Buy Honda Odyssey Headlight Assembly

Quick Summary
The Honda Odyssey's headlight (headlamp, front light, beam) is more than a bulb in a plastic shell. It keeps you and your family safe, must meet U.S. rules, and can be upgraded or repaired with simple tools.

Overview

What It Does

Your minivan's headlight assembly holds the low-beam and high-beam bulbs, the wiring, a weather seal, and the clear outer lens. It lets you see about 300 feet down the road at night and makes other drivers see you sooner. A good lamp reduces night-time crash risk by up to 20 percent according to safety tests .

Model Years

Generations & Bulb Chart

← scroll table horizontally →

Light Sources

Halogen, HID, LED

• Halogen bulbs burn a tungsten filament and last about 500 hours .
• HID/Xenon capsules (D2S) make a bright arc and need a ballast; they fit some 2005-2010 vans .
• LED chips use tiny diodes and draw less power while lasting 10-15 years .

Housing Styles

Reflector vs Projector

Projector lamps use a small lens to focus light with a crisp cutoff, cutting glare for on-coming cars . Older reflector bowls scatter light more widely but cost less to make .

Common Problems

Signs You Need Service

• One side dark or flickers (check the fuse or ground) .
• Yellow, foggy lens lowers light by up to 40 percent .
• Moisture inside the housing can short the bulb or damage the reflector.

Troubleshooting

Quick Checks

1. Fuse & relay - The right-side headlight has its own fuse in the under-hood box .
2. Ground wire - White/red wire is the low-beam ground on many models .
3. Voltage - Use a test light; you should read about 12 V at the connector.

DIY Replacement

Basic Steps

1. Open the hood and remove the back-cap.
2. Twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull straight out.
3. Do not touch the glass with fingers (oil can shorten life).
4. Seat the new bulb, lock it, and reconnect the harness.
   A four-minute video made on a 2014 van shows every step .

Aim & Adjust

Getting the Beam Right

Aiming screws sit on top of the housing; turn them ½-turn at a time while facing a wall 25 feet away . The cutoff line should fall just below head-level of on-coming traffic, matching federal rules FMVSS 108 .

Cleaning & Care

Clear Cloudy Lenses

Buff the outer polycarbonate with regular toothpaste for a quick fix . Apply a UV-sealant afterward to keep the lens clear.

Upgrades

LED Kits & Legal Tips

Before swapping a halogen bulb for an LED kit, check state laws. Many states ban non-OEM kits if they change beam pattern . Always choose kits marked "DOT" and match the housing style.

Safety & Stats

Why Bright Matters

Vehicles with "Good" headlight ratings from the IIHS show 19 percent fewer single-vehicle night crashes . Newer Odyssey models moved to standard LEDs partly for this reason.

Disposal

Eco-Friendly Choices

• Halogen & incandescent can go in household trash if wrapped to stop glass cuts .
• HID capsules hold mercury and must go to a recycler .

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know which bulb fits my year?
A: Check the table above or look in the owner's manual for wattage and size .

Q: My headlights look dim but the bulbs are fine. What now?
A: Clean the lens and test the ground wire; foggy plastic or a weak ground often cuts brightness by half .

Q: Can I adjust Odyssey headlights myself?
A: Yes. Aim them on a flat surface 25 feet from a wall and use the built-in screws .

Q: Are aftermarket LED bulbs legal everywhere?
A: No. Some states ticket non-OEM LED conversions that fail beam tests .

Q: How long do factory LED modules last?
A: Up to 50,000 hours-often the life of the vehicle .

Q: Why does one side keep burning out?
A: Corroded connectors or a bad ground wire overload the filament .

Q: What's the benefit of projector headlights?
A: They make a sharp cutoff that lights the road without blinding others .

Q: Is there a headlight recall on my van?
A: Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA recall page to see open actions .

Q: Can cloudy lenses fail inspection?
A: Yes, because they cut light and may violate FMVSS 108 visibility rules .

Q: How do I clean HID ballast plugs?
A: Disconnect the battery, dry the plug, and use contact cleaner rated for 12-volt circuits .

Q: Do brighter bulbs use more power?
A: Halogen upgrades draw the same wattage; LED replacements draw less, helping fuel economy .

Q: What tools do I need to change a bulb?
A: Safety gloves, a #2 Phillips screwdriver, and sometimes an 8 mm socket for the air-duct .

Q: How high should the beam hit the wall?
A: Low-beam cut-off should sit about two inches lower than the headlamp centerline at 25 ft .

Q: Can I mix bulb types (LED low, halogen high)?
A: Mixing is legal if beam pattern and color stay within DOT white range .

Q: How do I dispose of broken HID bulbs safely?
A: Wear gloves, place shards in a sealed plastic bag, and drop them at a hazardous-waste center .

This guide gives you the facts, safety data, upgrade paths, and DIY tips you need to keep your Honda Odyssey's headlights shining bright.