Question: Replacing Headlight Bulbs
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,421
Likes: 696
From: Minnesota
Question: Replacing Headlight Bulbs
Bought some Sylvania Ultras. I've watched some videos on bulb replacement. They have you removing the grille and the whole headlight assembly. Is this the route that most of you have taken? If not, how have you accomplished the job? The truck is a 2021 with a 7.3. Looks like the air cleaner assembly has to be at least partially disassembled.
Also, does the plug just pull off of the bulb or is there a release clip?
Thanks for any guidance. I'm not exactly a mechanic and I'm a bit cautious . . . . don't want to break anything.
Also, does the plug just pull off of the bulb or is there a release clip?
Thanks for any guidance. I'm not exactly a mechanic and I'm a bit cautious . . . . don't want to break anything.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 25
Likes: 9
Wish I would of known that, I just sent back my F150 bulb order back for a refund. Took the whole grill out, broke some tabs doing so and still couldn’t get the headlights out. The bumper would of had to be dropped down to get them out.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 837
Likes: 152
From: NE OK
This is the way to do it, and the bulbs twist and pull out. You will get a scratch or two on your arm, and I had to get pliers on the bottom driver side to get it to turn.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,938
Likes: 1,355
From: NY/Canada border
I've changed bulbs many times in the 4 trucks of this body style that I've owned. Removing the grille is a lot of unnecessary work. For dual battery 7.3 truck you may want to remove the driver side battery, but I didn't.
One more pro tip: make sure the red gasket comes out with the bulb. If it sticks to the headlight housing, you'll never get a new bulb in there with a double gasket.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 248
Likes: 40
From: Texas
Air box for sure has to come out. Filler neck on the water bottle is 50/50. I was able to change out the lamps in mine with just unplugging the water bottle sensor wire and worming my arm down there, but I could see where taking out the filler neck would help.
When you go to unplug the lights push the connector in a bit then hit the release tab. The release will come off easier when you go to pull it off.
When you go to unplug the lights push the connector in a bit then hit the release tab. The release will come off easier when you go to pull it off.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Minnesota
OK. I got the air intake separated, filter out, snout off, but the base of the intake doesn't seem to want to come out. Looks like it should just lift off but it seems "connected" down where there appears to be a drain hole. Afraid to pull too hard and break something.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,938
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From: NY/Canada border
OK. I got the air intake separated, filter out, snout off, but the base of the intake doesn't seem to want to come out. Looks like it should just lift off but it seems "connected" down where there appears to be a drain hole. Afraid to pull too hard and break something.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,627
Likes: 4,710
From: Itinerant
@acadianbob so how much brighter are those babies. Good light going down range? Did you readjust the lights?