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Honda Accord: How to Install HID Headlights

HID headlights are the norm with most new cars, but that doesn't mean your Accord has to be an outcast. Read on to learn how to replace your stock halogen headlights.

By Jerry Perez - March 2, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002).

That new HID (High Intensity Discharge) conversion kit you purchased does not only replace those boring, stock headlights, but it also projects better lighting on the road. Removing the old headlights and installing new HIDs is not a difficult task; however, quite a few parts have to come off, so it can be intense labor. If you prefer to relax or take the safer route, you can take your car to the auto shop.

Materials Needed

  • Double-sided tape
  • 10 mm socket with wrench
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • HID conversion kit

Step 1 – Disconnect the battery and remove the bulbs

Pop the hood up to disconnect the negative (black) terminal from the battery.

Then, locate the wiring harnesses to remove the bulbs. Behind each headlight is a stock bulb that is plugged into a wiring harness. In the headlight assembly, unclip and pull the harness out of the hub. Once it is removed, rotate the stock light bulb counterclockwise until you hear a click, and then gently pull it out from the socket. Repeat this process to the other headlight assembly.

  • Figure 1. The Honda Accord's wiring harness.
  • Figure 2. Carefully remove the stock bulb.

Pro Tip

Depending on the year of your Accord, removing the front fender and headlight housing may be necessary.

Step 2 – Mount the ballasts

Mount the ballasts to a clean wall on the engine bay. To do so, you can either drill holes and bolt the ballast onto the frame, or mount it with double-sided tape. Mount the second ballast near the other headlight assembly.

  • Figure 3. A pair of HID ballasts.
  • Figure 4. A mounted HID ballast.

Pro Tip

Remember, there are two ballasts (one for each headlight) in an HID conversion kit. Most installation instructions fail to point this out.

Step 3 – Connect HID bulbs

Connect the male harness of the ballast to the female harness of the HID lamp. Insert the HID lamp into the hub, and then rotate clockwise to secure it. Connect the HID relay harness from the ballast to the car's stock headlight power cable. Repeat this process to the other headlight assembly.

  • Figure 5. HID lamp inserted into the hub.
  • Figure 6. A common HID conversion kit.

Pro Tip

Do not touch the HID lamp with your bare hands because it may damage the lamp. Also, make sure to check for any loose or moving parts that could potentially damage the wiring.

Step 4 – Test the HID headlights

Before reconnecting the negative (black) terminal to the battery, thoroughly inspect the wiring and ballast mounting. Finally, start the engine to test the new HID bulbs.

Figure 7. Reconnect the negative (black) terminal to the battery.

Feature Video: Honda Accord HID Install

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