How to Change an Auto Light Bulb

The average vehicle uses light bulbs in several applications, including headlights, turn signals, brake lights and tail lights. These lights are important features, allowing other motorists to see you and anticipate your intended direction, while also allowing you to see clearly at night. Replacing burned-out bulbs is one of the most important things you can do for safety, but it is also one of the easiest tasks the do-it-yourselfer can perform.

Instructions

1. Open the hood to replace a headlamp bulb. Remove the splash shield that covers the area between the grille and the radiator cross member to access the rear of the headlamp assemblies, if necessary. Remove the clips that hold the splash shield in place by prying them up with a flat-blade screwdriver.

2. Pull the wiring connector straight out from the back of the headlamp assembly and push it aside. Rotate the retaining ring on the backside of the assembly in a counterclockwise direction. Pull the bulb out of its socket and discard it. Line up the prongs on the back of the new bulb with the slots in the socket. Push the bulb into the socket until it is fully seated. Turn the retainer clockwise until tight. Push the wiring plug back into the rear of the headlamp assembly. Replace the splash shield and push the clips back into place.

3. Replace a front or turn signal bulb by accessing the rear of the bulb housing in the same fashion as if you were changing a headlamp bulb. Rotate the socket from the rear of the housing counterclockwise and pull it straight out. Pull the bulb out of the socket and discard it. Push a new bulb into the socket. Push the socket into the back of the turn signal housing and rotate it clockwise until it locks into place.

4. Access the tail light assembly in the rear cargo area to replace tail light, brake light, or backup light bulbs. Remove the thumb nuts from the cover on the rear of the cargo area. Place the cover aside. Remove the socket and replace bulb as in Step 3. Replace the cover and secure it with the thumb nuts.

5. Replace an interior dome light bulb by prying the clear plastic lens from the assembly with a flat-blade screwdriver. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket and discard it. Push a new bulb into its place and snap the lens back into position.

6. Replace side marker lights by reaching up into the bumper from the bottom. Twist the socket out from the back of the side marker light assembly in a counterclockwise direction. Pull the bulb from the socket and push in a new replacement. Push the socket back into the assembly and turn it clockwise until it locks into place.