Replacing Headlights

Changing your headlight bulbs is an easy form of maintenance that you can perform on your vehicle. Before you begin (or if you have any questions about your specific vehicle), we always recommend taking a look at your service manual.



Tools & Materials

Safety Eye Glasses Safety Glasses

Protective Gloves Gloves

SilverStar ULTRA Headlight Bulbs

How To Change Headlight Bulbs

H11 bulbs are the most common type of headlight bulb. We recommend you check out our tips on headlight selection to help you decide which of the available bulbs is going to be best for your vehicle. If changing one bulb, it's usually a good idea to change the other bulb as well so that both have the same brightness.

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Hood of car open for replacing headlights
Step 1: Pop the hood
Make sure your car and headlights are turned off. Once you have your replacement bulbs (and your safety glasses are on), pop the hood and take a look behind the body of the headlight. Sometimes, if you can’t get to the back of the bulb you might have to remove your battery or air cleaning unit. Don't worry - it's usually just a couple of bolts or screws.


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locate and detach the wire socket from headlight bulb
Step 2: Detach wire socket
The headlight bulb is located in the back of the headlight housing. When you get to the bulb, you'll see a socket with wires that are plugged in to the base of the bulb. Detach the wire socket from the bulb by squeezing the tab to release it and pulling on the socket.

Do It Right: Be careful to pull on the socket and not the wires so you don't damage them.

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carefully remove bulb
Step 3: Slide bulb out
Give the bulb a little twist to the left and slide it straight out. Some vehicles have a clip or retaining ring that needs to be loosened or taken out before the bulb can be removed.
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Preparing to replace headlight bulb
Step 4: Have new bulb ready
Be sure to have your replacement bulb ready when you remove the old one, and be sure not to touch the new bulb with your bare fingers.

Do It Right: Oil or grease from your fingertips makes a hot spot on the glass that can cause the bulb to burn out prematurely.

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slide in headlight bulb and reattach wire socket
Step 5: Slide bulb in, reattach wire socket
Slide the bulb into position and secure it by twisting it to the right. Reattach your wire socket.

Do It Right: Bulbs will have tabs that align with notches on the opening at the back side of the housing, so there’s really only one way they’ll go in.

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repeating process to change headlights on other side of the vehicle
Step 6: Repeat on other side
Repeat all steps on the other side of your vehicle and make sure your headlights work before you close the hood.
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Featured Product Categories

Wiper Blades Wipers

Automotive Light Bulbs Automotive Lighting

Headlight Restoration Kits Headlight Restoration

Additional Resources

Headlight Bulb Selection
How To Install Tail Lights On Vehicle
Headlight Lens Restoration and Cleaner

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.

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