Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

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The essentials!

Replacing a headlamp bulb

No tools required

Even though modern bulbs last a long time, if you use one for long enough, it will eventually reach the end of its life...

...cars are equipped with them.

These days, some cars come with so-called aero lamps: bright headlamps without filaments, so there is no worry about a bulb burning out...

...but that's a story about the latest cars. Most of our Showa-era cars use ordinary bulbs, so sooner or later one will burn out and need replacing.

But don't just keep saying, 'Replace it, replace it'—

Simply put, how do you do it? First, open the hood. Pull the lever beneath the steering wheel on the right to open it.

Look behind the headlamp and you should see the wiring connector firmly attached. Normally, you remove this connector before replacing the bulb. Depending on the car, you may also need to remove a rubber dust boot and retaining clip...

Some cars, however, use sealed-beam units, where the glass lens and bulb are one piece. In that case, you need to replace the entire headlamp assembly.

That's it!

...the bulb cannot be removed until the dust boot and retaining clip are taken off. Most cars are built this way. Check how yours is put together so you won't panic when a bulb burns out.

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Remember how you removed it so you can put it back! Don't touch the glass of the bulb!

Behind the headlamp you'll find a connector like this. You must remove it before you can change the bulb. On this Corolla, the connector had no locking pin, so it simply pulled out. If your car has a locking pin, don't force the connector out when it won't budge; press the pin or release it, and it should come free easily.

Now the bulb is out. You can see it has three terminals like this. To reinstall it, just retrace the steps in reverse.

Note!

Pull the tab and it should pop right off.

Next, remove this rubber dust boot. It keeps dust from settling on the bulb and other parts. Some cars also have a plastic cover over the boot; on those, turn it firmly to the left and it should come off.

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Once the dust boot is removed, the bulb is visible inside. It is held in place by a bent wire clip. You have to release that before the bulb will come out. There should be a part that looks like it is meant to be pinched; pull it or otherwise release it and the clip will come free.

Never touch the glass part of the replacement bulb with your hands. Finger oil or dirt can cause it to crack when it heats up while lit.