Acura HID Bulb Replacement Guide

Acura uses both reflector and projector HID systems. Early reflector HID headlamps (TL, RL, CL, CSX) use D2R bulbs, which have a painted shield and different base indexing to work with mirrored reflector optics. Later projector‑style HID systems use clear‑glass D2S bulbs. D2R and D2S are not interchangeable—always match the D‑code printed on your existing capsule.

Factory HID Models (Acura)

TL
1999–2003 TL (reflector HID) — D2R
2004–2008 TL / TL Type‑S (projector HID) — D2S
2009–2014 TL (all factory HID trims) — D2S

TSX
2004–2008 TSX — D2S
2009–2014 TSX — D2S

TLX
2015–2020 TLX — factory “Jewel Eye” low‑beams are LED, not D‑series HID; if your TLX appears to have HID, verify carefully before ordering any D2S bulb

ILX
2013–2016 ILX Technology / Hybrid with factory HID — D2S
Base‑trim ILX models in these years use halogen and do not take D‑series HID capsules

MDX
2001–2006 MDX — halogen low‑beams from the factory; no OEM HID application
2007–2013 MDX (projector HID trims) — D2S
2014–2020 MDX — low‑beam is predominantly LED on Canadian trims; do not assume D‑series HID without checking the housing label

RDX
2007–2012 RDX Technology — D2S
2013–2015 RDX (factory HID trims) — D2S
2016–2018 RDX — most Canadian models use LED low‑beams; confirm before ordering any HID bulb

RL / RLX
1999–2004 RL (reflector HID) — D2R
2005–2012 RL (projector HID) — D2S
2014+ RLX — factory “Jewel Eye” LED headlamps; no D‑series HID low‑beam

CL
2001–2003 CL (Type‑S and other HID‑equipped trims) — D2R

CSX
2006–2011 CSX (factory HID trims; Canada‑only) — D2R

NSX
2002–2005 NSX with factory HID — D2S

ZDX
2010–2013 ZDX — D2S

Related Guides

D2R HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement
D2S HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement
D3S HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement (for vehicles that have factory D3S retrofits, not Acura)
Factory HID Bulb Guide — All Makes & Models

Acura HID FAQs

Is my early TL, RL or CL D2S or D2R?
Reflector HID systems on 1999–2003 TL, 1999–2004 RL and 2001–2003 CL use D2R. If your low‑beam capsule has a painted shield and the housing is a mirrored reflector, you need D2R, not D2S.

My 2010 MDX owner’s manual says “D2S 35W” — is that what I buy?
Yes. 2007–2013 MDX projector HIDs use D2S; choose an OEM‑spec D2S capsule to match the factory ballast.

Can I install D2S in a D2R housing?
No. D2R bulbs have an opaque mask and different indexing to work with reflector optics, while D2S is designed for projectors. Swapping types will ruin the beam pattern and create glare.

Does any Acura use D3S or D4S?
No factory Acura HID system from this era uses D3S or D4S. If a catalog lists D3S or D4S for your Acura, treat it as a red flag and confirm the exact D‑code on your existing bulb.

Confused by conflicting listings?
Send us a photo of your existing bulb and housing, or call 647‑547‑1962 and we’ll help confirm D2S vs D2R (or LED vs halogen) before you order.