2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlight bulb, how to change???

[Jrork]

Crap, this is unbelievably embarrassing. I've built hotrods, dragboats, engines, and many other things BUT, I've never been so frustrated in my life as I am now. #@$%!



How in the heck do I change the headlight bulb without having to do something like remove the battery and tray. Is there is trick???



Feel free to flame me all you want cuz I can't believe that I can't figure this out...



Thanks... ... john

 

[Jrork]

Holy cow! I got it but there must be a better way. Ended up doing it by the brail method sticking my mits in thru that little hole.



I tried pulling the battery box but clearly, there must be some fastener deeper down in the engine compartment because I removed the 2 nuts and 2 bolts that were accessable but still the box wouldnt budge.



Also just for fun, I dropped the little grey plastic nut into the inner fenderwell but thankfully with some long forcips I was able to snag it. .



I would appreciate any wisdom that the gang here can shed on the better way of swapping these out as I suspect they wont last since I struggled so much, I'm certain the bulb is not clean. Tried but there was no way I could keep it from touching anything.



Thanks everyone... ..... john

 

[SHobbs]

I do not know of any other way except the one handed braille method. One side is a little easier than the other on mine, just have to reach in and go for it.

 

[vsimkus]

According to the Dodge service manual, on the drivers side you gotta take the head light assembly out. Not a big deal - three lag screws.

 

[Jefff929]

Having skinny little women arms helps too, but I ain't got those.

 

[DennyDay]

On my '01 with a sport light conversion, I ended up taking the whole head light assy out of both sides, when the drivers side went out I purchased two bulbs cause if figures if one went out the other was due to go out also. Since I had a winch bumber on the truck, I had to lower it by swinging it down - - since I knew that was the game, Ijust changed out both

 

[MAleshire]

John--there isn't a better way that I can remember. I changed both headlamp bulbs about a year ago. It turned into about a two hour process with lots of breaks to get myself calmed down. Braille method is what is ended up using. I remember saying to myself that I if know a certain thing before starting the job it would have been a lot easier. Now I cannot remember what that thing was. Getting old is just wonderful.



Skip

 

[fest3er]

John--there isn't a better way that I can remember. I changed both headlamp bulbs about a year ago. It turned into about a two hour process with lots of breaks to get myself calmed down. Braille method is what is ended up using. I remember saying to myself that I if know a certain thing before starting the job it would have been a lot easier. Now I cannot remember what that thing was. Getting old is just wonderful.



Skip

Perhaps it was that if you know there is no better or easier way to do a job, you might as well relax and take your time, because you know it ain't gonna go quick- or easy-like.

 

[RDHamill]

I have found it easiest to just remove the lamp from the truck. 2 bolts from the front and one nut from the wheel well ( remove the plug first).
good luck

 

[Hammer]

Easiest way I have done it is this way... .

Fight your way around the batteries and remove the bulbs from the headlight assembly. Once you have removed them and unplugged them and taken the bad one out take the wiring harness plug and remove the tab that holds the plug into the bulb. Then place the bulb back in the headlight assembly and twist the mounting ring back into place and slide the plug back into the bulb. It will stay in just fine and not fall out and allow for easy access the next time a change is needed as you will not have to fight with the tab on the plug at all. Makes changing the lights a breeze and the most you may get is a scrape for slipping around the battery.



Mine have been like this since 1999 when I bought the truck and put in the GE Cool Blue bulbs which they do not make anymore. I had one finally go out on me last week and have put a set of Silverstars in the truck until I get a chance to do the Sport conversion on my truck... ..... Andy

 

[Jrork]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I've just decided the next time to plan using the tried and true method of 1 beer-per-light ratio. I'll see if that goes better

 

[CKelley1]

the red green show has a very good instructional vidieo on how to change it. can some one give him a link to get it.

 

[WilsonF]

Aah Red Green, He is my Guru.

Floyd

 

[Missouri Mule]

To change the headlight bulb(9004) out disconnect the connector (just pull hard the lock on the connector has a slot in it that come loose from the tab on the bulb fairly easy). 2. turn the grey round bulb lock until it comes out. 3. Pull the bulb out.

To put it in reverse removal (make sure bulb is all the way in (seats) or the grey round lock won't lock it in).

I have used GE 9004 bulbs with out any problems but when Discount became Advance they switched to Sylvania (spelling ?) bulb.

One my headlights went out I got out the Sylvania and couldn't get it to seat. Gave up, the wiring harness held it in.

The next morning I pulled it out (I installed it in the dark) held it up to the GE and found out the raised part (where the slots are to slide thru the tabs) was half as short as the GE. This did not allow the bulb to seat. I found a 9004 bulb with the same length raised area where the slots are at Car Quest ( I checked NAPA but they were out of them) .

I keep a spare 9004 in the glove department.

 

[DanielCrawford]

or you could always have a buddy back into your truck knock out your headlights and have the whole assy replaced. Its like dropping a quarter in the urnal, not wanting to pick it up. So you drop in a dollar to make it worth your while!