Civic - Changing headlight bulbs

Nocturne_sa · 11 Oct 2012 at 13:55

One of the headlight bulbs on my 56 reg Civic hatchback needs replacing..I've ordered a pair each of H1 & H7 Ring Ultima 120s (looking to change both dipped and main beams).

I've had a quick look and I'm really struggling to take out the bulbs (really hard to get to one without taking out what seems to be the power steering reservoir tank etc) let alone replace them. Has anyone done this before? Any idea what Honda/Halfords will charge if I provide my own bulbs?

Any recommendations?

rodenal · 11 Oct 2012 at 13:57

I've only ever done my sidelights as i've got hids but they were a bit stiff to come out and its quite cramped in there

thepharcyde · 11 Oct 2012 at 14:11

Cannot comment on fitting as someone fitted these exact bulbs for free dipped and main beam as I took one look and thought nah. The difference they make is fantastic. OEM bulbs are candle like in their output so much much safer.
There is a good guide on Civic Info if this helps

http://www.civinfo.com/forum/how/483-how-replace-headlight-bulbs-front-position-light.html
The guy that did mine changed mine in 10 mins. They also replaced side lights with LED bulbs
Good luck!

Nocturne_sa · 11 Oct 2012 at 19:05

thepharcyde said:
Cannot comment on fitting as someone fitted these exact bulbs for free dipped and main beam as I took one look and thought nah. The difference they make is fantastic. OEM bulbs are candle like in their output so much much safer.
There is a good guide on Civic Info if this helps
http://www.civinfo.com/forum/how/483-how-replace-headlight-bulbs-front-position-light.html
The guy that did mine changed mine in 10 mins. They also replaced side lights with LED bulbs
Good luck!

Thanks mate, will take a look. Will call the local stealer tomorrow to find out how much they charge. Apparently Halfords charge £6.99 per bulb so £28 in total is quite steep given that's how much I paid for the bulbs !

bledd · 11 Oct 2012 at 20:26

Typically, twist anti clockwise. I imagine a tyre place would do it for like £5

Outcast · 12 Oct 2012 at 19:28

The article on CivInfo is the same as you'll read in your owners manual and is correct.

If you try and do it the "Lazy way" you'll use more effort and get seriously angry.

Drivers side (diesel) (There's more room on the petrol version)

pull the cap of the washer bottle and extract it all the way out. Pull the expansion tank from its clips and lay over to the right.. There now is more room than any other vehicle I have had to change the bulbs on.

Passenger side.. Take the battery out .. or move it over... There is now that much room you can practically sit in the space.

thepharcyde · 13 Oct 2012 at 09:17

The person that fitted mine, a diesel did not remove anything.

Outcast · 13 Oct 2012 at 11:07

Well I installed Xenon Ultimas myself and after faffing about trying to get my hand inbetween the battery and the back of the headlamp, ultimately dropping the bulb, I removed the battery completely and was amazed at just how much room it created.

Drivers side if you don't move the expansion tank then you must either be a contortionist or have a fetish for skinned knuckles & fingers !!

thepharcyde · 13 Oct 2012 at 15:28

Haha the gloves were split in seconds