How to Install Headlights in a Car
New headlights can mean better vision when driving at night. Whether one of your headlights has just gone out or you simply want to upgrade to a brighter light, installing headlights is generally an easy job that can be done in less than 30 minutes. Consider changing both headlights at the same time.
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Instructions
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Installing a Headlight in a Car
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The headlights can be accessed via the front part of the car through the hood. The actual back of the light should easily be spied when the hood is open. The black conglomeration of wires leading into the back of the headlight is what's holding the light into place. There are two different ways that a headlight is changed.
On newer cars, the entire molded headlight comes out from the body in one unit. According to the 2 Car Pros website, "all vehicles are different but the concept is the same." Remove the pins, screws or clips that attach the headlight to the body of the car. The screws are likely on top of the headlight. Pins and clips can be on either side. The entire headlight should easily pull forward still attached to the car--wires hanging out the back. Don't pull it too far--only far enough to get to the bulb in the back of the headlight.
On older cars, the headlight stays attached to the body.
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2
The bulb is located in the back of the headlight where the wires are going into the light. Whether you have a newer or older car, there is some kind of twist mechanism holding the bulb into the headlight. Twist in a counterclockwise direction. Line up the tabs if there are any and then pull the bulb out. Don't touch the bulb with your fingers. The oil from your hand can cause the bulb to break when it gets hot. Limit your hold on the bulb to the black base of the bulb. The bulb can be freely handled with gloves or a cloth.
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3
Be sure the old bulb and the new bulb are exactly the same. Do this by holding them up to each other. Compare the size of the light and the base attachments to make sure all of these parts match.
Insert the new bulb into the headlight. Line up the tabs on the wiring to the back of the headlight. Twist the bulb into place.
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4
On newer cars, reinsert the molded headlight into place and screw it back onto the frame of the car.
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Turn on your lights and check to make sure both lights are working properly. If the lights don't work, make sure the connection is strong and that the light was reinserted into the headlight properly.
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References
- Photo Credit headlight image by Yulaki Khvenchuk from Fotolia.com
