What Size Bulbs Does a 2002 Acura RSX Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2002 Acura RSX Have?
The 2002 Acura RSX features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H1 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The RSX has been available from 2002 to 2006, and the 2002 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2002 Acura RSX?
To upgrade the 2002 Acura RSX headlights to LED, you will need a H1 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 9005 LED LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. For the fog lights, a LED Fog Lights LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2002 Acura RSX
The H1 bulb uses a wire clip retainer that snaps over the bulb base. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. Older model years like the 2002 RSX 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. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. 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 Lights fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2002 Acura RSX Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H1 LED | Buy H1 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | LED Fog Lights | Buy LED Fog Lights |
Brake Light | 7440 | Buy 7440 |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Turn Signal Front | 7440A | Buy 7440A |
Side Marker | 168 | Buy 168 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Parking Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Turn Signal Rear | 7443 | Buy 7443 |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Trunk Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2002 Acura RSXHow Long Do 2002 Acura RSX Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2002 Acura RSX have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 24 years old, the original bulbs on your RSX 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 2002 Acura RSX?
The H1 low beam bulb on the 2002 Acura RSX is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H1 size. 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.
2002 Acura RSX Headlight FAQ
Did Acura RSX Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Acura RSX has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 2002 to 2006. The low beam has used a H1 LED bulb throughout, which means replacement parts and LED upgrade kits are widely available and well-tested for this model. If you find a deal on bulbs for any RSX year in this range, they will fit your 2002 model.
Other RSX Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H1 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H1 LED low beam bulb: