Buy Acura TL Headlight Assembly

Overview

Acura TL headlights-also called head lamps, front lights, or complete head-light assemblies-vary by model year but share one job: giving bright, reliable road vision while keeping you seen. Typical low-beam bulbs range from halogen 9006 types in 1999-2003 cars to D-series HID capsules in later years. Common issues include foggy lenses, burned bulbs, and aim that drifts, yet each has clear, low-cost fixes. Upgrading to modern LED or fresh HID units can double usable light, but correct beam aim and moisture-free housings are vital for safety and legal compliance.

Part Basics

• A headlight assembly holds the bulb, clear polycarbonate lens, reflector/projector, wiring, and sealing gaskets. These parts work together to send a controlled beam down the road. (Wikipedia)
• Early TLs (1999-2001) use reflector housings with separate high and low filaments, while 2004+ cars moved to projector optics that pair with HID capsules for sharper cut-offs. (Honda News)
• Every assembly is sealed, but any crack or loose bulb cap lets moisture in, clouding the lens and dimming output. (Acurazine, JustAnswer)

Model Years & Bulb Types

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Common Problems

• Condensation or water beads inside the lamp reduce brightness and can blow expensive HID igniters. (Acurazine, The Irish Sun)
• Oxidized lenses turn yellow because UV breaks down the hard-coat on the clear plastic. (Wikipedia)
• Intermittent low beams on some 2002-2003 vehicles were traced to a worn headlight switch; Honda/Acura issued a safety recall. (NHTSA)
• Dim HID output after 2-3 years often means the capsule has faded, not that the ballast failed. (Diode Dynamics)

Maintenance Tips

• Wash the lens with car soap, then polish with a headlight-restorer kit to bring back clarity. Re-apply a UV-blocking sealant so it stays clear. (Car and Driver, Wikipedia)
• Aim headlights on level ground 25 ft from a wall. Vertical error should stay within 5 in and horizontal within 10 in per FMVSS 108. (eCFR)
• Replace bulbs in pairs-matched color and age keep beam color even.

Upgrade Options

• LED Retrofit: Modern LED bulbs can triple halogen brightness (up to 3,000 lumens), but only work well in housings designed for them. (Car and Driver, The Times)
• HID Refresh: A fresh D-series capsule restores output; HID systems use 30-35 W yet shine about 2½ times brighter than halogen. (MotorTrend)
• Projector vs. Reflector: Swapping LEDs into an HID projector may scatter light and hurt performance-stick with the light source the optic was engineered for. (Acurazine)

Safety & Law

• U.S. federal law requires headlights to be white or select shades of yellow and to meet intensity limits; aftermarket colors that drift blue can fail inspection. (Car and Driver)
• Keep beams clear and aimed; NHTSA states mis-aimed or failed lamps raise crash risk, prompting switch recalls on older TLs. (NHTSA)

Cost & Labor

• Average bulb replacement on a TL runs $249-$303, mostly parts, because HID capsules are pricey. (RepairPal.com)
• DIY owners can cut labor (about $50-$70) but should budget for quality gloves and a Torx bit to remove the inner fender on 2004-2008 cars.

DIY Steps (HID Bulb, 2004-2008)

1. Loosen front wheel and peel back the fender liner to reach the rear of the head lamp. (Acurazine)
2. Unplug ballast wires, twist off the bulb cover, then release the metal spring.
3. Swap the capsule-never touch the glass.
4. Re-seal with a fresh O-ring and test before bolting up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb fits a 2003 TL low beam?
A: Use a 9006 (HB4) halogen bulb. (AutoZone.com)

Q: Do 2004-2006 TLs use two different bulbs?
A: No. Both high and low beams share a single D2S HID capsule in a bi-xenon projector. (AUXITO, Honda News)

Q: Why do my headlights look yellow?
A: Sunlight and road grit erode the lens coating, leaving oxidized plastic that turns yellow. (Wikipedia)

Q: Is moisture inside normal?
A: A tiny fog patch after a cold wash can be normal, but pooled water or heavy mist means the seal is broken. (JustAnswer)

Q: Can I swap LED bulbs into my HID projector?
A: It will fit, but light scatter increases and brightness at the road actually drops. (Acurazine)

Q: How bright are HID lights compared to halogen?
A: On average HIDs shine about 2.5 times brighter and draw less power. (MotorTrend)

Q: What color temperature is stock?
A: Factory HID capsules are roughly 4,300 K, a neutral white favored for clarity. (Acurazine)

Q: How long do HID bulbs last?
A: Expect 2,000-3,000 hours; output fades before they burn out, so brightness, not age, signals replacement time. (Diode Dynamics)

Q: What is the legal beam aim?
A: When aimed 25 ft from a wall, the cutoff should be within 5 in up or down and 10 in side-to-side. (eCFR)

Q: Does Acura have a recall on TL headlights?
A: Yes, some early-2000s TLs were recalled for a faulty headlight switch that could cut low beams. (NHTSA)

Q: How much to change both headlights?
A: Parts and labor average $250-$300, higher if you replace the entire headlight assembly due to severe haze or cracks. (RepairPal.com)

Q: Will brighter bulbs blind others?
A: Any bulb-halogen, HID, or LED-can dazzle oncoming drivers if the assembly is mis-aimed or the lens is damaged. (The Times)

Q: Can I polish the lens instead of replacing?
A: Yes. A restoration kit with sanding discs and UV sealant can restore clarity for far less money. (Car and Driver)

Q: What tools do I need for HID bulb swap?
A: Jack, wheel wrench, plastic clips, 10 mm socket, Torx T20 bit, and gloves. (Acurazine)

Key Takeaways

• Match bulb type to model year.
• Keep lenses clear and dry for best light.
• Aim beams to FMVSS specs after any service.
• Replace fading HID capsules in pairs.
• Use upgrades that suit the optic design to avoid glare.