What Size Bulbs Does a 2008 Acura RL 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 2008 Acura RL Have?
The 2008 Acura RL features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D2S projector headlights. The RL has been available from 1996 to 2012, and the 2008 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2008 Acura RL?
The 2008 Acura RL comes equipped with factory D2S 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 D2S 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 H11 LED halogen bulb, which can be upgraded to LED for a whiter color match with your HID headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2008 Acura RL
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 2008 RL 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 D2S 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 H11 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2008 Acura RL Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D2S LED | Buy HID-D2S LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Side Marker | 168 | Buy 168 |
Turn Signal Front | 1157A | Buy 1157A |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Map Light | 175 | Buy 175 |
Parking Light | 1157A | Buy 1157A |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440A | Buy 7440A |
Reverse Light | 7440 | Buy 7440 |
Trunk Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2008 Acura RLHow Long Do 2008 Acura RL Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2008 Acura RL 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 18 years old, the original bulbs on your RL 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 2008 Acura RL?
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.
2008 Acura RL Headlight FAQ
Did Acura RL Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1996 to 2012, the Acura RL has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2008 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2009. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2008 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other RL Years
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Other Vehicles That Use HID-D2S LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D2S LED low beam bulb: