How to Replace the Headlight on a 2011 Honda Pilot

You can replace the 2011 Honda Pilot’s headlight bulbs at home in about 20–40 minutes with basic tools; the low beam uses an H11 bulb and the high beam/DRL uses a 9005 (HB3) bulb. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide for replacing the bulbs, plus instructions for removing the headlight assembly if needed, safety tips, and troubleshooting.

What You’ll Be Replacing and When

The 2011 Honda Pilot uses separate bulbs for low and high beams. The low-beam bulb is an H11 halogen, and the high-beam bulb (which also functions as the daytime running light at reduced power) is a 9005/HB3. If a headlight goes dark, appears dim, or flickers, the bulb is the most common culprit. If the housing is cracked, clouded beyond polishing, or moisture is present inside, the headlight assembly may need replacement.

Tools, Parts, and Prep

Gather a few items before you start to make the job smoother and safer. These items help protect components and give you space to work in the Pilot’s relatively tight engine bay.

• Replacement bulbs: H11 (low beam), 9005/HB3 (high beam/DRL), quality halogen recommended
• Clean gloves or nitrile gloves (avoid touching bulb glass)
• Paper towel or alcohol wipe (to clean bulb if touched)
• Flashlight
• Trim clip tool or flat plastic pry tool (for intake snorkel clips)
• 10 mm socket/ratchet (helpful if you need to move minor components for access)
• Safety glasses

Having the correct bulbs and simple hand tools ready helps you finish the job in one go, with less risk of damage to plastic clips or electrical connectors.

Safety First

Headlight circuits draw notable current and bulbs get very hot. A few precautions will prevent burns and electrical shorts.

• Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, turn off lights and ignition.
• Let the headlight housing and bulbs cool if they were on.
• Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable if your hands will be near live connectors or if you’re removing the assembly.
• Do not touch the glass of halogen bulbs; oils shorten bulb life.

Taking these simple steps reduces the chance of injury and extends the life of your new bulbs.

Replacing a Headlight Bulb (No Bumper Removal)

On the 2011 Pilot, both low- and high-beam bulbs can be accessed from behind the headlight inside the engine bay. Space is tight; removing the plastic intake snorkel on the passenger side and the battery cover on the driver side can improve access.

1. Open the hood and locate the rear of the headlight assembly on the side you’re servicing.
2. Create space if needed:
   

   • Passenger side: lift out the air intake snorkel by removing its plastic push pins/clips and pulling up.
   • Driver side: remove the battery cover; you can also shift nearby wiring looms gently for room.

3. Identify the bulb:
   

   • Outer socket (closer to fender) is typically the low beam (H11).
   • Inner socket (closer to grille) is typically the high beam/DRL (9005/HB3).

4. Unplug the electrical connector from the bulb by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight back.
5. If present, peel back or remove the rubber dust cover to expose the bulb base.
6. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise about a quarter turn and pull it straight out.
7. Install the new bulb:
   

   • With gloves on, align the bulb tabs with the housing slots.
   • Insert fully, then rotate clockwise to lock.
   • If you accidentally touch the glass, clean it with an alcohol wipe and let it dry.

8. Reinstall the dust cover (if equipped) and reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
9. Reinstall any parts you moved (snorkel, battery cover, clips) and ensure all clips/fasteners are seated.
10. Test both low and high beams with the engine running (the Pilot uses the high beams as DRLs at reduced power).

Once the bulb is seated, locked, and connected, the light should illuminate cleanly without flicker. If it doesn’t, see the troubleshooting notes below.

Replacing the Headlight Assembly (If the Housing Is Damaged)

If the housing is cracked, holds moisture, or is severely hazed, you’ll need to remove the front bumper cover to extract the headlight assembly on this generation of Pilot. Allow time and keep track of fasteners and clips.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the upper radiator cover panel by popping out the plastic clips.
3. Remove bumper cover fasteners:
   

   • Top edge: several plastic clips/retainers.
   • Wheel wells: screws or clips attaching the liner to the bumper cover (turn wheels for access).
   • Bottom edge: screws/clips along the lower bumper/undertray.

