(headlight)
How do you change the headlights?
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 32
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From: Central PA
How do you change the headlights?
I am having a lot of difficulty getting the bulbs out the headlights in my 95 Explorer. I went by the instructions in the manual, but there isn't much room to get my hands in there, and it seems like the thing is very tight, as I couldn't get it to turn one bit. Is there a trick to this?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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well if my 98 is similar, you need to be forceful--be not too forceful, no tools--there is a lot of road dirt that builds up in the ring that holds the bulb assembly. Also it gets very hot in there b/c of the bulb so the plastic ahs expanded and contracted a million times since the bulb was last changed. No there isnt a lot of room. I totally understand your plight, you just gotta be sneaky with your hands. i personally havent found a trick to it yet maybe there is one--anyone???
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 32
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From: Central PA
So do you turn the back part of the bulb itself, or the grooved plastic ring that's around it? The manual says to turn the bulb, but I had no luck doing that. The ring seemed to move a little, but I still couldn't pull the bulb out.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 942
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From: South Texas
You neet to twist the outer ring about 1/2 turn to remove it. Next, the bulb slips into the housing but has an "O" ring seal around it that may be stuck to the plastic and be a pain to get loose.
Only thing that works is persistance and holding your mouth just right.
Dialtone
Only thing that works is persistance and holding your mouth just right.
Dialtone
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 942
Likes: 0
From: South Texas
If all else fails, you can remove the entire headlamp assembly from the vehicle to get at the bulb better. Hers is the short version.
1. Remove the headlamp wiring connector from the bulb
2. Remove the plastic cover from in front of the radiator support
crossmember (8-10 plastic expansion screws)
3. Remove the grille assembly. 2 screws on the upper end, 2
pinch- push in locks on the lower edge.
4. Remove the headlamp assembly trim ring. Starting at the
centermost edge, pull the ring assembly loose from the holding
clips towards the outer fender edge (do not rotate it too far)
Remove the turn signal and marker lamp cable connectors from
their housings. (twist out)
5. Remove 4 screws holding headlamp plate to fender and
radaiator firewall
Installation is reverse of above. Allow about 1 hour to do it all.
Dialtone
1. Remove the headlamp wiring connector from the bulb
2. Remove the plastic cover from in front of the radiator support
crossmember (8-10 plastic expansion screws)
3. Remove the grille assembly. 2 screws on the upper end, 2
pinch- push in locks on the lower edge.
4. Remove the headlamp assembly trim ring. Starting at the
centermost edge, pull the ring assembly loose from the holding
clips towards the outer fender edge (do not rotate it too far)
Remove the turn signal and marker lamp cable connectors from
their housings. (twist out)
5. Remove 4 screws holding headlamp plate to fender and
radaiator firewall
Installation is reverse of above. Allow about 1 hour to do it all.
Dialtone
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 24
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*UPDATE*
*UPDATE*
okay, on sunday i finally got them off!
the passenger side retaining ring came off very easily.
here's what i had to do to the driver's side:
using a dremmel (with the snake extention) i "drilled" a slot in the top of the reatining ring...about the width of my slotted screwdriver.
i put the tip of the screwdriver in there, put it at an angle (handle toward the center of the truck), and i gave it a couple "love taps" with a trusty hammer.
the retaining ring came loose, and i slid it toward the back of the truck...from there, the bulb pulls straight out.
obviously...don't forget to disconnect the elctrical harness from the bulb. and don't touch the glass on the bulb itself.
if the bulb has not been changed in awhile, road grime, and crap gets in there making it harder to twist the ring...plus there is very little leverage because of the position your hand has to be in.
peace,
aeon
okay, on sunday i finally got them off!
the passenger side retaining ring came off very easily.
here's what i had to do to the driver's side:
using a dremmel (with the snake extention) i "drilled" a slot in the top of the reatining ring...about the width of my slotted screwdriver.
i put the tip of the screwdriver in there, put it at an angle (handle toward the center of the truck), and i gave it a couple "love taps" with a trusty hammer.
the retaining ring came loose, and i slid it toward the back of the truck...from there, the bulb pulls straight out.
obviously...don't forget to disconnect the elctrical harness from the bulb. and don't touch the glass on the bulb itself.
if the bulb has not been changed in awhile, road grime, and crap gets in there making it harder to twist the ring...plus there is very little leverage because of the position your hand has to be in.
peace,
aeon
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