Most new cars have LED headlights that should last the life of the vehicle, according to Jonathan Ganther, co-founder of Brakes to Go, a mobile brake repair company in Texas. However, if you have an older car, you may find yourself in need of a replacement headlight. We asked Ganther how to replace a headlight yourself and when to seek out a professional.
The two most common methods for installing and removing headlights are the twist-and-lock and spring clip systems. However, your vehicle may have another system, so be sure to consult the owner’s manual for instructions before removing your headlights.
“Most owner’s manuals are going to tell you how to do a headlight bulb removal — if it’s doable,” says Ganther. If it’s not doable, they won’t include it, and it’s best to get help from a professional. If you’re looking to buy or lease a luxury car, keep this in mind: “Luxury vehicles don’t list it [changing the bulb in the manual] because they don’t want you doing anything in there and messing stuff up,” he says.
How to change headlight bulbs
Twist and lock systems
- Turn the vehicle off and open the hood.
- Disconnect the negative ground cable from the battery.
- Use a flashlight to find the headlight connection and disconnect the wires from the bulb.
- Push the tab, twist the headlight counterclockwise, and pull it out.
- To install a new bulb, twist it clockwise until it locks.
- Reconnect the bulb to the headlight.
- Reconnect the negative ground cable to the battery.
- Close the hood.
Spring lock systems
- Turn the vehicle off and open the hood.
- Disconnect the negative ground cable from the battery.
- Use a flashlight to find the headlight connection and disconnect the wires from the bulb.
- Press the spring to release the bulb and pull it out.
- To install a new bulb, push the new bulb in and lock it into place.
- Reconnect the bulb to the headlight.
- Reconnect the negative ground cable to the battery.
- Close the hood.
How to change headlight housing on classic cars
If your car uses sealed beam halogen bulbs, you won’t be able to replace the bulb alone because it doesn’t come out. You’ll need to replace the entire headlight housing, which contains the bulb and the plastic piece. “Muscle cars and old vintage cars are almost always going to be full housing replacements,” says Ganther.
- Turn the vehicle off and open the hood.
- Disconnect the negative ground cable from the battery.
- Locate the headlight housing and unplug the wires for the blinker and headlight.
- Disconnect any electrical connection from the back of the headlight housing.
- Use a screwdriver to loosen the bracket on the headlight housing and remove it.
- Put in the new housing and secure it into place.
- Reconnect the housing to the headlights and blinker.
- Reconnect the negative ground cable to the battery and close the hood.
Once you have changed your headlights, learn how to clean your headlights and keep up with other car maintenance tips.
