How to Replace Headlight 96-98 Honda Civic

Difficulty: Advanced · About 60 min · Honda Civic

Replace a headlight, including removing the radiator panel and bumper cover, on a 1996-1998 Honda Civic.

Steps

1. Remove the old headlight

   Remove the seven clips on the plastic panel over the radiator with a flat blade screwdriver and pull it up and out, pull back the wheel well panel, remove the Phillips screw or 10mm bolt behind it, pull the bumper cover forward, remove the 10mm bolt on the bumper and the one behind it on the headlight, remove the bracket's two 10mm bolts, pull the headlight out over the bumper, then disconnect its wiring harness.

2. Service the bulbs

   Twist the turn signal bulb's socket counterclockwise out and swap it, then remove the headlight's dust cover, push its retaining clip up and over to swap the bulb, and refit the clip and dust cover.

3. Install the new headlight

   Transfer the bulbs from the old headlight, reconnect the wiring harness, line up the bracket's bolt holes with the car's, replace the bracket bolts and the bumper/headlight bolts, refit the radiator panel and its seven clips, then replace the screw or bolt behind the wheel well panel.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.