How to Replace the Headlight Bulb in an Older Honda Fit?
4 Answers
Method for replacing the headlight bulb in an older Honda Fit: 1. After opening the engine compartment cover, you can see the dust cover at the back of the headlight assembly; 2. Unscrew the dust cover along the threaded direction to reveal the bulb base inside the headlight assembly; 3. Pinch the wire clip next to the base, and once the clip is released, you can remove the old bulb and replace it with a new one. The Fit is a compact car under GAC Honda, with exterior dimensions of 3845mm in length, 1675mm in width, and 1535mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2450mm. It is equipped with a 1.3L naturally aspirated engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering a maximum horsepower of 82 and a maximum power of 60 kilowatts.
Last time in the workshop, I helped someone replace the halogen bulb of a 2006 Fit. First, disconnect the power to ensure safety. Open the engine compartment, locate the rear cover of the headlight, and unscrew the waterproof cover counterclockwise. Be careful not to pull the wires forcefully—pinch the bulb base clip, press gently, and rotate to remove the old bulb. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass part with your hands, as fingerprints and oils can cause the bulb to crack under high heat. Clean it with an alcohol wipe and wear gloves for the installation. Finally, test by turning on the lights to check the beam pattern; sometimes, if the clip isn't properly seated, the light may be misaligned. An H4 bulb can usually be replaced in about ten minutes. For older cars with brittle wiring, it's a good idea to check for oxidation on the connectors while you're at it.
I replaced the headlights on my 2008 Fit myself and found the design of this generation a bit tricky! For the new model, you have to first remove the upper part of the front bumper and loosen five screws near the wheel arch with a Phillips screwdriver. The bulb base has a spring clip that requires a delicate touch—press down and then pull outward. Forcing it can easily break the clip. The OEM 90W H1 bulbs are expensive, so I switched to 55W Osram Night Breakers, which are bright and energy-efficient. After installation, remember to adjust the headlight height, as aged lens covers can cause light scatter. It's advisable to keep some dielectric grease on hand to apply to the connectors to prevent rust, making future replacements much easier.
After 15 years of car repair, here's a reminder: Changing lights on old Fits depends on the model year. For 2004-2007 models, operate directly in the engine bay; for 2008 models, the bumper must be removed! The key is removing the spring clip: use flat-nose pliers to grip the tab and then rotate. Many people find the lights don't work after installation—it's usually because the ground wire isn't firmly seated. After removing the old bulb, compare the position of the new bulb's copper contacts; if it's reversed, it absolutely won't fit. I've seen people bend the metal base of the bulb out of shape, which means replacing the entire headlight assembly. Just have gloves, needle-nose pliers, and a 10mm socket ready. If unsure, just spend 50 bucks to have a roadside shop do it.
