Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Ford F-150/F-250: How to Change Your Headlight Bulb

It is almost not worth it to go to a shop to replace your headlight bulb on your Ford F-150 or Super Duty. Here is how to do it if you decide to go the DIY route.

By Tom Cavanagh - November 5, 2014

This article applies to the Ford F-150 (2004-2014) and F-250, F-350 Super Duty (2005-2014).

Whether you discovered it on your own, or it was kindly pointed out to you by a police officer, when a headlight bulb goes out, you need to get it fixed... and quickly. Even though a bulb is only an inch or two long, it is essential for the safe operation of your truck. If you have lots of time and money, you can take it to a car dealership or repair shop, or you can do it yourself.

Even though it isn't quite as easy as replacing a light bulb in your table lamp, this guide will show you how simple and economical it is to do it yourself.

Material

  • Set of wrenches
  • sockets
  • Philips screwdriver

Step 1 - Remove the headlight assembly

Figure 1. Remove bolts holding the assembly.
  • Open the hood and locate the headlight housing.
  • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw holding the flexible flab to the housing.
  • In case of the F-150, use a 10mm socket wrench to remove the three bolts holding the housing to the truck frame.
  • In the case of the F-250, you will just need to remove the 4 Philips screws (2 on the top and 2 on the bottom) to remove the assembly.
  • Gently pull the housing away from the frame.

Step 2 - Remove the headlight bulb

Figure 2. Remove the headlight bulb.
  • Locate the headlight bulb on the back of the housing and unplug the wire.
  • Twist the bulb housing to remove it. Some bulbs will require you to press on both sides of its clips to remove.
  • Pull the old bulb out.
  • Insert the new bulb into the socket. DO NOT touch the bulb with your fingers. It is best to use latex gloves.
  • Insert the bulb housing back into the headlight housing.
  • Reattach the wiring plug.
  • Gently push the headlight housing back onto the frame.
  • Replace the bolts and screw.

Pro Tip

It's best to use gloves or a paper towel when touching the new bulb. Oil from your fingers will leave a "hot spot" on the bulb causing it to burn out more quickly.

If you are replacing HID (high-intensity discharge) bulbs, you may want a professional to do it as these bulbs may have very high voltage running through them even though you have disconnected the electric plug connector.

Related Discussion