Replacing a Headlight or Headlight Bulb

*EASY*

On occasion, you may need to replace a burned out or broken headlight. Depending on the headlight's design, you may need to replace the entire headlight unit or just the bulb. A broken headlight will be easily identified upon visual inspection. Identify burned out headlights by activating both high and low beams. On a four headlight system, one headlight may not work. The inoperative headlight should be replaced. On a two headlight system, one headlight may not work in one situation, high or low beam. The bulb alone should be replaced. You can perform headlight or headlight bulb replacement as follows:

1. Park the vehicle on level ground in a well-ventilated area with the engine OFF, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK (for automatic) or REVERSE (for manual).
2. Consult your owner's manual to determine which type of headlight your car has. Sealed beam headlights are removed from the front and are found on older vehicles. In this case, first remove the screws that hold the bezel against the headlight. Do not confuse these screws with the headlight aim adjustment screws or headlight aim will be disrupted. If the bezel screws differ in length, note their correct location. If the screws are weathered or difficult to remove, soak them with a light aerosol lubricant or penetrating oil first.
3. Next, gently pull the headlight out of the housing. Remove the electrical wiring connector from the headlight prongs.
4. Connect the new headlight's prongs to the electrical connector. Place the headlight back in the housing.
5. Replace the metal bezel or trim ring around the headlight. Tighten the screws.
6. If the headlight to be replaced has a halogen bulb, found on newer cars, the bulb must be removed from the rear. In this case, lift the hood and disconnect the electrical wiring attached to the headlamp. Wear eye protection since the halogen bulb is pressurized and could shatter if accidentally cracked.
7. Loosen the retaining clip by turning it in a counterclockwise direction. Pull the old bulb out from the rear of headlamp body. Install the new one in the reverse manner, but do not touch the glass portion of the bulb. It may be necessary to match certain slots on the bulb base with tabs in the headlight socket into which it is inserted. Seat bulb base firmly against socket.
8. Lock the bulb into place using the same retaining clip. Attach the electrical connector firmly.
9. Test the light to make sure it works.

Installing a new headlight or bulb should not affect existing headlight aim.

SYSTEMS
LIGHTS & SWITCHES
REPLACING A BULB
CORRECT OPERATION