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What kind of light bulb does a 2020 Honda Civic take?

For headlights, a 2020 Honda Civic typically uses H11 (low beam) and 9005/HB3 (high beam) halogen bulbs on most non-premium trims, while Touring, Si, and many Sport Touring models use integrated LED headlights that don’t have a traditional replaceable bulb. Exact fitment depends on body style (sedan, coupe, hatchback) and trim, so checking your owner’s manual or the lamp housing label is essential.

Headlight types by body style and trim

The 2020 Civic lineup spans sedan, coupe, and hatchback, and Honda fitted different headlight systems by trim. Here’s how the headlight bulb types generally break down so you can identify what your specific Civic uses.

  • Sedan and Coupe

    • LX, Sport, and most EX/EX-L: Halogen projector headlights — Low beam: H11; High beam: 9005 (HB3)
    • Touring: LED headlights — sealed LED modules (no conventional replaceable bulb)
    • Si (sedan/coupe): LED headlights — sealed LED modules (no conventional replaceable bulb)

  • Hatchback

    • LX, Sport: Typically halogen projector headlights — Low beam: H11; High beam: 9005 (HB3)
    • Sport Touring: LED headlights — sealed LED modules (no conventional replaceable bulb)
    • EX/EX-L: Equipment varies by market; many are halogen H11/9005, some may have LED. Verify on your vehicle.

If your Civic has halogen projector headlights, you’ll be replacing individual bulbs (H11 and 9005/HB3). If it has factory LED headlights, the light source is an integrated module that typically requires replacing the headlight assembly if it fails.

Fog lights and other exterior bulbs: what to expect

Fog light and auxiliary bulb types can differ slightly between body styles and packages. The following are common fitments for the 10th-generation Civic (2016–2021), including most 2020 models; always confirm against your specific trim and market.

  • Fog lights: Commonly H11 on sedan/coupe; H8 or H11 on hatchback. Some higher trims pair LED headlights with LED fog lamps (sealed modules).
  • Front turn signals: Usually 7443A/7444NA (amber) bulbs on non-LED assemblies.
  • Rear turn signals: Often 7440A (amber) on non-LED assemblies.
  • Reverse lights: Commonly 921 (W16W) wedge bulbs.
  • License plate lights: Typically 168/194 (W5W) wedge bulbs.

These auxiliary bulbs may be LED from the factory on some trims or regional models. The tail/DRL signatures on many Civics are LED elements integrated into the lamp assemblies and are not serviced as standard bulbs.

How to verify your exact bulb type

Because trim and market differences can change bulb fitment, it’s best to verify before buying parts. Use the steps below to confirm your bulb type with certainty.

  1. Owner’s Manual: Look under Maintenance or Lights. Honda lists bulb types by position (e.g., Low Beam H11, High Beam HB3/9005).
  2. Lamp Housing Markings: Open the hood and check the back of the headlamp or fog-lamp dust cap; many housings are stamped with the bulb type.
  3. VIN/Parts Catalog: Enter your VIN on Honda’s official parts site or a trusted parts catalog to pull exact fitment for your car.
  4. Dealer Confirmation: A Honda service department can confirm by trim and build date if documentation is unclear.

Confirming with at least one of these methods prevents ordering the wrong parts and ensures compatibility with your specific headlight system.

Installation notes and legal considerations

Whether replacing halogen bulbs or upgrading, keep these best practices in mind to protect your headlights and stay compliant.

  • Handling: Do not touch halogen glass with bare fingers; oils can shorten bulb life. Use gloves or a clean cloth.
  • Aiming: After any headlight service, check aim to avoid glare and maintain proper road illumination.
  • LED Retrofits: Swapping halogen bulbs for aftermarket LED “equivalents” may be illegal or perform poorly in halogen projectors. Verify local laws and photometric performance.
  • Electrical: Some LED replacements need CANbus resistors to prevent hyper-flashing in turn signals or bulb-out warnings.
  • Sealed LEDs: Factory LED headlights/fog lights are typically serviced as assemblies; consult the manual for replacement procedures.

Following these guidelines will help ensure safe, reliable lighting and compliance with regulations in your area.

Summary

Most 2020 Honda Civic models with halogen headlights use H11 low-beam and 9005/HB3 high-beam bulbs. Touring and Si trims (and many Sport Touring hatchbacks) have integrated LED headlights without traditional replaceable bulbs. Fog lights are commonly H11 (sedan/coupe) or H8/H11 (hatchback), with some trims using LED modules. Always verify bulb types in your owner’s manual, on the lamp housing, or via your VIN before purchasing replacements.

What size bulb for 2002 Honda Civic low beam?

9003 bulbs
Size is the most important part of looking for headlight bulbs for your 2002 Honda Civic, and we recommend going with 9003 bulbs for both the high and low beams when it’s time for a replacement.

What kind of headlight bulb for Honda Civic 2020?

The 9005 high beam H11 low beam H11 fog light halogen headlight bulbs combo kit are fully compatible with Honda Civic 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020.

Are H11 and 9005 the same bulb?

No, H11 and 9005 bulbs are not the same and are not interchangeable due to differences in their base style, plug design, and physical dimensions. The H11 bulb has a distinct two-prong connector that is smaller and closer together, while the 9005 bulb (also known as HB3) has a wider, undivided prong set. Additionally, 9005 bulbs are typically designed for high beams, providing more light output and a longer beam distance, whereas H11 bulbs are generally used for low beams due to their lower lumen output and beam pattern, according to this sealight blog. 
Key Differences Between H11 and 9005

  • Base and Connector: H11 bulbs have two narrow prongs separated by a plastic tab, while the 9005 bulb has two wider, undivided prongs. 
  • Application: 9005 is primarily used for high beams, providing brighter, farther-reaching light, while H11 is mainly for low beams, offering a defined cutoff to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic. 
  • Brightness and Wattage: 9005 bulbs have a higher wattage (typically 65W) and a higher lumen output, suited for high-beam functionality, whereas H11 bulbs are a lower wattage (typically 55W) with lower lumen output for low-beam use. 
  • Size: The overall physical size of the H11 bulb and its connector is smaller than that of the 9005 bulb. 

Why They Are Not Interchangeable

  • Physical Fitment: The different base designs and sizes prevent H11 bulbs from fitting into a 9005 socket and vice versa. 
  • Electrical Compatibility: Attempting to use them in the wrong socket can lead to the bulb burning out, damaging the headlight assembly, or creating dangerous driving conditions due to improper beam patterns. 

How to Determine Your Vehicle’s Bulb Type

  • Vehicle Manual: Check your owner’s manual for the correct bulb size. 
  • Consult a Bulb Finder: Use online fitment guides provided by auto bulb manufacturers. 
  • Check the Existing Bulb: The bulb number is usually imprinted on the bulb’s base. 

How to change a headlight bulb on a 2020 Honda Civic?

And now we can get to the bulb. And then you’ll turn it counterclockwise. There you go kind of loosened it and then you can wiggle it a little bit. And the bulb will come out. There we go.

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