Introduction
A broken car headlight is something you can’t ignore. Aside from avoiding tickets, headlight replacement ensures safety for you and other drivers you share the road with.
Your headlight bulb can go out occasionally for several reasons. The good thing is that you won’t need fancy power tools to change a blown headlight. A good old wrench, pliers, and screwdriver can take on the task; it’s a quick DIY job.
And to make the job a bit “lighter,” here’s a guide to teach you the easy steps of headlight replacement.
5 Steps To Change Your Car’s Headlights
Different headlight designs are easy to spot, especially since they can make or break a car’s look. Over the years, this car part has evolved and innovated for safer and more stylistic looks. But despite the changes, the general headlight replacement process remains universal.
Changing the headlamp bulb is straightforward. But before you do so, you must wear the proper gear to handle the task properly.
Grab a pair of nitrile gloves since car lightbulbs can be delicate. While at it, set your tools before taking the first step. Here’s a checklist of the tools you’ll need.
- Basic socket and ratchet
- Screwdriver set
- Needlenose pliers
- Plastic clip removal tool
- Magnetic light
Once every tool is on set, you can start the job– it shouldn’t take long. Here are the easy steps you can follow.
Step 1: Disconnect the Power
Switching off the power is a rule of thumb when working on electrical components. Before you touch any wire or twist any screws, turn the engine off first.
Completely remove your key on the ignition switch. You don’t have to release the battery connections; turning the engine off is enough.
Step 2: Open the Hood
Popping the hood will give you access to the headlight housing. You must locate and unplug the connections to work your way.
Some cars have an easy-access headlight assembly, while others may have them below under-the-hood components. The easy-access headlight housing does not need removal and is often accessible through the engine bay.
Either way, the assembly is held by two bolts, which you can unscrew using a socket wrench. Once unscrewed, the housing slides out easily.
If the housing needs to be taken out, release the wire connections that are secured by a screw cap or metal clip. The socket releases by pressing the clip or tab and then pulling while gently wiggling.
Step 3: Remove the Old Bulb
Once you access the headlight assembly, the next thing to do is release the bulb connector cable. There’s a dedicated socket for signal lights and for the leading light.
If you drive an older model car, you likely have a separate light for high and low beams. If so, ensure you correctly identify which bulb needs replacement. Some bulbs are held in place by thin clip wires.
You can unlatch the retainer by pushing on the bulb before rotating counterclockwise. The bulb will be released once the locking tabs align.
Newer models will have single bulbs for high and low beams. This works by having two filaments dedicated to each setting. Having either a blown low or high-beam filament automatically calls for bulb replacement.
Either way, removing a bulb in an old or new car remains reasonably similar. Wire clips or bayonet-style retainers will secure both bulbs you turn left to loosen.
Sometimes, loosening the retainer can be difficult, as it can get stuck. But you must exert only moderate force to avoid damaging the retainer. Damaging the retainer is the last thing you want to see, as it will mean complete housing replacement, so be careful.
Step 4: Install the new Bulb
Wear nitrile gloves. Do not touch the replacement bulb with your bare hand.
These are the most important instructions to remember when handling your replacement bulb. You must never touch it with your bare hand, as skin oil can cause nasty hotspots. These hotspots can lead to premature bulb burnout, shortening your replacement’s lifespan.
To secure the new bulb, align the locking tabs and rotate the bulb clockwise. Wait for the click sound to guarantee the new bulb is perfectly in place. Then, reassemble the parts in a manner relative to the disassembly sequence.
Step 5: Make sure the connections are secure and test the new bulb
Every replacement part needs testing.
Once the new bulb is installed, you must verify whether it works. Put your car in accessory mode (ACC) and begin your quick test. It should involve aiming the bulb’s low and high beams to check if both settings work.
Common problems and solutions for car headlights
It is normal for a headlight to break down from time to time, considering that its bulb has a limited lifespan. However, other factors can cause headlight problems besides normal wear. Here are the common headlamp issues and their solutions.
Headlights not working
The first thing to look at is if it’s a blown bulb. Do a bulb replacement if your headlight has completely shut down.
However, it can also be caused by loose connections or battery problems. Check for loose wiring and battery health to determine what’s shutting the lights off.
Uneven or flickering light
A flickering headlamp can indicate several problems. It can be due to a dying bulb or battery. You’ll see your bulb flicker as a sign once your bulb nears its end. But if you have a new headlight that flickers, it can be due to internal connections or power supply issues.
A drained battery can be the culprit, as it’s unable to deliver the required power to the bulb. It can also be loose wiring or connections. If your sockets are loose, driving on uneven roads can cause the light to turn on and off.
If this seems to be the problem, it’s best to have your car battery and electrical connections checked.
Bulb not installed correctly
Bulb replacement can be tricky sometimes. Some types are more challenging to install due to rigid retainers and lock mechanisms. A lightbulb will not work or even die if not fitted properly. Always refer to the product manual to understand the proper installation of your bulb replacement.
If you’re not sure of what you’re doing, you should better let certified mechanics do the job to avoid these kinds of mistakes.
How to prevent moisture from entering the headlights
Preventing headlamp moisture is all about a strong seal and proper vents. Guarantee that your headlamp seal is not broken and your vents are free from any obstruction to let the moisture escape.
If a replaceable seal is damaged, you can install a new one. You can also add another layer of silicone sealant to the factory seal for protection.
If parts of the assembly are broken, they can let moisture in. To keep moisture out, either fix or replace the headlight housing.
FAQs
Q1: How long does it take to change a headlight bulb?
The answer to this common question depends on several variables, one of which is your vehicle’s headlight assembly.
As mentioned, there are other cars with headlight housings that are a bit harder to access. Another factor will be your experience in bulb replacement. Working slowly is normal if you’re new to this task. But it should be an easy fix if it’s no longer your first time; bulb replacement isn’t that tedious. Overall, bulb replacement can take a few minutes to an hour.
Q2: How much does it cost to change a headlight bulb?
Depending on your bulb type, you can pay between $20 and $100. LED and HID bulbs cost more, especially with quality brands, brightness, and part numbers. A professional mechanic’s fee will add to the cost, too, so it’s better to do it yourself.
Q3: Choosing the right headlight? What types are there?
There are three types of car headlight bulbs available in the market: halogen, LED, and HID. Following the dedicated bulb type and size based on your driver’s manual is important. If you want to try other types, consider their lifespan, brightness, and compatibility. Also, observe how these bulbs perform in your normal driving conditions to make the most of them.
Q4: What is the difference between halogen, HID, and LED headlights?
Halogen bulbs are the cheapest option among the three types. They are traditional bulbs that produce warm yellowish light. Their estimated life is between 500 and 1000 hours.
HID or high-intensity discharge bulbs are brighter than halogen headlights. They give off bluish or white light by igniting a gas with an electrical discharge. On average, HID bulbs can last between 2000-3000 hours.
LED or light-emitting diode bulbs are the most economical option, as they can light up to 30,000 hours. Aside from longevity, LEDs are energy efficient despite shining the brightest.