Honda-Tech - Honda Forum Discussion

Honda Accord: Why Are My Headlights Dim?

Diagnose your dim headlights to shine a light on other possible automotive problems under the hood with this step-by-step guide.

By Charlie Gaston - March 10, 2015

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

Dim headlights can occur for any number of reasons; however, in most cases the common culprit may be easier to fix than you might think. You don't need a lot of experience under the hood to determine why your headlights are not as bright as they used to be. Using a few simple troubleshooting guidelines and a handful of materials, you can diagnose and fix common headlight illumination problems in about an hour.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement bulb
  • Replacement fuse
  • Cotton gloves, microfiber cloth or lint-free towel
  • Ammonia-based cleaner
  • Wire brush
  • Fuse puller or tweezers
  • Voltmeter (optional)
  • Automotive battery
  • Owner's manual

Step 1 – Inspect the bulb

It might be on its last leg. This an obvious first step, but an important one nonetheless. A large percentage of the time, the most common reason for dim headlights is the filament in the bulb has aged, and is causing a dark colored film to reduce visibility.

  • Unseat the bulb by removing the retaining clips, fender well cover, and power connector.
  • Visually inspect the glass for a gray or brown (or a combination of the two) film.
  • If the film is present, replace the bulb.
  • Twist the replacement bulb into the assembly by hand. Re-attach the power connector, fender well cover and retaining clips.
  • The Honda Accord's headlight replacement bulbs are available through local auto parts stores for $20 or $25. Cheaper varieties are also available online.
Figure 1. Inspect if the bulb has aged, and replace.

Pro Tip

Be careful not to touch the replacement bulbs with your bare fingers. Use cotton gloves, a microfiber cloth, or lint-free towel to handle the bulb.

(Related Article: Headlight Bulbs Size Chart - Honda-Tech.com)

Step 2 – Restore brightness by cleaning the ground connection

Corrosion might be causing the headlights to dim. An external cleaning could be the fix you need to achieve optimum brightness.

  • Clean the wiring harness using an ammonia-based cleaner or another product specially formulated to deoxidize undesirable elements on metal.
  • Allow the cleaner to sit for several seconds, so surface corrosion can become dislodged.
  • Lift away corrosion using a wire brush.
  • Wipe excess cleaner from the harness shell using a lint-free towel.
  • Allow the harness shell—including the pins and connectors—to dry completely.

(Related Article: How to Restore Your Headlights - Honda-Tech.com)

Step 3 – Check the fuse panel

The headlight fuse might be blown, which can cause the vehicle's headlights to dim. However, the cost and labor required to replace a blown fuse is minimal. Expect to pay just several dollars for a new automotive headlight fuse.

  • Pop the hood to access the fuse box.
  • Using your owner's manual, determine which fuse is the headlight fuse.
  • Pull the headlight fuse using the fuse puller. If the fuse puller is missing from the fuse box, a pair of tweezers will also suffice.
  • Check the metal link inside the fuse. If it is broken, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced with a new fuse equal in amperage.
Figure 2. Individual fuses are clearly marked in the owner's manual.

(Related Article: Fuse Box Diagram - Honda-Tech.com)

Step 4 – Check the battery

If the battery in your Honda Accord is more than four years old, it's a good idea to head to your local auto parts store to have it checked. If you own a voltmeter, test the battery yourself with this easy-to-operate device.

  • With the engine off, check the voltage of the battery.
  • Connect the positive voltmeter wire to the positive (red) side of the battery, and the negative voltmeter wire to the negative (black) side of the battery.
  • The battery should read between 12.5 to 12.8 volts.
  • Jump start the battery if a greater charge is needed.
  • While the car is idling, the battery should achieve 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
  • If the battery is unable to produce sufficient voltage, it will need to be replaced at a cost of around $120 (part only) to $225 (part and labor).
Figure 3. Battery voltage testers cost between $25 to $150.

(Related Article: How to Replace Battery - Honda-Tech.com)

Related Discussions