the headlight bulb on my 97 explorer keeps going out, and i keep having to replace them in a matter of 1 month. The driver side headlight housing looks like there's a lot of moisture, especially on the lens. i was wondering if that could be the problem. also, i have never replaced the bulb before, i would like to know if there are tools i need, and what steps i need to take to replace the bulb. any help would be appreciated.


thanks

 

sounds like a crack in the plastic somewere just replace the whole assembly

 

Good news, replacing the bulb is one of the easiest procedures. First off, the bulb is a 9007 available at any auto parts store. Once you've got that (careful, don't touch the glass of the bulb with your skin!) you pop the hood. On the back of the headlight housing is a plastic ring which holds the bulb in. Connected to the bulb is the bulb wiring harness. Disconnect the wiring harness and turn the ring so it unlocks. The old bulb will pop free and you just reverse the procedure for the new one.

I agree with jclj2003, it sounds like you need to replace the whole headlight assembly. Look for a crack. At least now you have bulb changing instructions.

 

thanks a lot cptn, if i were going to replace my entire housing, how would i do that? and where could i get the part for the housing?

 

I've actually seen a lot of housings on auctions on ebay. As for how to replace it, I think it's basically the same as my 95. Remove the turn/hazard/marker light housing (two screws on top accessible with the hood open, then pull, but be careful not to let the wiring harnesses get pulled apart) then remove the wiring harnesses from the bulbs still in that unit. Then look around, you should see what holds the headlight on. It should be pretty straightforward. It's been a while since I did this, so it's a little fuzzy, but if you need more help than that, let me know, and I'll go refresh my memory.

 

cptn, i took out the turn signal assembly, and i looked at the headlight assembly, and couldn't figure out how exactly to take it out.

 

From the Ford Shop Manual:

Removal and Installation

1. Disconnect battery negative cable.

2. Remove blind rivets (2) attaching screws (4) and radiator upper sight shield.

3. Remove turn/park lamp attaching screws (2) and pull assembly away from body. Remove bulb sockets from housing and remove lamp assembly. Repeat on opposite side of vehicle.

4. With turn/park lamp assembly removed, screw attaching grille to front fender flange is accessible. Remove grille attaching screw. Repeat on opposite side of vehicle.

5. Remove attaching screws (4) located across top of grille.

6. Grip lower edge of grille and pull outward to disengage from retaining clips. Remove grille.

7. Using needle-nose pliers, compress barbs on headlamp housing retainer. With barbs compressed, pull forward on housing just enough to disengage from retainer. Repeat on opposite side of headlamp housing.

8. Turn headlamp housing as necessary and pull forward to disengage from headlamp aiming ball socket.

9. Disconnect wiring from headlamp bulb socket.

10. If replacing headlamp housing, remove retaining collar and bulb.

For installation, follow removal procedures in reverse order. Make sure to check headlamp aim.


I strongly encourage you to get yourself a copy of the shop manual if you want to R&R things yourself. It's a very important tool. You can get one on Ebay for $15 max. Good luck.