unit will take a little extra work.

Instructions

Headlight Bulb

1

Open the hood once you have confirmed that both the headlight and ignition switch have been turned off.

2

Disconnect the headlight's electrical connector from the bulb socket.

3

Disconnect the bulb from the housing by turning it 45 degrees counterclockwise then pulling it out.

4

Install the replacement bulb into the housing without touching the bulb's glass then turn it 45 degrees clockwise to lock it into place. Connect the electrical connector.

Headlight Housing

5

Remove the front bumper cover by removing all the bolts, screws and other fasteners on the lower edges, in the fenderwell and on the upper edge.

6

Remove the four combined upper and lower mounting bolts for the headlight housing with a wrench, unplug the electrical connectors for the headlight, turn signal and parking lights and remove the housing.

7

Detach the small, black corner bumper beam from the housing by removing its bolt then install it on the replacement housing.

8

Install the replacement headlight housing onto the car, connect the electrical connectors and fasten the mounting bolts.

9

Reconnect the front bumper cover with all of its fasteners.