How To Install Replacement Headlight Bulbs?

A blown headlight can be a quick way to a traffic ticket or an accident. If one of your headlights is inoperable, chances are it is only a blown bulb. The good news is that this is an inexpensive fix. The bad news is that you may need a few tips to help you replace that bulb. There are a number of different bulbs on the market, each requiring a different mounting technique. In addition, different vehicles use different mounting locations and methods. A few tips and tools will you'll be back on the road in no time.

Knowing Your Bulbs:

Do you know what type of headlight bulb you need? Many owners have no idea what type is required. The first place to look is in your owner's manual. If the information is not there, or you no longer have your owner's manual, you'll need to remove the bulb to verify what type you need. Additionally, you can use the Internet to locate a vast amount of information, including bulb type required for your specific vehicle. However, the surest means of determining what bulb you need is to remove your old one, or you can click here to find your correct bulb size for your vehicle.

There are two different types of bulb access used on the market today. The vast majority of modern cars use internal access, though older models use exterior access. If your bulb is accessed from the outside, chances are that you have a sealed beam bulb and will have to replace the entire headlight, rather than just the bulb. Older model domestic vehicles are usually the ones with this type of headlight.

Generally, exterior, sealed beam units simply require the removal of four screws, located beneath a trim band. Once these screws are removed, the light can be pulled out and disconnected from the wiring harness. Installation is a simple repetition of these steps.

Interior Accessed Bulbs:

Tools You'll Need:

• Flashlight
• Slim flathead screwdriver or mechanic's pocket pick
• Clean rag
• Patience

Interior accessed bulbs are another story. Let' take the Honda CR-V for example. This vehicle uses a standard halogen bulb, though it has a three-pronged stability system and a couple of other doodads that add to the light's stability.

The first step to removing any interior accessed light bulb is to access the wiring harness. Many vehicles have dust cover, which must be removed to access the harness. Most of the time, this cover can simply be pulled out of the way. The wiring harness connector will be plugged directly into the light bulb. The trick is to remove the wiring harness prior to removing the bulb. While this might sound easy, it can be harder than you think. If your vehicle has not had a headlight chance in a while, you'll have to pry the connector loose.

Be careful; many automakers gob on lubrication around the connector. This mess can quickly stain any clothing, so make sure you're wearing something you don't mind getting dirty. Once you have pried the connector loose, it's time to remove the bulb, itself.

You will have to determine which type of mounting mechanism your vehicle uses. Many manufacturers use a simple twist lock to secure the bulb. In this case, simply turn the bulb counterclockwise and pull back; the bulb will come with you. However, some vehicles (such as the CR-V noted above, and some Hyundai models) use a spring wire to secure the bulb to the headlight housing. This spring must be depressed (push towards the front of the car), swung down and then pulled back in order to remove the bulb. Thankfully, few vehicles use this method.

Now it's time to replace that bulb. Stop before you grab it, though! If you have a halogen bulb (and chances are that you do), do not touch the bulb with your skin. The oil from your skin can cause the bulb to blowout and you'll just have to repeat the process. The best bet is to grasp the bulb firmly by the base, avoiding contact with the bulb, itself. Gently insert it into the headlight housing and twist it clockwise until it locks in place. If you have another mounting method, simply repeat the removal steps in reverse.

Once the bulb is in, it's time to reconnect the wiring harness. For three-prong style connectors, ensure that the connectors are in line with the appropriate holes and slid the connector onto the bulb. For bulbs with a tongue and slot connector, simply push the harness connector over the bulb connector until the tongue slot slides over the post on the bulb.

I hope this guide was helpful. Visit Urban Neon Car Lights and browse our wide selection of car lights and aftermarket truck lighting.