4. Gently pull the bumper cover forward; disconnect fog light connectors if equipped, and set the cover aside on a soft surface.
5. Unplug the headlight connectors and remove any bulbs from the housing to avoid damage.
6. Remove the headlight assembly mounting bolts/screws (typically 10 mm bolts on top and behind the lamp).
7. Slide the headlight assembly forward and out.
8. Position the new assembly, loosely install hardware, verify alignment to body lines, then snug the bolts.
9. Reinstall bulbs/connectors into the new housing; avoid touching bulb glass.
10. Reinstall the bumper cover in reverse order, ensuring all clips and screws are secure.
11. Reconnect the battery, then test low/high beams and turn signals.

With the assembly secured and the bumper reinstalled, verify panel gaps and that lights function as expected before driving.

Aiming and Final Checks

Any time you replace bulbs or the assembly, confirm beam aim for safe night driving. An improperly aimed beam can reduce visibility or cause glare.

• Park 25 feet from a wall on level ground with a normal fuel load and tire pressures.
• Mark the current cutoff line of the low beams before changing anything, if possible.
• Use the vertical adjustment screw on the back/top of the headlight housing to align the beam’s cutoff to manufacturer guidelines (generally slightly below headlight center height at 25 feet).
• Ensure left/right aim appears even; the Pilot typically has limited horizontal adjustment.

Proper aim maximizes visibility without blinding oncoming traffic and helps you spot issues early.

Troubleshooting

If the new bulb doesn’t light or a headlight remains dim or inconsistent, run through these quick checks.

• Connector seated: Make sure the plug clicked into place and the bulb is fully locked.
• Fuse check: Inspect the relevant headlight fuses in the under-hood fuse box; replace any blown fuses of the same rating.
• Swap test: Swap the bulb to the other side—if the problem follows the bulb, the bulb is faulty.
• Grounds and corrosion: Look for green/white corrosion on terminals; clean carefully and reconnect.
• Wiring damage: Check for pinched or broken wires near the headlight and along the harness.

Most issues are resolved by reseating connectors or replacing a faulty bulb or fuse; persistent faults may require electrical diagnostics.

Bulb Choices and Legal Notes

Choosing the right bulb affects performance, lifespan, and compliance. The 2011 Pilot came with halogens; alternatives exist but have trade-offs.

• Halogen OEM-equivalent (recommended): Best for beam pattern and legality; 55W H11 and 60W 9005 are typical ratings.
• “Plus” halogens: Brighter but often shorter life; ensure DOT compliance.
• LED retrofit kits: Often not street-legal in halogen housings and can cause glare; check local laws and consider only for off-road use.
• Avoid higher-wattage bulbs: They can overheat wiring and housings.

For road use, DOT-compliant halogen replacements in the correct size offer the safest, most predictable results in the Pilot’s factory housings.

Time and Cost Estimate

Plan for 15–30 minutes per bulb and $10–$30 per quality halogen bulb. A headlight assembly replacement may take 1.5–3 hours for a first-timer; assemblies vary widely in cost depending on brand and whether they include bulbs.

Summary

To replace a headlight on a 2011 Honda Pilot, identify the bulb (H11 low beam or 9005 high beam), access the rear of the headlight from the engine bay, unplug the connector, twist out the old bulb, and install the new one without touching the glass. If the housing is damaged, remove the bumper cover to swap the assembly. Test lights, check fuses if needed, and verify aim against a wall. Sticking with DOT-compliant halogen bulbs preserves beam quality and legality.

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.

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. 

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. 

What headlight bulb does a 2011 Honda Pilot take?

Fit for Honda Pilot 2006-2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Light Bulb High Performance Halogen Headlight Bulbs,9005 High Beam + H11 Low Beam Headlamp Replacement Bulb Kit,Pack of 4.