How To Replace Your Headlight Assembly?

Over time, your headlight lenses become yellow, cracked and ugly. Not only do they take away from the look of your ride, but they also reduce the amount of light emitted and focused through the lens. When this happens, the only thing to do is to replace your headlight assembly. While you most certainly can take it to a mechanic, why pay those high prices for something you can do on your own? With a few tools and a little knowhow, you can change out your headlight assemblies in a just a matter of minutes.

While there are thousands of headlight styles in the world, almost all of them mount in the same manner, generally speaking. For instance, you'll have to pop the hood and go underneath to find the mounting bolts on almost all models. Most headlights must be removed through the front of the vehicle; however, it is worth noting that some must be removed through the engine compartment.

Tools You'll Need:

• An appropriately sized socket: 10mm and 12mm nuts are usually standard, though other sizes are used on some models. Choose a deep well socket if possible.
• Ratchet and extension
• Clean cloth
• Flathead screwdriver
• Flashlight
• New bulbs

Installation Steps:

1. Open the hood and locate the mounting bolts for your headlights. There should be 3-5 bolts centered around the outside of the assembly. These will usually mount through plastic hangers, into the vehicle.
2. Ensure that you have enough room. Many times, you'll find that you need to move the battery out of the way to get to one headlight. You don't have to disconnect the battery, though you can if you need to. If you choose to disconnect the battery, make sure you have the radio code for your vehicle, if applicable. Loosen the battery mount (hold down clamp) and slide the battery back out of the way.
3. Locate the wiring harness for the headlight assembly. This is usually a black or white connector, attached to the base of the bulb, though designs vary with make and model. Remove the wiring harness.
4. Remove the headlight bulb and set to the side. If you did not purchase new bulbs, you'll need this, as well. Be careful not to touch the bulb with your fingers. While you do not have to use new bulbs with the new assembly, it is highly recommended.
5. Loosen each bolt on the headlight assembly. Set the bolts/nuts aside; you'll need them to install the new headlight assembly.
6. Press gently outward on the back of the headlight assembly (push towards the front of the car). Make sure you have one hand on the front of the assembly so that it does not fall when it comes free of the vehicle.
7. Set the old assembly to the side.
8. Place the new assembly in the mounting location, slide it in and insert the bolts/nuts. Tighten these gently, using a star pattern. Once all the bolts/nuts are snug, begin tightening them fully. Be careful not to over torque them, this can crack the hanger, damage the assembly or even shear off the bolt.
9. Install the new bulb, reattach the wiring harness and put your battery back in place. Before you get back on the road, make sure that the headlights work properly. You may need to aim your new headlights; this will require only a few separate adjustments.

Important Notes:

1. For vehicles whose headlight assemblies must be removed from under the hood, you'll need to apply pressure at the front of the headlight, pushing towards the engine. You'll also need to make sure you have adequate clearance under the hood. Hoses and even AC lines can be pushed back slightly, without damaging them. Simply remove the headlight assembly through the engine compartment and install the new one in reverse order.
2. For vehicles with HID headlights: it is vital that you disconnect your battery, prior to working with these headlights. HIDs use an enormous amount of electricity. Keep your safety first; disconnect the battery and allow the system to discharge for 60 seconds prior to working with the bulbs or housings.
3. If you encounter resistance when removing your headlight assembly, simply wrap the tip of the flathead screwdriver in the cloth and insert it into the space on the backside of the assembly. Work the screwdriver around the edges, gently pushing back and forth; you'll quickly break the seal and the headlight will slide free.

I hope this was helpful. Come to Urban Neon Car Lights and browse our wide selection of automotive lighting.