Changing Headlights with the Auto Repair Pro of Columbia SC

Replacing a Headlight

We are all looking to save money, especially on auto repairs.  For beginners or people not confident in their own home mechanic skills, deciding whether to take on an auto repair can be a difficult choice. 

Do it myself vs. Auto Repair Shop 

 

Some easy auto repair jobs can easily be completed by anyone with enough time and patience to read and follow basic tutorial instructions. Naturally, if you still lack confidence after seeing the instructions, you should always bring your vehicle to the auto repair shop for a professional to safely complete the job at hand.  Always remember: On the highway, lack of safety can cost lives, so it is always better to play it safe than be sorry!

All headlights will eventually burn out. Luckily, this is a pretty easy fix.  While you could pay to get this done for you, you really don’t have to.  Most of the halogen headlight systems out there today have bulbs that are easy to replace since they are loaded right into the back of the lens.

Step 1: Wiring Harness Removal

 

This is usually a no tools needed job.  With your hood opened and secured, do a quick check behind your burned out headlight to locate the bulb holder.  Coming out of it should be a trapezoid shaped plug with three wires. This is your the wiring harness, and you will have to remove this.  The plug is secured using either a metal clip, plastic catch, or in some cases, a screw cap.  With a metal clip, just pull it up and off.  Keep a good grip on it because if it drops, it will likely never be seen again.  With a plastic catch, there will be a little lever that extends from the top of the plug. Using your thumb, just depress the lever while pulling the plug out.  If happen to have a screw cap, simply unscrew the cap turning it counter-clockwise.

Step 2: Removing the Burned Out Headlight Bulb

 

With the wiring out of the way, you can now remove the old burned up headlight bulb. Holding the base (where your wiring harness had been plugged in) pull the bad bulb out. it should slide out pretty easily, but there may still be a few requiring you to rotate the bulb a little bit in order to release it.

Mechanic Tip: 

You really should handle the new bulb very carefully.  Be sure that you use a clean rag or cloth when touching the bulb.  If they touch the glass bulb, the oils in our skin can cause your new bulb to burn out VERY quickly. You should only touch the glass bulb when necessary and using a rag, tissue or cloth to prevent transferring these oils.

Step 3: Installing a New Headlight Bulb

 

Holding the bulb by only the plug end, insert it into the back of the headlight where you  just removed the old one.  Be sure it has been completely inserted and that your bulb’s rubber gasket is no longer visible.  Everything should now be lined up as it should be.

Step 4: Re-Securing your Headlight Wiring Harness

 

You’re now ready to plug the wiring harness back in.  Remember how simple it was to remove? Simply re-attach the plug and replace the clip, catch or screw top.  It is as easy as reversing the removal directions above.  Once that is all finished, you are too!  All that is left is to turn those lights on, stand back and admire your work!

Like I said earlier, if you lack confidence in your auto repair skills, do not attempt to perform auto repairs yourself.  Safety (should) always come first. If you don’t feel secure in your ability to make a repair, do not try it.  

For questions or for us to perform this auto repair for you, get in touch now and schedule your appointment.  Sanford’s Automotive Service cares about our customers: we are always here to serve all of your vehicle maintenance and auto repair needs.