Replace a Headlight Bulb
SKILL LEVEL 2
by Jeff Day
Once you know your headlight bulb is burned out, don't waste time and money by taking it to the dealer. You can fix it yourself. These instructions are for component-style headlights, which are on all but the oldest cars (old cars have sealed beam headlights, in which the reflector, lens and bulb are a single unit). With component style, you just replace the bulb — the trickiest part can be getting your hand into a tight spot to remove the bulb.
DIY author Jeff Day worked his way through college in car factories and now spends far too much time working on his own car.
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2 Skill level
2 out of 5
5 Steps
1 Materials
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Step 1 Disconnect the external plug
Make sure the lights are off. Open the hood, reach inside the engine compartment and remove the plug — it either connects directly to the back of the headlight assembly or is connected to a wire that leads to the back of the assembly. -
Step 2 Remove the dust shield
The back of the light assembly is usually protected by a rubber or plastic shield that keeps out dust and moisture. Depending on the car, you either remove the shield by turning it counterclockwise or by pulling or sliding it off the light. -
Step 3 Disconnect internal wiring
There might be a plug inside the assembly that connects to the headlight bulb your'e replacing. If so, remove it by either turning the plug counterclockwise or pulling it. -
Step 4 Remove the socket or retaining ring
The lights might be held in place with a retaining ring, or the socket might be housed directly in the back of the light assembly. Check how the retaining ring or socket comes out of the headlight assembly — you probably turn it a quarter turn — and remove it. -
Step 5 Remove and replace the old headlight bulb
Remove the old headlight bulb, which usually pulls straight out — it might be a single piece bulb-and-socket combination or it might be a headlight bulb that pulls out of its socket.
Handle the new headlight bulb with a cloth or paper towel, because the oils from your hand can create hot spots on the bulb, causing it to burn out.
- If the bulb is the type that comes out of its socket, put a new bulb in the socket, and put the socket and bulb back in the light assembly.
- If the bulb fastens directly into the assembly with no socket, twist or push it in place, as needed, and fasten it.
Reattach the retaining ring and internal plug, if the light has them. Then reattach the dust shield and plugs or wires leading to the assembly.
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