How to Replace a Car Headlight

Introduction

Replacing a burned-out bulb or headlight on your car is relatively easy. Cars will have one of two designs: On some cars, you replace only the small halogen bulb inside the larger glass headlamp, and on other cars (usually older ones), the inner bulb and larger headlamp are one piece that must be replaced.

By: eHow Cars Editor

Length: 1:09

Comments: 14

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Moderate

Tips & Warnings:

Always consult a professional if you do not have the knowledge, tools, or time to do the job correctly the first time.

Replacing a Halogen Bulb

Step1

Determine which type of bulb your car uses: Open the hood and look behind the headlamp. If you see a small, plastic, usually black knob on the back of the headlamp, your car requires a small halogen replacement bulb. Go to step 2. If the headlamp is the all-in-one-piece type, you'll see a thin metal band around the outside of the headlamp. This is what holds it in place. On the back of the headlamp you'll see a three-pronged connection covered by a piece of rubber (go to "Replacing a Headlamp" below).

Step2

Unscrew the black knob and pull it out. You may have to push in and turn. The bulb is attached to this knob and will come out with it.

Step3

Remove the bulb.

Step4

Avoid touching the glass on the new halogen bulb with your fingers. The oil from your fingers will ruin the bulb and cause it to burn out.

Step5

Put the new halogen bulb in.

Step6

Screw the knob and the new bulb back into the headlamp.

Step7

Turn on the headlights to test that it works.

Replacing a Headlamp

Step1

Determine if you need to replace the bulb only or the headlamp itself: If the headlamp is the all-in-one-piece type, you'll see a thin metal band around the outside of the headlamp. This is what holds it in place. On the back of the headlamp you'll see a three-pronged connection covered by a piece of rubber. Go to step 10. If you see a small, plastic, usually black knob on the back of the headlamp, your car requires a small halogen replacement bulb (follow the directions in "Replacing a Halogen Bulb" above).

Step2

Unscrew the screws (typically there are two to four) that hold the metal band down. These screws are very small and short - don't confuse them with the two screws that are used for horizontal and vertical headlamp adjustment. The adjustment screws are larger and longer.

Step3

Put the screws where you won't lose or kick them.

Step4

Remove the metal band. The headlamp should hang limp.

Step5

Pull back the rubber covering and unplug the headlamp from the back.

Step6

Put the new headlamp in place and plug it in. Put the rubber cover back over the connection.

Step7

Put the metal band back on, and screw the small screws back in to hold it in place.

Step8

Turn on the headlights to test that it works.

Comments

mrdane said

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on 6/1/2008 Just got done changing my girlfriend's acura bulbs. Be sure to consult your car's manual for extra reference. For example the acura had additional steps such as debolting the battery to get a more workspace as well as a weather seal and hold-in wire that needed to be removed and replaced.

JimCheng said

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on 9/10/2007 I have a 2004 Mazda 2i sedan, I can't see where to access the lower mounting screws for changing out the headlamp assembly

kathra2003 said

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on 8/27/2007 I DID IT!!!!! This was so helpful. It wasn't as easy as the video, because of all the stuhh crammed behind my headlight, but I got my hand back there and got it done. I didn't even need tools. Before I found the site, I almost started to disassemble the whole headlight.

mikedobbs said

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on 8/8/2007 It may help to hold the new bulb with a cloth or glove as it is not a good idea to touch the bulb. I read somewhere that the oils in your skin shorten the bulb life.