Changing headlights
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 73
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From: spokane, wa
Changing headlights
At the risk of looking ignorant, I need some help with this.
A coworker has a 2002 Ranger with a headlight out. I have a 98 model and never had to change a headlight. I always assumed it would be a simple change of the entire light, like in the old days.
I got to looking at my set up and realized I would have a hard time changing mine let alone helping him with his.
How does one change headlights on a 2002, and 98 for that matter?
A coworker has a 2002 Ranger with a headlight out. I have a 98 model and never had to change a headlight. I always assumed it would be a simple change of the entire light, like in the old days.
I got to looking at my set up and realized I would have a hard time changing mine let alone helping him with his.
How does one change headlights on a 2002, and 98 for that matter?
New User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3
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From: Columbus, OH
I recently replaced my headlights in a 2000 (same model as your 98). I don't know how the 02 works.
If I remember right (and it's been over a year), there's a metal latch that holds the headlight in place that you must pull up. The "bulb holster" as I'll call it, then needs rotated about 30-45 degrees and pulled out. Then it's just a simple bulb replacement. I want to say I had trouble in doing so. Something tells me I had to have a friend help me.... But my memory is that of a goldfish.
In summing up, before you shift gears, make sure the clutch is all the way in. (That is what you were asking, right? )
If I remember right (and it's been over a year), there's a metal latch that holds the headlight in place that you must pull up. The "bulb holster" as I'll call it, then needs rotated about 30-45 degrees and pulled out. Then it's just a simple bulb replacement. I want to say I had trouble in doing so. Something tells me I had to have a friend help me.... But my memory is that of a goldfish.
In summing up, before you shift gears, make sure the clutch is all the way in. (That is what you were asking, right? )
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2004
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From: spokane, wa
Har!! You've got a better memory than me for sure. I looked at mine earlier today and didn't see any sort of latch or anything. He had a video showing the latch being pulled up but neither of us can find anything resembling a latch on either of our rigs.
On mine, the 98 it does look like if you move the battery on one side, unlatch the air cleaner box on the other side you can get to the back of the light which has a large black ring affair that might twist out.
Surely a pain if you're trying to change it in front of the auto parts store at night, which as always been when I tried to change lights before.
On mine, the 98 it does look like if you move the battery on one side, unlatch the air cleaner box on the other side you can get to the back of the light which has a large black ring affair that might twist out.
Surely a pain if you're trying to change it in front of the auto parts store at night, which as always been when I tried to change lights before.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,533
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From: Dexter, MI
Do you have your Owner's Manual? If so, it should give you direction on how to change the bulb. I'm assuming it is the bulb you want to replace, not the whole headlight assembly.
If you don't have a manual, the folks at the auto parts store where you buy your headlamps should be able to tell you how to make the change.
If you don't have a manual, the folks at the auto parts store where you buy your headlamps should be able to tell you how to make the change.
Last edited by michigan66; Nov 3, 2010 at 09:16 PM. Reason: Typo
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 73
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From: spokane, wa
The first thing I did was check the owners manual. All it has is information on how to control the headlights.
Honestly though I need to check it out better. I gave it a brief look yesterday but didn't look for a section on changing bulbs, etc.
My experience at auto stores has always been not so good. Kind of like suggesting adjusting the carburetor but the system is fuel injected.
I'm glad I started checking into this..... at 205,000 miles I'm thinking I'm about due for a lamp to go out.
Honestly though I need to check it out better. I gave it a brief look yesterday but didn't look for a section on changing bulbs, etc.
My experience at auto stores has always been not so good. Kind of like suggesting adjusting the carburetor but the system is fuel injected.
I'm glad I started checking into this..... at 205,000 miles I'm thinking I'm about due for a lamp to go out.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Jackson, MO
For 01+ headlights (00 and previous should be similar)
1.Take off the plastic splash shield above the headlight.
2. Lift the 2 metals tabs that you just uncovered.
3.Pull the headlight out.
4.Unscrew the bulbs.
5.Replace bulb.
6.Do reverse steps
7. Enjoy
1.Take off the plastic splash shield above the headlight.
2. Lift the 2 metals tabs that you just uncovered.
3.Pull the headlight out.
4.Unscrew the bulbs.
5.Replace bulb.
6.Do reverse steps
7. Enjoy
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Cross-Country
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From: spokane, wa
Wow!! Thanks all of you guys. I didn't know about flm.com, what a resource that site is!!
This has been very helpful.
This has been very helpful.
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From: Ishpeming Mi.
Probably too late now, but don't touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare fingers. For some reason the oils on your fingers tends to shorten the lifespan of the light. I'm not a chemist so... Halogen lights don't seem to like being 'fondled'.
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