How to Repair the Headlight on a Ford Focus

Repair a dead headlight in minutes.

Driving with a dead headlight is not only dangerous, it can be expensive if you are pulled over by the police. Many Focus owners go to an auto shop to have a headlight repaired, although it is one of the easiest repairs you can make yourself. If you can screw in a light bulb, you can fix your headlight.

Things You'll Need

• HB2 bulb (2000 to 2004)
• HB5 bulb (2005 to current)

Instructions

1. Turn off car and the headlights to avoid the risk of an electrical shock.

2. Open the hood.

3. Locate the headlight bulb cover at the front of the vehicle, directly behind the headlight.

4. Rotate the bulb cover counterclockwise to remove it.

5. Move the wire clip that holds the bulb socket in place to the left, and pull the socket out of the headlight.

6. Remove the bulb from the socket. It will pull free quite easily. If the bulb is held in place by a retaining ring, twist it off in a counterclockwise direction.

7. Plug a new headlight into the socket. If applicable, screw the retaining ring back on.

8. Return the socket to the headlight, securing the wire clip back in place, and screw the bulb cover back in place.

9. Turn on the car, and test the headlight.

References

• 2002 Ford Focus Owner's Guide
• 2010 Ford Focus Owner's Guide