Replace Headlight Bulb
How to Replace a Headlight Bulb
The headlight bulb is one of the most important bulbs in your car. Headlights
keep the road ahead well illuminated for safe driving at night. Headlights also
help opposing drivers see your car more easily. Headlight bulbs are designed to
work in two separate modes the primary mode which is the beam in the low position
which is called "low beam" the other mode is called high beam because the beam is
projected higher along the road to see objects further away and is generally brighter.
The high beam position is generally used of open highway condition or where opposing
traffic will not be distracted by the light beam. Replacing a headlight bulb is
relativity simple in most cases. The lights in and around your vehicle are not only
a convenience they are a safety
precaution. All lights on your vehicle should be working at all times, if fact
it's against the law for any exterior lights on your car to not be in proper working
order. If it was designed and installed by the manufacturer for your vehicle, it
must work at all times. Make it a regular check for your vehicle to assure the proper
operation for your lights. Always check headlight operation at night or in a dark
garage. First inspect the headlight lens and other lenses for cracks and clarity
(dull or milky), next turn the headlights on, the headlights should shine bright.
If your headlight bulb has failed; here are some steps you can do to replace it.
First determine if your headlight bulb is composite or sealed beam. Most cars and
trucks today have composite lenses with easy to replace headlight bulbs. Next remove
the retainer that holds the bulb in the headlight housing, replace bulb with new
unit and reassemble, recheck operation. Note: there is a notch in the headlight
bulb that only allows it to be installed one way. Sealed beam headlights may require
some disassembly of the grille area; consult a
service manual for
your vehicle for this procedure.
First you must identify the headlight bulb or bulbs that have failed. This is done by simply activating the headlight switch with the ignition key in the "on" position. Then observe both headlights and take note on the failed bulb location. Turn the ignition key "off" Before you begin position the car on level ground, in park with the emergency brake "on". Also wear protective gloves, clothing and eyewear. Some headlight bulbs required to tolls to replace. If tools are required we have listed the most likely tools to perform the job.
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete this Job 1. Torex head screw driver set 2. Regular screwdriver set 3. Set of wrenches
4. Shop towel 5. Headlight bulb replacement part
Instructions Step 1 - Find the hood release handle and activate it, the hood should pop open Step 2 - Once the hood is popped open locate the hood secondary or safety latch and release it. Then finish opening the hood. Step 3 - Locate and remove mounting clips for any plastic shields that cover the headlight lens mounting screws or clips. To replace a headlight bulb you must gain access to the lens where the bulb is located. All vehicles are different but the concept is the same.
Remove Lens Retainer Clips Step 4 - Some headlight bulbs can be replaced by simply grasping the bulb socket behind the headlight lens and turn it counter clockwise to remove it. This will expose the headlight bulb. Step 5 - If the headlight bulb socket is not accessible the headlight lens may need to be remove or obstructions behind the bulb removed to gain access to the headlight bulb socket. Step 6 - To remove the headlight lens remove all mounting screws and clips that hold the headlight lens in place.
Remove Headlight Lens Step 7 - After the mounting hardware has been removed, hold the headlight lens in both hands for safety and remove in from the vehicle. Once the headlight housing has been removed from it's mounts, release the headlight bulb from the headlight lens housing (turn counter clockwise) the bulb will then come out of the headlight assembly. Once removed, visually verify that the replacement bulb is exactly the same as the failed bulb before to ensure a proper repair. Step 8 - Clean the headlight lens free from all debris to help maintain the seal from the bulb to the lens. This will keep moisture out of the lens. Step 9 - Install the new headlight bulb by turning the retainer ring or bulb clockwise.
Changing the Headlight Bulb Step 10 - Re-install the headlight lens housing and reinstall electrical connector. Step 11 - Re-install plastic covers After the job is complete turn the ignition key to the "on" position and activate the headlight switch. Observe the newly replaced headlight bulb to ensure proper operation. If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions. Also, gain manufacturer specific instructions and information by clicking - Auto Repair Manual Related Car Repair Information
First you must identify the headlight bulb or bulbs that have failed. This is done by simply activating the headlight switch with the ignition key in the "on" position. Then observe both headlights and take note on the failed bulb location. Turn the ignition key "off" Before you begin position the car on level ground, in park with the emergency brake "on". Also wear protective gloves, clothing and eyewear. Some headlight bulbs required to tolls to replace. If tools are required we have listed the most likely tools to perform the job.
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete this Job 1. Torex head screw driver set 2. Regular screwdriver set 3. Set of wrenches
4. Shop towel 5. Headlight bulb replacement part
Instructions Step 1 - Find the hood release handle and activate it, the hood should pop open Step 2 - Once the hood is popped open locate the hood secondary or safety latch and release it. Then finish opening the hood. Step 3 - Locate and remove mounting clips for any plastic shields that cover the headlight lens mounting screws or clips. To replace a headlight bulb you must gain access to the lens where the bulb is located. All vehicles are different but the concept is the same.
Remove Lens Retainer Clips Step 4 - Some headlight bulbs can be replaced by simply grasping the bulb socket behind the headlight lens and turn it counter clockwise to remove it. This will expose the headlight bulb. Step 5 - If the headlight bulb socket is not accessible the headlight lens may need to be remove or obstructions behind the bulb removed to gain access to the headlight bulb socket. Step 6 - To remove the headlight lens remove all mounting screws and clips that hold the headlight lens in place.
Remove Headlight Lens Step 7 - After the mounting hardware has been removed, hold the headlight lens in both hands for safety and remove in from the vehicle. Once the headlight housing has been removed from it's mounts, release the headlight bulb from the headlight lens housing (turn counter clockwise) the bulb will then come out of the headlight assembly. Once removed, visually verify that the replacement bulb is exactly the same as the failed bulb before to ensure a proper repair. Step 8 - Clean the headlight lens free from all debris to help maintain the seal from the bulb to the lens. This will keep moisture out of the lens. Step 9 - Install the new headlight bulb by turning the retainer ring or bulb clockwise.
Changing the Headlight Bulb Step 10 - Re-install the headlight lens housing and reinstall electrical connector. Step 11 - Re-install plastic covers After the job is complete turn the ignition key to the "on" position and activate the headlight switch. Observe the newly replaced headlight bulb to ensure proper operation. If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions. Also, gain manufacturer specific instructions and information by clicking - Auto Repair Manual Related Car Repair Information