[Carfreak09]

This is really shocking to me that you can’t replace the LED DRL or turn signal separate from the rest of the headlight assembly. Back in 2012, Fiat had a non replaceable LED license plate light. They started failing early and customers were furious they had to replace the WHOLE assembly, which was a big chrome piece that included the button to open the hatch. The piece cost over $100 and was not an easy DIY repair. So Fiat changed the design of the 2013 models to include a separate bulb assembly that can be popped out and changed for $12. Blows me away Honda hasn’t figured this out and doesn’t think of their customers. The reality is, LEDs are not the lifetime bulb that we were led to believe so everyone will probably run into this expensive repair at some point. Shame on Honda!

 

[insightfully]

Maybe it's the skeptic in me, but I think it's intentional on Honda's part. As cars have longer service intervals and fewer trips to the dealer for service, these types of full part swaps (vs bulb swaps) will bring people in. I'm sure there's also a healthy profit margin for Honda in selling OEM assemblies rather than bulbs.

 

[Carfreak09]

Maybe it's the skeptic in me, but I think it's intentional on Honda's part. As cars have longer service intervals and fewer trips to the dealer for service, these types of full part swaps (vs bulb swaps) will bring people in. I'm sure there's also a healthy profit margin for Honda in selling OEM assemblies rather than bulbs.

Perhaps, but if we raise **** about it instead of bending over, perhaps they will change the design like Fiat did.

 

[Mobilcams]

I’m sure some dyi person or group out there will figure out a way to “hack” these assemblies. It’s just a matter of time.

 

[mgldan]

So far as a DIY replacement: I sort of wonder how many LED elements are inside there. My first guess is that the "eyebrow" is a clear plastic light guide, and clearly there's at least one LED, but there could be multiple LEDs. I took a brief glance earlier and couldn't tell from the outside.

 

[Anthony Shortte]

So, I just bought a car that has faulty headlamps that will cost me upwards of $1400 a pop to replace the assemblies?

Am I reading that right?

 

[andrew28]

So, I just bought a car that has faulty headlamps that will cost me upwards of $1400 a pop to replace the assemblies?

Am I reading that right?

You can buy the headlamp assembly for around $570 or cheaper from a wrecked car(seen some on eBay for $400). I haven't seen any reports of a faulty headlamp for the Insight yet. It's a different design from the Accords that do have faulty LED daytime running lights. At least Honda acknowledged the issue and is offering a 10 year warranty/unlimited miles for those owners. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10159030-0001.pdf


You can always look into buying Honda Care as an option.

 

[insightfully]

So, I just bought a car that has faulty headlamps that will cost me upwards of $1400 a pop to replace the assemblies?

Am I reading that right?

I had the same reaction in this thread on "LED Lamp Replacing" after looking up price to replace both headlight assemblies with OEM parts. That thread started because the manual advises LED lights are to be replaced by dealer. The general consensus was that LEDs should last for tens of thousands of hours (20k-50k). Even assuming "worst case" (for me) at driving with 4 hours of headlight use per day, it should be 13+ years on the low end (20k hrs) before replacement 'should' be needed. We'll see how that time estimate plays out in reality... but hopefully it also buys time for "alternate solutions" to arise for single bulb replacements rather than full assembly swap.

 

[cganesh]

We recently had our fog light lens on our Ridgeline cracked by a rock on the highway and found out that the entire assembly has to be replaced to fix the lens. Currently I have it taped up using that great clear tape you get in hospitals that stick great and also help keep moisture out. I found out that the entire front end has to be removed to put in a replacement fog light assembly. I'm guess my new Insight is the same way and now looking for a coating I can put on the lenses to help keep them from cracking when hit by rocks. Anyone have any suggestions.

