Factory OEM HID kit (Matsushita ballasts with D2R bulbs)

Electrical Lighting - HID conversion Verified Modification Required

Compatibility Overview

Source Vehicle

TL

Years: 1999

Target Vehicle

Civic

Generation: EG (JDM one-piece H4H headlamps)

Years: 1992-1995

Installation Difficulty

Easy Basic tools
Moderate Some experience
Difficult Skilled work
Expert Professional

Reference

B16A specs → B18C specs → F20C specs → H22A specs → K20A specs → K24A specs → C20AT specs → EV specs → D17A specs → LEB-H5 specs → R20A6 specs → R18Z6 specs → B18A specs → D15A1 specs → EW5 specs → J25A specs → B20B specs → K20Z2 specs → B18C-00-Spec-R specs → B18B specs → B18C-96-Spec-R specs → B18C-98-Spec-R specs → B18C-SiR-G specs → K20A-RAA specs → K24A-RBB specs → C32B specs → C30A specs → L15ZF specs → L15BU specs → L13B specs → ZC SOHC specs → ZC SOHC Carb specs → ZC DOHC Gen2 specs → ZC SOHC VTEC specs → B16A SiRII specs → F18B specs → F20B-CF4 specs → F20B specs → ZC DOHC specs → RNE ECU → REB ECU →
The 1999 Acura TL's OEM D2R HID system is the best-fitting HID option for JDM H4H headlamps (EG Civic J-spec one-piece lights; the same approach was established on JDM DA Integra lamps). The D2R base width is almost identical to the H4H so the bulb does not shake in the socket, and the arc position matches the H4H filament placement, preserving essentially the stock beam placement - the bulb sits only about 1/8 inch further back due to the large HID plug, which also prevents the bulb falling through the housing. Use D2R (with the light-blocking stripe for reflector housings), not D2S. Nothing bolts up: bulb base, seal, retention clip, and harness all require the modifications described. High beam function is lost since the dual-filament H4H cannot be replicated by the single-arc HID. OEM D2R/D2S bulbs are cheap, non-brand-specific, and available from any dealer or eBay, and an unmodified factory kit is more reliable than a rebased aftermarket kit.
The D2R bulbs must be modified to seat in the H4H socket: grind off the three tabs on the bulb base and grind a small rounded slit at the 3 o'clock position (viewed from the back of the bulb) for alignment, with the bulb's small rod oriented at the bottom. Cut a slit in the rubber bulb seal to pass the large D2R plug through (this compromises the weather seal and should ideally be resealed). Fabricate a bulb retention clip from stiff wire - a paperclip replica works but is weak, so use thicker wire - bent with a V-shaped back section to press the bulb into the socket; it installs by backing off the original clip's anchor screw just enough to swap clips. For wiring, solder a standard H4/sealed-beam harness pigtail directly to the ballast wires (with heat shrink) and fit male-to-male brass connectors so the kit plugs into the car's factory headlight connector.

Important Caveats

  • • The JDM housing has no glare shield, so there is no distinct cutoff line; the fluted lens produces flare, and repliers noted an HID in a halogen housing remains a glare risk - aim the lamps well down and consider painting the bottom of the reflector black or flat grey.
  • • High beams are lost entirely.
  • • Not street-legal in most jurisdictions: DOT approval numbers on the OEM bulbs and ballasts do not make an HID conversion in a halogen housing road-legal.
  • • Beam width and clarity do not match OEM HID projectors - this is the best result achievable for H4H housings, not a projector-quality beam.

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Community Verification

1
user verified this swap
By DjGuamstyles via Honda-Tech
Added 7 hours ago

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