Honda Accord (1990 - 2002) Includes 1997 - 1999 Acura CL

Headlight connector stuck

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Old Oct 24, 2011 | 08:57 PM
  #1  
vtec29k's Avatar
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Default Headlight connector stuck

How to open? Even pressing the clip down and pulling down does nothing. Don't want to break it. I am trying to replace the low beam bulbs.
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Old Oct 24, 2011 | 09:03 PM
  #2  
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Default Re: Headlight connector stuck

While pushing on the clip, use a flat-tip screwdriver and gently push the connector off.
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Old Oct 24, 2011 | 09:11 PM
  #3  
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Default Re: Headlight connector stuck

^ x2.

They get stubborns at times.
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Old Oct 24, 2011 | 09:58 PM
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Default Re: Headlight connector stuck

x3.

I used to work in auto parts and cringed whenever I had to change '90-'97 Accord headlights. Almost all of them are difficult to remove.
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Old Oct 24, 2011 | 10:40 PM
  #5  
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Default Re: Headlight connector stuck

Thanks, will give it a try again tomorrow.
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Old Oct 26, 2011 | 07:50 PM
  #6  
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Default Re: Headlight connector stuck

Tried for a good 45 mins and looks like both are well stuck! Dammit. Also, must have blown the fuse for the passenger side as that headlight does not work. Got dark, so I will have to check tomorrow. Assuming that the fuse will be in the fuse box under the hood.
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Old Oct 26, 2011 | 08:00 PM
  #7  
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Default Re: Headlight connector stuck

Those things are devils. I have used silicone spray on them before prying (I have never removed one without prying) and that seems to help. I also wiggle them as much as I can before prying. Don't know if it helps or not.
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Old Oct 26, 2011 | 08:12 PM
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Default Re: Headlight connector stuck

While you press the tab in, use the flat-tip screwdriver and gently push down on each side of the plug (at the edges), do one side then the other. You might also try wiggling the plug a little from side-to-side. I always been able to remove any tough connector that way.
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Old Oct 27, 2011 | 01:32 AM
  #9  
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Default Re: Headlight connector stuck

They always feel like they're full of sand when I get them to disconnect. They just have this rough, dry feeling as you pull them apart.

I'd recommend cleaning them up and lubricating them before you get it back together.

Greatly prefer my '98 Civic's H4/9003 setup to this mess.
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Old Jan 20, 2012 | 07:42 AM
  #10  
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Default Re: Headlight connector stuck

Thank you, redbull-1!!! I was pretty embarrassed that I could not even change a light bulb. I thought I must be missing something about how the connector worked. I was surprised how much of a difference the screwdriver made (using just my hand, I could not get the connector to budge at all).
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