Headlight Bulb Replacement

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Jan 13, 2004 | 11:02 AM

Eugene_Gant

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From: Colorado

Headlight Bulb Replacement

I own a 2001 F-150 Lariat, which I purchased almost a year ago.

I switched out my stock headlight bulbs to GE SilverStars (nice improvement in brightness) and had a heck of a time on the left assembly. It seems Ford configures the radiator overflow tank right next to it, making the task of removing the bulb, next to impossible. If it had been easier to just remove the lens assembly, I would have done that, but I don't know how. (low mechanical competance)

Does anyone have a work around or suggestion?

Also, were is a good place to pick up a good repair manual?

Jan 13, 2004 | 12:25 PM

superrangerman2002

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: South Dakota

Welcome to FTE!

There should be 2 tabs (more like long flat pins with L shape)above the headlight that you need to remove, this will allow you to pull the whole headlight assembly out. This will allow for the bulb change.

I believe that this is covered in your owners manual.

Jan 13, 2004 | 12:45 PM

deano2

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I replaced mine in a 2000 F150. Open the hood. Find the aforementioned "L" shaped "tabs" on the headlamp assembly. There are 2 of them on each headlamp assembly. Gently push back on the "L" tab and pull up. This essentially "unlocks" the entire assembly and it will easily slip out the front of the truck, making lamp relacement easy. Replace the lamp and gently slip the assembly back into the truck and push down on the "L" tabs to re-lock the assembly in place.

I don't see how you did it without removing the assembly! It is tight in there.

Jan 13, 2004 | 02:50 PM

PaulC

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Just to clarify, the tabs just have to be lifted up. They can't be removed completely unless the headlight assemblies are already moved forward.

Mar 21, 2004 | 02:53 AM

Ford Trucks 4 Life

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I been having the same problem it seem that there isn't enuf room the get the lights out on the driver side does anyone know any easiers way to get it out or around the radiator resovoir?

Mar 21, 2004 | 07:18 AM

dangrimsley

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my 97 was hard ,,, i was fighting it for about a hour , cussing every ford designer there is when my neighbor came over asked me what i was doing ,,told him he grabbed the tabs lifted them up and out it fell in my hands

oh well ,,,live and learn!

Dec 19, 2004 | 10:38 AM

red5

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Joined: Sep 2003

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From: ATL

headlamp replacement

Just replaced my headlamp bulbs. Wow was that easy - this board is awesome! Thanks for posting this info, it really just took me about 20 minutes total to do both.

As previously posted, there are basic instructions in the Owner's Manual under the "Maintenance and Care" section. It describes the "L" tabs there too.

Thanks everyone!!!

-red5