How to replace a headlight or tail light bulb
To replace a headlight or tail light bulb, get the exact bulb type from your owner's manual, reach the back of the housing, twist out the old holder, and fit the new bulb without touching its glass. Test the light before you close everything up. Some cars need the bumper removed, which is a shop job.
About 20 minutes to learnTake care: injury or damage if careless
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How to do it
- Confirm which bulb is out by switching on each light and walking around the car, or ask someone to watch while you press the brake.
- Find the bulb type for that position in the owner's manual and buy the same type.
- Switch the lights and the engine off and let a recently used bulb cool for a few minutes.
- Open the hood for a headlight or the trunk liner or access panel for a tail light, as the manual shows.
- Unplug the connector, then twist the bulb holder a quarter turn counterclockwise and pull it out.
- Fit the new bulb holding its base or with a clean glove, never the glass, and push the holder back in with a quarter turn.
- Reconnect the plug, test the light, then refit any covers.
- Replace headlight bulbs in pairs if the other side is old, so both give the same light.
Stop and call a professional if
- The manual says the bumper, wheel liner or headlight unit must come off to reach the bulb.
- The car uses sealed LED or high-intensity discharge units, which are replaced by a shop.
- A new bulb does not light, which points to a fuse, connector or wiring fault.
- The lens is cracked or full of water.
Common mistakes
- Touching a halogen bulb's glass with bare fingers; skin oil makes it fail early.
- Forcing a clip or holder that is meant to twist, and snapping it.
- Buying a brighter or different type than the housing is designed for.
- Not testing before refitting all the trim panels.
Quick self-check
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Teach: How to replace a headlight or tail light bulb
What to say
To replace a headlight or tail light bulb, get the exact bulb type from your owner's manual, reach the back of the housing, twist out the old holder, and fit the new bulb without touching its glass. Test the light before you close everything up. Some cars need the bumper removed, which is a shop job.
What to show, in order
- Confirm which bulb is out by switching on each light and walking around the car, or ask someone to watch while you press the brake.
- Find the bulb type for that position in the owner's manual and buy the same type.
- Switch the lights and the engine off and let a recently used bulb cool for a few minutes.
- Open the hood for a headlight or the trunk liner or access panel for a tail light, as the manual shows.
- Unplug the connector, then twist the bulb holder a quarter turn counterclockwise and pull it out.
- Fit the new bulb holding its base or with a clean glove, never the glass, and push the holder back in with a quarter turn.
- Reconnect the plug, test the light, then refit any covers.
- Replace headlight bulbs in pairs if the other side is old, so both give the same light.
When to stop and call a professional
- The manual says the bumper, wheel liner or headlight unit must come off to reach the bulb.
- The car uses sealed LED or high-intensity discharge units, which are replaced by a shop.
- A new bulb does not light, which points to a fuse, connector or wiring fault.
- The lens is cracked or full of water.
The check question
Ask: Why avoid touching a halogen bulb's glass?
Related skills
- How to replace wiper blades
- What dashboard warning lights mean
- What to do after a minor car accident
- Every skill in Car and Road
Sources
- Your vehicle's owner's manual, for your model year. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .