How to Replace a Headlight on a Honda Civic 2000
Replacing a headlight on your Civic is a simple repair that can be done right at home. The headlights on your vehicle should be serviced or replaced every two years. Damage to the headlights often occurs from poor road conditions, for example: hitting potholes or not slowing down at railroad crossings. Unknown water leaks in the lens case or around the headlight dust cover will also cause the headlight to burn out. The 2000 Civic's headlight is easily accessible from under the hood. With a few tools you can replace the headlight in five minutes or less. Never handle new headlights with your bare hands; always use clean latex gloves during the installation.
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Instructions
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Removing the Old Headlight
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Turn the power on to the headlights and identify which headlight needs to be replaced. Turn the power off and pop the hood of the car.
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Wipe the area down with a shop rag where you will be working. Dirt occasionally builds up around the headlight assembly so it is very important that you remove as much dirt as possible. Debris inside the headlight case can fog the lens, or get on the bulb and cause a burn out.
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3
Squeeze the two tabs at the top and bottom of the headlight dust cover. Remove the dust cover slowly. Remove the dust cover carefully to avoid damaging the wires and harness attached to it. Set the dust cover face down in the engine housing.
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4
Squeeze the wire clip supporting the headlight bulb and remove it. Do not use any tools, such as screwdrivers, because you'll risk shattering the headlight bulb.
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5
Note the headlight bulb's exact position within the lens. Slowly remove the headlight from the lens. The headlight may be very brittle so carefully remove the bulb to prevent it from breaking. Set the headlight to the side of the work area.
Installing the New Headlight
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Inspect the headlight dust cover for any signs of damage. Check the wires for cracks and any signs of water damage. Make sure the inside of the dust cover is free of dirt and debris. Put on latex gloves and compare both old and new headlights to make sure they are identical.
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Place the new headlight back into the lens gently. The headlight must be in the exact position as the old headlight. Return the wire clip that secures the headlight into position.
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8
Place a small dab of dielectric grease on each of the three contact prongs on the headlight. A small dab in the center of the eye-holes on the prongs will be sufficient.
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Place the dust cover back on the headlight. Do not forcefully push the dust cover on. It will be secure when you feel the two tabs click into position. Turn the power on to the headlights and test them. This procedure can be used to replace the other headlight on your Civic if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
You do not have to re-aim your headlights for this minor repair. If your Civic has been in a front end collision, the repair shop will re-aim your headlights for you as required by law.
