2001 Acura 3.2TL Logo
Tammy Miles
Tammy Miles Posted on Sep 23, 2013
Answered

I have a 2005 TL, the drivers side headlight works sometimes. Took it to Acura dealer they say it is the inverter, igniter, and possibly the bulb, with a total cost of 1,000 to repair. Can anyone give me an alternative, the price is ridiculous.

1 Answer

furlongd

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.
MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.
New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.
Hot-Shot:

An expert who has answered 20 questions.

  • Contributor 20 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 28, 2013
furlongd
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.
MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.
New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.
Hot-Shot:

An expert who has answered 20 questions.

Joined: May 24, 2010
Answers
20
Questions
0
Helped
4273
Points
35

TL take a D2S type HID bulb available online. If the ballast unit is bad you can find them on ebay a lot cheaper. It's located on the bottom of the headlight. I've even seen full headlight units with the bulb and ballast unit included for a couple hundred on ebay. That would be the easier way to go if you aren't handy with car work. To replace the bulb you need to pull the whole headlight out because Acura uses a security type bolt to secure the back cup onto the headlight. Once the headlight is off the car it's easy to remove the security bolt though with needle nose plyers

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Nov 24, 2008

SOURCE: passanger headlight bulb inop

disconnected the HID ignighter. used a T20 to remove bulb cover. pulled out bulb and installed new bulb. DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB WITH BARE HANDS!!!

Ad

Anonymous

  • 49 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 13, 2009

SOURCE: Replacing HID headlight in 2004 Acura TL

HID Bulb Replacement

A transient high tension (25,000 V ) occurs at the bulb sockets of the high intensity discharge (HID) lamps when the combination light switch is turned ON, it may cause serious electrical shock or electrocution if you do not observe the cautions below.

CAUTION:

  • Never turn on the combination light switch before fitting the HID bulbs to their bulb sockets and completing the reassembly of the headlight assembly.
  • Do not service the headlights assembly in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, near a sprinkler system, or when your hands are wet to prevent electrocution.
  • Do not touch the surface of the HID bulbs with your bare hands and do not stain it with any oils and fats.
  • Do not disassemble the inverter unit and the ignitor unit.
  • Do not turn on the HID bulb by using a power source other than the battery mounted on your vehicle.
  1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the XM radio channel preset. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
  2. Turn the combination light switch OFF.
  3. Disconnect the battery negative cable, then disconnect the positive cable.
  4. Remove the headlight assembly.
37a2a12.jpg
  1. Remove the Torx bolt using a Torx T20 bit.
  2. Turn the cover (A) 45 ° counterclockwise to remove it from the headlight assembly.
71b91a6.jpg
  1. Turn the socket (A) 45 ° counterclockwise to remove it from the bulb (B).
  2. Pull the retaining spring (C) away from the bulb then remove the bulb.
  3. Make sure the bulb harness (D) is routed correctly so it does not contact the reflector (E).
  4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the notches in the bulb align with the tabs in the headlight.
  5. After reconnecting the battery, enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the customer's XM radio channel presets.

sheiden9

sheiden9

  • 87 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 11, 2009

SOURCE: HID BULB REPLACEMENT 2003 ACURA TL DRIVER SIDE

heres the procedure I uploaded it for you click [b][i]HERE[/i][/b]

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Aug 07, 2009

SOURCE: cost to replace 2002 Acura 3.2 tl transmission

your car could still be under warranty depending on the miles the car have call your Acura dealer for info. I had my transmission replaced in Feb 09 and it was done for FREE!!

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Feb 06, 2011

SOURCE: INVERTER REPLACE ON A 2003 TL ACURA

where can I purchase the inverter for a 2003 Acura 3.2 cl it is in the headlight

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

1helpful
1answer

2004 acurs tl hid headlights dont work
Mine done the same thing and mine was the ballast.I tried the bulbs first as you did and didnt work .I found the ballast and the igniter at a great price together on ebay and replaced both and they work great now!!
Read full answer
Sep 09, 2012 • 2004 Acura TL
tip

ACURA LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ISSUE
Acura's with daytime running light faults are draining their owners wallets. This feature, introduced in 1999, utilizes a low beam bulb containing an igniter/inverter circuit. The technology, although state of the art, has a serious flaw; Cost. Not just the cost of the bulb, but the tremendously inflated labor fee tacked on by dealers and repair shops.

There is a label on the back cover of the headlight assembly that warns of the presence of 24,000 volts which can kill you. This label is an attention getter. A safety statement; However it's a little over the top. The real message is clear; Take it to the dealer.

Others who experience loss of low beam lights, having not read the fright phrase, are shocked anyway when told; "This will cost you $600...it's the inverters". It's time to shine the high beams on the low beam issue.

The low beam bulb, roughly the same size as a regular bulb, has an electrode at it's base. Inside is a filament, igniter, and inverter circuit. This little bulb is what some mechanics refer to as "The Inverter". Some want to change the entire headlight assembly for $250 a side. In one reported instance, the customer was told they needed an entire front bumper and both headlight assemblies. Remarks like these boarder on the criminal. If you know it's only a bulb, why would you call it an inverter?

The price range of the low beam bulb is as wide as a canyon. Highs of $250 have been quoted. The bulb is manufactured by; Sylvania, Raytheon, and Heliolite, just to name a few. The best price I found is $61, although several were on E Bay for $45.

How do you change the bulb? I'll use a 2002 Acura TL as an example. The drivers side is the more difficult of the two.

Remove the positive battery cable...Remove the baffle that is in front of the air filter housing (2 plastic clips)...Pull the over flow container up and out...You will see a gray 2- wire connector under the light cover...Push down on the tab until it clicks...Pull back to release it...Now you can remove the cover over the bulb. It requires the use of a #20 Torx with a security tip. This tool is worth the $20 cost and can be purchased at major tool stores. You can find it quickly at; www.wihatools.com. Part #70142...When handling the new bulb it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to wear a pair of latex gloves...Skin oil transferred to the surface of the bulb will ruin it...Pull the old bulb and note the position of the electrode...Make sure the new one goes in straight; No twisting...Hold the bulb backing and install the locking clip.

If both bulbs work intermittently there is a wiring problem...Check for a solid ground (zero ohms on the X10 scale) on the black wire of the connector that was removed to replace the bulb; Measure with connector removed....Also, visually inspect the connector that plugs into the Daytime Running Lights Control Module located behind the left side of the dash; Pins have been known to back out of the connector housing.

The secret is out; It's only a bulb. Don't throw your hard earned cash into "The Money Pit".


Guru..............saailer
Read full tip
on Jan 11, 2010 • Acura TL Cars & Trucks
1helpful
1answer

Acura T.L 3.2 2002, my left headlight stop coming on. Replace HID buld low beam. Didn't work right so I switch bulds right to left still only the left drivers side headlight won't come right on. Sometimes...
I having a same problem as you.
I have changed Head light (general head light 12V 37W)
I plug out inverter connector and connect 12V 37W bulb directly
It works fine.
Read full answer
Oct 26, 2010 • 2002 Acura 3.2TL
0helpful
1answer

I have an Acura 3.2 CL Type S (2001) ... The driver side headlight would work sometimes and sometimes it wouldn't. I took it to Acura and they replaced the bulb ... A month later the same light is doing it...
It is more than likely the headlight igniter based off of the price you were quoted.Ask your Acura dealer for a discount if you are a regular customer. Talk to the service manager.
Read full answer
Oct 14, 2010 • 2001 Acura 3.2CL
3helpful
2answers

I have a 2001 Acura 3.2 TL headlight goes on and off
As with Laurenson 538, I have the same problem with my 2001 CL.

Should this problem with the 2001 Acuras be a recall issue? I, too, have replaced the headlight assembly ($1,000 plus). The old one (sealed[?]) had moisture in it... the reported cause of the light burning out. Within a short period, the $1000 replacement had moisture in it and has just burned out again.

Now, at a different Acura agency, I'm told that the bulb needs another $1,000 replacement. When I asked about the warranty, I was advised 90 days was the warranty. When I asked if I was expected to spend $1,000 every 90 days to be able to drive the car, the rep got defensive.
Writing Acura resulted in a big Zero. Before buying a new Acura, one might inquire about the headlights. Since one can't drive without headlights, maybe Acuras should be reserved for daylight driving only! Have a backup car for night driving!
Read full answer
Nov 21, 2009 • 2000 Acura TL
3helpful
2answers

INVERTER REPLACE ON A 2003 TL ACURA
where can I purchase the inverter for a 2003 Acura 3.2 cl it is in the headlight
Read full answer
Apr 17, 2009 • Acura TL Cars & Trucks
15helpful
2answers

Replacing HID headlight in 2004 Acura TL
HID Bulb Replacement

A transient high tension (25,000 V ) occurs at the bulb sockets of the high intensity discharge (HID) lamps when the combination light switch is turned ON, it may cause serious electrical shock or electrocution if you do not observe the cautions below.

