1997 XLT Headlight Replacement

[spieg16]

Hey guys, my passenger side headlight bulb burned out last night, I was just wondering what the quickest and easiest way to change it is, since i know it's a very tight space. It's freezing out and i want to be outside for as little time as possible haha. Thanks

 

[Dan Whitaker]

The passenger side is not bad at all. It shouldn't take you but 5 min to change.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Yup- look in there, big black plastic tube. Turn it and pull straight back. Bulb wiring can be unhooked and pulled out back (or pull out then unhook). Reverse the procedure to reinstall. Be careful not to touch the bulb with your bare hands- oil from your hands deposited on the glass will shorten the life of the bulb.

 

[drbrow592]

how do you get the air filter box out of the way??

 

[OneLever]

You don't need to remove the air filter box. On the left and right side of the front of the engine bay, above the headlights, there are plastic flaps that flip up to allow access to them. There are black plastic rings at the rear of each housing which loosen counterclockwise that hold the bulb inside the housing. Unscrew them and detach the connector to the bulb. The bulb will then pull straight back.

When installing the new bulb check to make sure it is clean of debris and oils like Joe Dirt mentioned. If it gets dirty or you accidentally touch the glass portion you can clean it with rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol and a paper towel. Because the space is so tight I recommend getting a powder free latex or nitrile glove. Put the glove on and cup the new bulb in your palm as you slowly work it into place protecting it from debris.