How to Change a Headlight on a Ford Explorer

By Cars & Vehicles Last updated Tuesday, August/27/2024

1). Turn the headlights on in the Ford Explorer and then walk to the front of the vehicle to determine the placement of the burned out bulb. Activate the high beam and then recheck.
2). Turn the headlight control switch off, remove the keys from the ignition and release the hood latch.
3). Open the hood.
4). Locate the headlight retaining rods at the top rear of the headlight assembly. In some later models, you may need to remove the radiator cover retaining pins to access the headlight assembly rods. Some Explorers even offer a hinged cover that you need to unsnap and then flip over to access the rods.
5). Pull the rods (one on each side of the high-beam/low-beam headlight assembly) straight up. If they're stubborn, then a pair of pliers may help convince them to unseat.
6). Unhook the rods from the retaining rivets and set them aside.
7). Wiggle the headlight assembly forward to gain access to the faulty bulb located at the rear of the assembly.
8). Disconnect the wire harness plug from the back side of the bulb. Do this by pressing in on the lock clip in the center and then separating the plug from the bulb.
9). Turn the bulb counterclockwise 1/4 turn until it aligns with the retaining tabs on the assembly. Remove the bulb.
10

Align the tabs of the new bulb in the assembly, taking care not to touch the glass portion of the bulb, as oil from human skin will damage the bulb and compromise its longevity. Turn it 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it into place inside the headlight assembly.
11

Plug the bulb back into the wire harness and then turn the lights on to ensure it's working before reinstalling the headlight assembly.
12

Maneuver the headlight assembly back into place, making sure to align the rear pilot pins with the appropriate holes. These pins aligh the headlight.
13

Replace the retaining rods by aligning the large holes over the heads of the two rivets and then pushing down to lock the assembly into place.
14

Remove your tools and the old headlight before closing the hood.

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