How to Replace a H4 or H9003 Headlight

Remove electrical connection from the back of the bulb., Remove protective rubber cover. , Locate the wire which holds the bulb in place., Press in and up on the wire opposite the screw., Hold the wire aside so you can insert the new bulb into the...

9 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Remove electrical connection from the back of the bulb.

    With most cars, you will have to pinch the connector to release it.
  2. Step 2: Remove protective rubber cover.

    , One side of the wire is held in by a screw.

    The wire will pivot at the screw. , The wire should now pivot freely away from the bulb.

    You can now remove the bulb. , Make sure the bulb is in properly (check the picture). , Press in on the wire and lock it back in place. ,,, Troubleshooting:
    Check the headlight fuse first.

    If the new bulb doesn't work, check the old one to make sure it's burned out.

    Sometimes burned out bulbs are obvious but some only show a minor discoloration of the filament.

    If you suspect the old one did not burn out, wiggle the electrical connection.

    If the new bulb won't work and the old one looks fine there is an electrical problem.

    If you suspect an electrical problem and you've got a multimeter and a lot of patience, you can find the cause.

    If you have neither, go see a mechanic.
  3. Step 3: Locate the wire which holds the bulb in place.

  4. Step 4: Press in and up on the wire opposite the screw.

  5. Step 5: Hold the wire aside so you can insert the new bulb into the lens.

  6. Step 6: Swing the wire back into place.

  7. Step 7: Replace the protective cover.

  8. Step 8: Reconnect the electrical connection.

  9. Step 9: Turn on the lights to test the bulb.

Detailed Guide

With most cars, you will have to pinch the connector to release it.

, One side of the wire is held in by a screw.

The wire will pivot at the screw. , The wire should now pivot freely away from the bulb.

You can now remove the bulb. , Make sure the bulb is in properly (check the picture). , Press in on the wire and lock it back in place. ,,, Troubleshooting:
Check the headlight fuse first.

If the new bulb doesn't work, check the old one to make sure it's burned out.

Sometimes burned out bulbs are obvious but some only show a minor discoloration of the filament.

If you suspect the old one did not burn out, wiggle the electrical connection.

If the new bulb won't work and the old one looks fine there is an electrical problem.

If you suspect an electrical problem and you've got a multimeter and a lot of patience, you can find the cause.

If you have neither, go see a mechanic.

About the Author

V

Virginia Bailey

Enthusiastic about teaching creative arts techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.

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