What Size Bulbs Does a 2001 Acura CL Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$50 - $150 (HID System)
What Lighting System Does the 2001 Acura CL Have?
The 2001 Acura CL features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D2R projector headlights. The CL has been available from 1997 to 2003, and the 2001 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2001 Acura CL?
The 2001 Acura CL comes equipped with factory D2R HID/Xenon headlights. These already produce significantly more light than halogen bulbs, so upgrading is generally unnecessary. When your HID bulbs burn out, replace them with OEM-spec D2R HID bulbs to maintain the correct color temperature and beam pattern. Avoid cheap aftermarket HID bulbs as they can produce incorrect beam patterns and blind oncoming drivers. Your fog lights use a LED Fog Light halogen bulb, which can be upgraded to LED for a whiter color match with your HID headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2001 Acura CL
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Older model years like the 2001 CL typically offer easy access to the headlight bulbs from behind the headlight assembly under the hood. Most owners can complete the swap in under 10 minutes per side. HID headlights operate at high voltage. Always disconnect the battery before working on the headlight assembly. Never touch the HID ballast while the headlights are on, and handle the D2R capsule with gloves to avoid oil contamination. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the LED Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2001 Acura CL Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D2R LED | Buy HID-D2R LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | 7440 | Buy 7440 |
Dome Light | DE3022 | Buy DE3022 |
Side Marker | 7443 | Buy 7443 |
Turn Signal Front | 1157A | Buy 1157A |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 1157A | Buy 1157A |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440 | Buy 7440 |
Reverse Light | 7440 | Buy 7440 |
Trunk Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2001 Acura CLHow Long Do 2001 Acura CL Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2001 Acura CL typically last 2,000 to 3,000 hours, or about 4 to 6 years of regular driving. As HID bulbs age, they shift color toward pink or purple, which is a clear sign that replacement is needed. Flickering on startup also indicates a worn bulb or failing ballast. At 25 years old, the original bulbs on your CL are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 2001 Acura CL?
For the high beams, the 9005 is interchangeable with HB3. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
2001 Acura CL Headlight FAQ
Did Acura CL Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1997 to 2003, the Acura CL has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, Side Marker and Turn Signal Front positions. The 2001 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2001. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2001 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other CL Years
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