The prime function of a car headlight is to help you see the road while driving in the dark. These are one of the most fundamental car parts that can withstand significant changes in vibrations, temperature, and humidity.
While they are quite functional, they can burn out. Driving a car that has a blown-out headlight will be risky as they are integral to driving securely. And the last thing you would want is to get a warning from an officer while driving. So, this post shall narrate the prerequisites to perform after you identify a burnt-out headlight bulb for car.
Steps to Follow When You Identify a Burnt Out Vehicle Headlight
- Remove the Burnt Out Headlight
Before considering car accessories online buy to get new headlights, you must access the blown-out headlight from its inside. Open the car’s hood and disconnect the battery terminals. Find the battery & loosen the nut on its negative terminal with a socket wrench or hand. Avoid having any contact with the terminal. Look for “NEG” or a negative (-) symbol to find its negative terminal.
Now is the time to remove the trim components (as required). You need to remove the engine covers to access the car headlight’s back in modern-day vehicles. Take additional care while removing the plastic chips as they might be susceptible to breaking & cracking.
After removing the chips carefully, disconnect the pigtail from its headlight wire. Pull its clip backward and disconnect it while maintaining the required pressure on the release. Check the headlight relays to identify whether you have a poor headlight relay because that may cause dimming.
Inspect for damages on the inside. There might be faults in the vehicle’s electrical system if you witness signs of melting or burning.
- Install the New Car Headlight
Buy your replacement headlight from a reliable resource and ensure that the bulb fits your car’s requirements. If you wish to ensure that both headlights have the same brightness amount, replace them together.
Now is the time to unwrap the new bulb for installation. Avoid touching it while removing it because the oil in your hands may damage it.
One quick note: you can keep the bulb by its base to avoid damaging it or wear gloves.
Just in case you mistakenly touched it, you can rub the alcohol to clean it. Ensure that the car headlight bulb dries completely before installing it.
Positioning the bulb is a meticulous task that you need to consider while installing it. Make sure that you hold it firmly. If the headlight stays fitted with the plastic assembly, slip it into the headlight housing before you install it. Lock it into the place inside the housing and turn it clockwise.
Keep the bulb in the right place and turn it one-quarter turn. While inserting the car headlight, ensure that you are careful not to bank it against another car part. After you do so, it’s time to connect the pigtail to your headlight cable. For this reason, attach a wire pigtail to the backside of the build. Ensure that it seats equally.
Right when the plastic releases latch into the place where the pigtail has got attached, you will hear the audible click. Return trim components that you removed to install the new bulb correctly. Some pieces may overlap, so reassemble them in reverse order, in the same manner they got removed earlier.
Reattach the battery & check whether the new headlight is functional. If you want to change another car headlight, perform the same steps as mentioned above.
What If Your Old Car Has Seal-Beamed Headlights?
The old car features a sealed headlight beam. So, replacing the bulb might seem bewildering to you. But with these steps, you can perform the job accurately.
- Remove the Trim Around Your Headlight
These headlights remain self-contained & range in diameter from 3 to 5 inches. Initiate by removing the parts of your car’s exterior trim around the headlights. Here, you don’t require moving the trip components.
- Removing The Grill’s Parts
To access the car headlight screws & connections on the vehicles, you must remove some grill portions. Decide on which parts by checking the car’s service manual. The grill usually remains fixed with the bolts along with a set of clips and top when you require removing it. Get screws that hold the bulb in the right position. Remove something that prevents you from reaching them.
- Eliminate the Ring Keeping Light in Place
A plastic or metal ring gets fixed with different bolts and screws or gets used to holding sealed beam-type headlights. Remove these fasteners one by one with a wrench or screwdriver & keep them somewhere safe.
- Detach Wiring by Pushing the Headlight
Detach the right from the bulb & take it out with your thumb & forefingers. Disconnect the wires running into the car headlight’s back; it skids out.
Now remove the new light and connect it to the wiring. Slide the new light correctly. After installation, you can safely return that ring to the original location using a screwdriver.
At Carorbis, discover the right type of car headlight according to your vehicle’s requirements. The company provides a collection of impressive car parts, including branded accessories and parts for optimum functioning.
Also Read: Tips to Take Care of Your Car