 

[andrew28]

We recently had our fog light lens on our Ridgeline cracked by a rock on the highway and found out that the entire assembly has to be replaced to fix the lens. Currently I have it taped up using that great clear tape you get in hospitals that stick great and also help keep moisture out. I found out that the entire front end has to be removed to put in a replacement fog light assembly. I'm guess my new Insight is the same way and now looking for a coating I can put on the lenses to help keep them from cracking when hit by rocks. Anyone have any suggestions.

I don't think a coating is going to prevent rock damage while driving at highway speed. Have you seen the rock that went through @hasarad 's metal license plate? https://www.gen3insight.com/forum/7...19-honda-insight-general-discussion/1892-speed-holes-do-not-make-go-faster.html


You do have the option to file a claim with your insurance company. Rock damage is considered as collision damage.

 

[Mr. Natural]

I thought I’d check some other cars LED headlight assembly prices just for comparison. A quick Google found the 2019 Camry Hybrid going for > $1250. Crazy.

 

[Doogie]

LED Headlights replacement bulbs

My apologies, but this is my first car with LED headlights/sidelights. I'm used to going to the local NAPA and getting bulbs for everything from my 1922 Ford Model T, to my 1981 Delorean, to my 2005 GMC Safari.

The marker lights and headlights look pretty unique to this car however. Are these LED bulbs unique or something that can be purchased locally?

Doogie

 

[insightfully]

When the headlights need to be replaced, it's done by whole assembly rather than individual bulbs. See this thread for discussion: https://www.gen3insight.com/forum/7...t.com/forum/7-2019-honda-insight-general-discussion/744-led-lamp-replacing.html

 

[Doogie]

Thanks for the link. Ouch! $1K to replace headlights? Holy sniky! I usually keep my cars for 10+ Years. Maybe I should buy a spare set and put them on the shelf, as undoubtedly they will not be available a decade from now...

Or......

Start up a headlight re-manufacturing company...

 

[andrew28]

Thanks for the link. Ouch! $1K to replace headlights? Holy sniky! I usually keep my cars for 10+ Years. Maybe I should buy a spare set and put them on the shelf, as undoubtedly they will not be available a decade from now...

Or......

Start up a headlight re-manufacturing company...

Honda supports their vehicles for 15 years after they stop production.
They have this as policy.
What usually happens is that once a model stops production by 10 years the make a very big final batch of parts and then sell them off to various auto parts companies.
https://www.quora.com/How-long-does...-an-automotive-manufacturer-keep-producing-spare-parts-for-a-discontinued-model

I don't think we have to worry about having a hard time finding spare parts for our Insights. :wink:

 

[1588]

Anyone have any idea how much it would cost to replace the right daytime running light? Mine seems to be out. It’s not completely out but doesn’t shine bright as left side . Maybe 20% brightness, which I’m assuming because it needs replacement. Both headlights are still good.

 

[andrew28]

Honda doesn't offer DRL replacement. You must buy the whole headlight. Also check if your 12v battery condition is good.

 

[1588]

Damn.. looks like I’m going to be out about $500 according to this thread. I just replaced my 12v about 1k miles ago (it actually got replaced for free under a 3year unlimited mileage warranty). I’m at 292k miles now so it makes sense for something in the front light assembly to go bad.

 

[andrew28]

This thread was from 2019 so you would be out more than $500. The headlight assembly retails for $1000 now but you can get it from an online dealership for around $700. Or you can try finding one from a junk yard. I would get the 12v battery test, if you're in an area with extreme heat above 100F for extended periods, as some in the West Coast are experiencing.

 

[Lavash]

Anyone have any idea how much it would cost to replace the right daytime running light? Mine seems to be out. It’s not completely out but doesn’t shine bright as left side . Maybe 20% brightness, which I’m assuming because it needs replacement. Both headlights are still good.

I recommend finding a competent electrician who would first establish the cause. Therefore, the reason may not be in the headlight. You need to check before buying a new one. It is trite that the contact in the connector can be oxidized and the voltage will come slightly lower.
If, nevertheless, the reason is in the spotlight, then you can look for a whole one, but not a new one - the price should be more reasonable.