Topic: HOW TO: Changing Headlight Bulbs.

[4B11Bobcat]

Changing Headlight Bulbs.

Replacing bulbs is covered in the owners manual in section 7 from page 47-68 (at least for the U.S market 08 models) but it's pretty simplified, and there are only diagrams, so I figure some actual pics will help those of you wanting to change your bulbs.

There isn't a lot of room to get your hand in there to do this and you can't really see what you are doing since the front upper support bar is right behind the headlights. The low beams are fairly easy, but the high beams require a bit more work.
 
VERY IMPORTANT: Never handle bulbs with your fingers or even a dirty glove and be very careful not to scratch or chip the bulb trying to get it back into the housing. A dirty or scratched bulb can burst.

I'll start with the 9006 bulbs (low beams)
Step 1. Pop the hood and take a look at what you'll be dealing with.   You can see where you are going to have to reach in this pic.  


Here is what the low beam socket looks like while it's still plugged in.

 
Step 2. The owners maunal says to unplug it first, by pressing down on the tab and pulling the socket off, but it's very difficult to get the plug off that way, so you can just turn the bulb counterclockwise and carefully remove it while it's still plugged in  (2nd picture below).

 


Step 3. Now you just need to put the new bulb in and reconnect the socket. It will take a little force to push the plug back on, but you will hear it click once its on properly.

TIPS:
The bulbs go into the opening with the socket facing in toward the engine.
I looked through the front of the headlight so I could better see where I was going with the bulbs as I was putting them in. You can't really see from the back because of the bracing and your hand being in the way.

  Step 4. Repeat the process for the other side.  
..continue below for high beams. If low beams only. You are done..  

Step 1. If you also want to replace your high beams, you will need to remove the top part of the washer fluid filler. I used a #10 socket. Once it's removed you can see the cap that you unscrew to get to the high beams.






Step 2. Unscrew the cap by turning it counterclockwise and carefully move it out of the way.


Step 3. Unlpug the socket and turn the bulb counterclockwise to remove it.  Put your new bulb in, plug the socket back in, screw the cap back on and put your washer fluid filler top back on.

The other side will be much eaiser now that you've done the hard one.  

Enjoy your new headlights!  

[tatsujo]

Thanks! Updated the major points. If they aren't right, please edit them Justin.

[4B11Bobcat]

Thanks, I did some editing on it too.

[Ozie]

great how to.

[beyonddc]

You're the man...

Thanks!

[revolver]

thx bro!

[hadeswolf]

The passenger side was a pain in the a* to put in for me. It took a while and a lot of muscle to put it in for some reason.

[flambouyantdude]

i totally agree with you man. it was a pain just trying to take it out to switch to hids

[LtDan]

how would you get to the turn signal lights and the DRL's?  I bought aftermarket replacement bulbs and wanted to know if there was an easier way to get to them without having to pull out the whole casing

[4B11Bobcat]

how would you get to the turn signal lights and the DRL's?  I bought aftermarket replacement bulbs and wanted to know if there was an easier way to get to them without having to pull out the whole casing

You don't need to remove the headlights, you just have to be able to get your hand down in there. If you want I can send you the file from the service manual, but you can also find instructions in the owners manual.

[LtDan]

You don't need to remove the headlights, you just have to be able to get your hand down in there. If you want I can send you the file from the service manual, but you can also find instructions in the owners manual.

It's cool... I'll look in the owners manual sometime today... I just have beastly hands and don't think they'd be able to fit in those tiny holes! 

[Slyburn]

mehn, aint that the truth. I tried switching my city (corner front) lights last night, no luck. I might just take off a small part of the wheel well, and reach straight up.

[4B11Bobcat]

mehn, aint that the truth. I tried switching my city (corner front) lights last night, no luck. I might just take off a small part of the wheel well, and reach straight up.

Yeah, if you take off the splash guards in the wheel well they are easy to get to.

[LtDan]

Yeah, if you take off the splash guards in the wheel well they are easy to get to.

eh... my Injen CAI is in the way on one side...  I guess it's the hard way for me 

[sdlancer]

nice how to bro

[ApexLancer]

mehn, aint that the truth. I tried switching my city (corner front) lights last night, no luck. I might just take off a small part of the wheel well, and reach straight up.

You really do need a small, small set of hands to get in there. Or else, its super tight, painful and time consuming.

[Corey]

Thanks! Used this and put in 9005SU and 9006SU Sylvanias in!

[bluegts09]

You really do need a small, small set of hands to get in there. Or else, its super tight, painful and time consuming.

I actually just used a pair of pliers to reach it when I couldn't seem to get it with just my hands. Works pretty well, just don't squeeze too hard or you can break the plastic!

[ApexLancer]

I actually just used a pair of pliers to reach it when I couldn't seem to get it with just my hands. Works pretty well, just don't squeeze too hard or you can break the plastic!

I'll remember that for next time 

[doctorx]

Thanks for this guide. I changed my low-beam bulbs with Sylvania SilverStar Ultra (4100 K) bulbs and they look quite good.

Now, since I'm trying to not use HIDs, anyone knows where to find a 9005/9006 5000 K halogen white bulb? Anyone has installed one of those in your Lancer? Pics?