CAUTION:
  • Never turn on the combination light switch before fitting the HID bulbs to their bulb sockets and completing the reassembly of the headlight assembly.
  • Do not service the headlights assembly in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, near a sprinkler system, or when your hands are wet to prevent electrocution.
  • Do not touch the surface of the HID bulbs with your bare hands and do not stain it with any oils and fats.
  • Do not disassemble the inverter unit and the ignitor unit.
  • Do not turn on the HID bulb by using a power source other than the battery mounted on your vehicle.
  1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the XM radio channel preset. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
  2. Turn the combination light switch OFF.
  3. Disconnect the battery negative cable, then disconnect the positive cable.
  4. Remove the headlight assembly.
37a2a12.jpg
  1. Remove the Torx bolt using a Torx T20 bit.
  2. Turn the cover (A) 45 ° counterclockwise to remove it from the headlight assembly.
71b91a6.jpg
  1. Turn the socket (A) 45 ° counterclockwise to remove it from the bulb (B).
  2. Pull the retaining spring (C) away from the bulb then remove the bulb.
  3. Make sure the bulb harness (D) is routed correctly so it does not contact the reflector (E).
  4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the notches in the bulb align with the tabs in the headlight.
  5. After reconnecting the battery, enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the customer's XM radio channel presets.
Read full answer
Feb 13, 2009 • 2004 Acura TL
0helpful
1answer

How can I change the pass side low beam bulb on my 1999 Acura TL?
you have to get behind the headlight capsule there should be a rubber plug covering the headlight capsule take that off and the bulbis held in by a spring lever on the capsule. or take it to the dealer or a local body shop which would be cheaper
Read full answer
Jan 02, 2009 • 1999 Acura TL
16helpful
1answer

Trying to replace a front headlight bulb on 2001 acura 3.2 TL
Look for the end of the wire retainer clip. Unhook it and lift it up. Remember not to touch the bulb. But if you do, just clean it with a bit of alcohol.

btw - Here's a bit of info from a previous post of mine...
The low beams consist of three parts. The bulb, inverter/ballast and the ignitor. The bulbs usually start to loose their color long before they burn out. The inverters/ballasts either go out after a while or take a while to start up.

Before you spend money on a new bulb, try swapping it with the one on the other side. You'll need a security torx screwdriver to get the covers off of the back of the lights. Don't touch the glass bulbs. If you do, just clean them with a bit of alcohol.

If the problem stays on that side, try swapping the ignitors. They're mounted inside the black covers.

If the problem is still on that side you've got a bad inverter. They're mounted on the bottom of the headlight assembly. You'll need to remove the front bumper and remove the headlight assembly to get to it. (I recommend you take pictures as you remove things so can put them back together correctly.)
Read full answer
Dec 27, 2008 • 2000 Acura TL
0helpful
1answer

Passanger headlight bulb inop
disconnected the HID ignighter. used a T20 to remove bulb cover. pulled out bulb and installed new bulb. DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB WITH BARE HANDS!!!
Read full answer
Nov 23, 2008 • 2004 Acura TL
Not finding what you are looking for?

View Most Popular

2001 3.2TL

  • Cars & Trucks

Related Question

2004 acurs tl hid headlights dont work

  • 2004 Acura TL

Related Topics

681 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Popular Questions

What does the A12 Maintenance

2004 Acura TL

Replacing HID headlight in 2004 Acura TL

2004 Acura TL

The tcs light is on what do it meant

1999 Acura TL

Service due soon code B3

2004 Acura TL

Misfire in Cylinder 1,2,3,5,6 of my 2000 Acura Tl

2000 Acura TL

Check Out the Latest Top Trucks Report!
Check Out the Latest Top Trucks Report!

View all Fixya Reports

Top Acura Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

ROBERT GARCIA
ROBERT GARCIA

Level 3 Expert

926 Answers

Are you an Acura Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...