How to Replace a Headlight on a 2005 Honda Pilot

You can replace a 2005 Honda Pilot’s headlight bulb yourself in about 15–30 minutes per side by accessing the headlamp from the engine bay, twisting the old bulb out, and installing a new 9006 (low beam) or 9005 (high beam) bulb. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide, plus tips on access, aiming, and what to do if you need to replace the entire headlight assembly.

What You’ll Need and What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into the procedure, it’s helpful to gather the bulbs and basic tools, and to understand which bulb goes where. The 2005 Pilot uses separate bulbs for low and high beam within the same headlight housing.

• Bulb types: Low beam 9006 (HB4), High beam 9005 (HB3)
• Optional: Parking/position light is a 168/194 (T10); front turn signal is typically 7440A (amber)
• Tools: Gloves, clean rag or alcohol wipe, flashlight; optional 8 mm socket or long Phillips screwdriver for aiming, trim tool or 10 mm socket if you need to move a plastic snorkel/reservoir for extra space
• Safety: Park on level ground, switch off lights, set parking brake, let the housing cool, and avoid touching the new bulb’s glass
• Orientation: Outboard reflector (closer to the fender) is the low beam; inboard reflector (closer to the grille) is the high beam

With the correct parts and a few simple precautions, most owners can complete this job without removing the battery or bumper cover.

Step-by-Step: Replace a Low-Beam Bulb (9006)

The low beam is the most commonly replaced headlight bulb. Access is from behind the headlight inside the engine bay; space is tighter on the driver’s side near the battery and sometimes on the passenger side near the intake snorkel or washer/coolant reservoirs.

1. Open the hood and locate the back of the headlight assembly. Identify the outer (low-beam) bulb position.
2. If access is tight, gently lift and set aside the plastic intake snorkel or the washer/coolant reservoir neck after removing its clip/bolt (do not disconnect hoses). This is optional but can help.
3. Remove the rubber dust cap (if equipped) from the back of the low-beam bulb by pulling it straight off.
4. Unplug the electrical connector from the bulb by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight back.
5. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise about a quarter-turn and pull it out of the housing.
6. Prepare the new 9006 bulb. Do not touch the glass; hold it by the base. If you accidentally touch the glass, clean it with alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
7. Align the bulb’s tabs with the slots in the housing, insert the bulb fully, and rotate clockwise to lock it in place.
8. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks. Reinstall the dust cap securely to keep moisture out.
9. Return any snorkel or reservoir neck to its original position and fasten its clip/bolt.
10. Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb before closing the hood.

These steps restore low-beam function in most cases. A firm twist to lock the bulb and a properly seated dust cap will help ensure long service life and prevent condensation.

Step-by-Step: Replace a High-Beam Bulb (9005)

The high beam sits toward the grille side of each headlight and is serviced similarly to the low beam. You’ll work from the engine bay behind the headlight housing.

1. Locate the inner (high-beam) bulb at the back of the headlight.
2. Remove any dust cover if present.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the tab.
4. Rotate the 9005 bulb counterclockwise and remove it.
5. Install the new 9005 bulb, aligning the tabs; rotate clockwise to lock.
6. Reconnect the connector and reinstall the dust cover.
7. Test high beams before closing the hood.

Because high-beam usage varies, these bulbs often last longer than low beams, but the replacement process is nearly identical.

If a Bulb Still Doesn’t Work

If the new bulb does not illuminate, the issue may be connection- or power-related. The items below are quick checks that solve most “still out” complaints.

• Verify the connector is fully seated and the bulb is locked in place
• Inspect the bulb’s internal filament; swap sides to confirm the new bulb works
• Check for corrosion or bent pins on the connector; clean gently if needed
• Inspect the under-hood fuse/relay box for the headlight fuses/relays labeled for LH/RH, LO/HI; replace blown fuses with the same amperage
• Look for damaged wiring near the headlamp; repair if chafed or broken

If fuses and bulbs are good but power is absent at the connector, further diagnosis with a multimeter or a visit to a qualified technician is advisable.

Aim the Headlights After Replacement

If the beam pattern looks off—or if you changed the headlight assembly—adjust the vertical aim. The Pilot typically uses a vertical adjuster behind each headlamp that can be turned with an 8 mm socket or long Phillips screwdriver.

1. Park the vehicle on level ground, 25 feet from a flat wall. Ensure tire pressures and fuel load are normal.
2. Measure the height from the ground to the center of each low-beam bulb and mark that height on the wall with tape.
3. Turn on low beams. The top of the most intense part of the cutoff should be at or slightly below the tape line (about 2 inches lower is a common target).
4. Turn the vertical adjuster to raise/lower each beam as needed. Keep both sides even and avoid shining above oncoming drivers’ eye level.

Proper aim maximizes visibility without causing glare, and it’s especially important after assembly replacement or suspension changes.

Replacing the Entire Headlight Assembly (If Needed)

If the lens is severely clouded or the housing is damaged, replacing the whole assembly may be the best fix. On the 2005 Pilot, this generally requires removing the front bumper cover to access all mounting bolts.

