2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Replacement of Head Light. 1998, 12 Valve 2500,

[BLUEDOT 72]

HAve a hell of a time getting to the headlight bulb. 1998, two battery, 4x4. The owners manual isn't much help. Anyone else have suggestions?

 

[fest3er]

Being double- or triple-jointed probably helps. Being of moderate build definitely helps. Last time I had to replace headlight bulbs, I had to re-remember how to do it; that was nigh on 7-8 years ago.

Basically, close your eyes and do it entirely by touch, slowly and gently. And be sure you keep your oily fingers off the new bulbs.

 

[fest3er]

Being double- or triple-jointed probably helps. Being of moderate build definitely helps. Last time I had to replace headlight bulbs, I had to re-remember how to do it; that was nigh on 7-8 years ago.

Basically, close your eyes and do it entirely by touch, slowly and gently. And be sure you keep your oily fingers off the new bulbs.

 

[BigPapa]

Pulling the battery will help some but is really not necessary. I can't remember which right now, but one side is easier than the other. There's a retaining ring that you turn counter clockwise, then pull the lamp out. Disconnect the connector, put the new lamp into the back of the headlight, then put the ring back on. Make sure the lamp is completely seated in the socket. The retaining ring can be tricky so be patient. I find it sometimes helps to turn it backwards while pushing in until you feel it pop into place, then tighten it. Reconnect the connector. As mentioned, don't touch the glass of the lamp with your fingers and try not to touch it to anything.

 

[Ken Roberts]

Just an idea.......

Sometimes the O-ring on the bulb is the issue. Dry, it seems to not want to allow the bulb to slide into the hole in the housing, but if you put a little white grease on the O-ring, it slips in super easy. However, if you get ANYTHING on the bulb glass, (fingerprints, white grease),you will get to perform the bulb replacement again sooner than you really want to.
YMMV

Ken R955