What Size Bulbs Does a 2002 Acura 3.2 TL 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 2002 Acura 3.2 TL Have?
The 2002 Acura 3.2 TL features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D2R projector headlights. The 3.2 TL has been available from 1996 to 2003, and the 2002 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2002 Acura 3.2 TL?
The 2002 Acura 3.2 TL 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 9006 LED halogen bulb, which can be upgraded to LED for a whiter color match with your HID headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2002 Acura 3.2 TL
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 2002 3.2 TL 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 9006 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2002 Acura 3.2 TL 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 | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 LED |
Brake Light | 7440 | Buy 7440 |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Side Marker | 168 | Buy 168 |
Turn Signal Front | 1157A | Buy 1157A |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 1157A | Buy 1157A |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156A | Buy 1156A |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Trunk Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2002 Acura 3.2 TLHow Long Do 2002 Acura 3.2 TL Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2002 Acura 3.2 TL 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 24 years old, the original bulbs on your 3.2 TL 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 3.2 TL?
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 3.2 TL Headlight FAQ
Did Acura 3.2 TL Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1996 to 2003, the Acura 3.2 TL has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2002 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2002. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2002 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other 3.2 TL Years
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Other Vehicles That Use HID-D2R LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D2R LED low beam bulb: