Match the exact bulb number first. With the lights off and cool, reach behind the light, twist the socket a quarter turn to pull it out, swap the bulb without touching the glass, and test before you put anything back.
A burned out light can get you pulled over, and it makes you harder to see. On many cars this is a twist and swap job. On some cars the light is tucked so deep you have to move other parts to reach it.
Read your manual first. It will tell you which kind of car you have.
What You Need
- The correct replacement bulb
- Clean gloves or a paper towel to hold the bulb
- A screwdriver or small socket set, for some taillights
- A flashlight
- Your owner's manual
Safety First
- Turn the lights and the car off. Pull the key.
- Let a bulb cool before you touch it. Headlight bulbs get very hot.
- HID or xenon headlights use high voltage. If your headlights are HID, or if they are sealed LED units, leave them to a shop.
- If a bulb breaks, wear gloves to pick up the glass.
Can I Change This Bulb Myself?
Find your headlight type in the owner's manual, then match it here.
Step by Step
Find the Bulb Number
Look in your owner's manual, on the base of the old bulb, or ask the parts counter to look up your car. The bulb number The part number printed on the bulb base, like 9006 or 7443. Two bulbs that look alike can have different numbers, so match it exactly. has to match exactly. Low beam and high beam are often different bulbs.
Figure Out How to Reach It
For headlights, look behind the light from inside the engine bay. For taillights, look for an access panel inside the trunk or a few screws holding the lens on the outside. Your manual usually shows the way in. If it says to remove the bumper, that is a bigger job.
Unplug and Twist Out the Socket
Many sockets have a wire connector on the back. Press the tab and pull the connector off. Then turn the bulb or socket about a quarter turn counterclockwise and pull it straight out.
Remove the Old Bulb
Some bulbs pull straight out of the socket. Others push in and twist. Look at how it comes out, because the new one goes in the same way.
Install Without Touching the Glass
Hold the new bulb by its base, with gloves or a clean paper towel. Skin oil on the glass of a halogen bulb creates a hot spot that can make it burn out early. If you do touch it, wipe the glass with rubbing alcohol.
Reinstall and Test Before Closing Up
Put the socket back, turn it clockwise until it locks, and plug in the connector. Turn the lights on and check that the bulb works. For brake lights, have a helper press the pedal. Then put back any covers or panels.
Check the Aim
After a headlight bulb swap, park facing a wall at night and look at the beams. Both should sit at the same height. If one points much higher or lower, the bulb may not be seated or the light may need to be aimed.
When to Stop and Call a Pro
- A new bulb does not light up. Check the fuse, then the socket and wiring.
- The light works sometimes and flickers, or a whole side goes dark.
- Your manual says to remove the bumper, the wheel liner or the whole light to reach the bulb.
- The car has HID, xenon or sealed LED headlights.
- There is water or fog inside the light housing.
No shame in it. Knowing when to stop is part of the skill. Find a mechanic near you on MechanicRank.
Questions People Ask
Should I replace headlight bulbs in pairs?
Yes, it is a good idea. Bulbs dim with age, so a new one next to an old one can look uneven, and the old one is often close to going out.
Why can't I touch a halogen bulb?
The oil from your skin makes a hot spot on the glass. That can cause the bulb to fail early. Handle it by the base or with a clean glove.
Can I put LED bulbs in my halogen headlights?
It depends on your car and local rules. Many headlight housings are designed for one kind of bulb, and the wrong bulb can blind other drivers. When in doubt, use the bulb your manual lists.
Why does my turn signal blink fast after I changed a bulb?
A fast blink usually means a bulb on that side is out, the wrong bulb is in, or a socket is not making contact.