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal for safety.
2. Remove the bumper cover: take out top clips along the grille, screws/clips in the wheel wells, and fasteners along the lower edge; gently pull the cover forward.
3. Unplug fog lights (if equipped) and set the bumper cover aside on a soft surface.
4. Remove the headlight assembly mounting bolts and any brackets as needed.
5. Disconnect the headlight wiring connectors and lift out the assembly.
6. Transfer bulbs and rubber caps to the new assembly (or install new bulbs now).
7. Install the new assembly, reconnect wiring, and torque fasteners snugly.
8. Reinstall the bumper cover and reconnect fog lights (if applicable).
9. Test all lights and perform headlight aiming.

Assembly replacement is a moderate DIY job; having a trim tool set for plastic clips and labeling fasteners by location helps ensure a clean, rattle-free reassembly.

Useful Tips and Legal Notes

A few best practices can improve results and avoid common pitfalls when working with headlamps on an older vehicle.

• Replace bulbs in pairs so color and brightness match from left to right
• Avoid touching bulb glass; oils can shorten bulb life
• Consider OEM-equivalent halogen bulbs; LED “retrofit” bulbs in halogen housings may be illegal and can produce glare
• If lenses are hazy, a quality headlight restoration kit can restore clarity; deep pitting or internal haze often requires replacement
• Keep spare bulbs and fuses in the glovebox for road trips

Following these guidelines maintains performance and keeps your lighting compliant and safe for you and other road users.

Summary

To replace a 2005 Honda Pilot headlight bulb, access the rear of the headlamp from the engine bay, remove the dust cap, unplug and twist out the old bulb, and install a new 9006 (low beam) or 9005 (high beam) bulb without touching the glass. Test, then aim if necessary. For damaged housings, the bumper cover must be removed to replace the assembly. With basic tools and care, most owners can complete this job at home.

Can I replace a headlight by myself?

Yes, you can replace a headlight bulb yourself; it’s generally a simple and budget-friendly DIY project that most people can accomplish with basic tools and patience. The process involves locating the correct bulb for your specific vehicle, removing the bulb’s cover, disconnecting the electrical connector, pulling out the old bulb, installing the new one (being careful not to touch the glass with your bare hands), and then reconnecting and securing everything. 
This video demonstrates the entire process of replacing a car’s headlight bulb, including identifying the bulb and removing the old one: 55sO’Reilly Auto PartsYouTube · Jan 26, 2018
Before You Start

1. 1. Identify the Correct Bulb: Check your car’s manual or search online for your vehicle’s make and model to find the specific bulb type you need. 
2. 2. Gather Your Tools: You’ll typically only need basic hand tools, but refer to online guides or videos for your specific car. 
3. 3. Watch a Tutorial: Look up a step-by-step video on YouTube for your specific car’s make and model to get a detailed overview. 
4. 4. Buy Two Bulbs: It’s recommended to replace both bulbs at the same time, as the other bulb is likely to fail soon. 

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Locate the Headlight Assembly: Open your car’s hood and find the back of the headlight assembly. 
2. Remove the Bulb Cover: There may be a plastic cover on the back of the assembly that needs to be removed first. 
3. Disconnect the Electrical Connector: Unplug the connector from the bulb. 
4. Remove the Old Bulb: Gently remove the old bulb. 
5. Install the New Bulb: Crucially, wear gloves or use a cloth to avoid touching the glass of the new bulb with your bare fingers, as oil and grease can cause premature burnout. Install the new bulb, making sure it’s oriented correctly. 
6. Reconnect and Secure: Reconnect the electrical connector, replace the bulb cover, and secure it. 
7. Test the Headlight: Turn on your headlights to ensure the new bulb is working correctly. 

This video provides a visual guide on how to handle and insert a new headlight bulb without touching the glass, preventing premature failure: 58s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jan 27, 2020
Important Tips

• Don’t touch the bulb glass: Fingerprints can create hot spots on the bulb, causing it to fail faster. 
• Check online resources: Search online for your car’s make and model + “replace headlight bulb” for detailed, vehicle-specific instructions. 
• Visit an auto parts store: Staff at your local auto parts store can help you identify the correct bulb and may even have tools to lend. 

Will AutoZone change my headlight?

Yes, AutoZone employees will change a headlight for you, but only if the bulb replacement is straightforward and doesn’t require extensive vehicle disassembly, such as removing a fender. The service is provided as a courtesy for easy-to-change bulbs, but it’s not a full repair service. You should always ask a local AutoZone to see if an employee is willing and available to help, as the decision depends on the complexity of the job and the store’s workload. 
Factors determining if AutoZone will change your headlight 

• Difficulty of access: If accessing the headlight bulb requires removing the bumper, fender, or other major parts, they will likely not be able to help.
• Time: The service is usually reserved for installations that take less than 15 minutes.
• Store availability: Whether an employee can help depends on how busy the store is.

How to get help

1. Purchase the bulb: First, you’ll need to buy the correct headlight bulb from AutoZone. 
2. Ask for help: Politely ask an associate if they are able to assist with the replacement, explaining that you’ve bought the bulb there. 
3. Offer a tip: Some suggest offering a tip to an employee who helps you. 
4. Be prepared to do it yourself: If the employee declines, or if you prefer to do it yourself, you can find helpful instructions and advice on AutoZone.com. 

How to change a Honda Pilot headlight?

Out. It’s pretty easy to do. Okay these things off. And just move this out of the way.

What kind of headlight bulb does a 2005 Honda Pilot take?

When you need new headlight bulbs for your 2005 Honda Pilot, the most important factor to look for is the size. You’ll need H11 bulbs for the low beams and 9005 bulbs for the high beams.