headlight bulb removal

[playbackreks]

I searched and didn't find an exact answer...

I'm going to pick up some Sylvania Silverstars and tried to remove my old bulbs just to see how easy/hard it would be. I can't seem to fit my hand in there. Do I have to remove the entire housing to get to the bulbs?

Thanks,
Daniel

[SergntMac]

Prolly the easiest way to do it, is pull your pod. Only 3 screws hold them in place, and there's a wire harness disconnect a few inches away.

[RF Overlord]

From page 44 of the owner's manual:

To remove the headlamp bulb:
1. Make sure the headlamp control is in the OFF position, then open the hood.
2. Remove the three pin type retainers and the radiator sight shield.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector.
4. Remove the headlamp retainer bolts and the headlamp assembly.
5. Remove the headlamp bulb protective cover.
6. Remove the bulb retaining ring by rotating it countercloskwise to free
it from the bulb socket and slide the ring off of the plastic base. Keep the
ring to retain the new bulb.
7. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb.
8. To install, reverse the removal procedure. (Re-aiming the
headlamps may be necessary. For additional information refer to the
headlamp aiming section of the owner’s guide.)
Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of children’s reach.
Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do not touch the glass.
The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to break the next time the headlamps are operated.
Note: If the bulb is accidentally touched, it should be cleaned with
rubbing alcohol before being used.

[playbackreks]

I read that in the manual, but the pictures don't tell much.

So if I remove the 3 screws/bolts, then this big round piece should come out?

[SamF]

Very carefully and with some patience.

I just did this and I don't understand the logic or lack thereof in the design. Anyone with a simple understanding of cars should be able to access the headlamp bulbs of the car in a pinch WITHOUT having to remove the housing as you do on these cars. There are 2 useless access holes behind the main bulb that could have been setup to allow bulb removal much more easily and without the effort they require.

rant mode off

Anyway, I had to remove the headlamp and the side marker housings to get mine in. The nice thing is the silver stars seem to be a worthwhile change and I'm happy with them so far.

Sam

[SamF]

I read that in the manual, but the pictures don't tell much.

So if I remove the 3 screws/bolts, then this big round piece should come out?

Remove the three screws and the entire headlight pod/housing will slide straight out. As I mentioned I also had to remove the sidemarkers in order to clear the grill on the way out.

Sam

[Hotrauder]

Don't sweat it. Its a 10 minute job to change bulbs. Loosen the side marker lamp to facilitate removing the head lamp assembly. It looks intimidating but isn't. Dennis

[playbackreks]

Very carefully and with some patience.

I just did this and I don't understand the logic or lack thereof in the design. Anyone with a simple understanding of cars should be able to access the headlamp bulbs of the car in a pinch WITHOUT having to remove the housing as you do on these cars. There are 2 useless access holes behind the main bulb that could have been setup to allow bulb removal much more easily and without the effort they require.

rant mode off

Anyway, I had to remove the headlamp and the side marker housings to get mine in. The nice thing is the silver stars seem to be a worthwhile change and I'm happy with them so far.

Sam

Exactly... My 98 Crown Vic was so much easier. I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

[playbackreks]

Nevermind... Got the power cable out... now I have the lens in front of me and am trying to remove the bulb.

[melfunkshun]

Well, the corner lights are loose, and I'm able to slide the first headlight... but I need to know where to disconnect the power from. Shoud I disconnect directly from headlight or the extension (seems stuck) that is clipped onto the frame?

There's a male/female clip on the electrical wiring coming off the headlight housing.

[fastblackmerc]

Disconnect at the big connector, you'll have to press on a tab to release the two halves.

[playbackreks]

Ok... it's FINALLY done. I'll have to wait until night time to see how they look. For future searches, the housing bolts use a 8mm socket and the corner lights use a 11mm socket.

Once I did the first side, the next was much easier (I'm still paranoid about breaking things on my baby)

Thanks for all your help guys

[SamF]

Ok... it's FINALLY done.

Once I did the first side, the next was much easier

Glad your done. And your right, the second one was much easier once I knew what I was up against.

SF

[BlownBlass]

I removed the headlight assembly when I did the driver side because I did'nt know anybetter. But for the passenger side I just unplugged it, on screwed the retainer and wiggled the bulb ouy. It was much quicker and less scary.

[OEFMARAUDERLOVE]

thanks for posting, im eager to upgrade my headlight bulbs