GarageDex

How to Change a Headlight Bulb

Reviewed by GarageDex editorial

GarageDex's step-by-step guide shows that on most cars you can change a headlight bulb in 10-15 minutes from the engine bay with no tools, once you have the right bulb. The two things that matter: buy the correct bulb size for your vehicle, and never touch a new halogen bulb's glass with bare fingers. Here is the full walkthrough.

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Step by step

  1. Look up your exact low-beam (and high-beam) bulb code for your year, make, and model.
  2. Open the hood and find the back of the headlight housing; unclip the dust cover.
  3. Disconnect the wiring connector, then twist or unclip the old bulb and pull it straight out.
  4. Insert the new bulb without touching the glass with bare fingers (oils shorten its life).
  5. Reconnect the wiring, refit the cover, and test the light before closing the hood.

Get the right bulb first

Low beam and high beam often use different codes, and some cars need you to access the bulb through the wheel well or remove a cover. Look up the exact bulb sizes for your car so you only do the job once. Not sure on the types? Halogen vs LED vs HID.

If the new bulb doesn't work

Double-check the connector is fully seated and you bought the correct code. If both bulbs are out at once, it is more likely a fuse or relay than two bulbs failing together.

What it costs

A standard halogen replacement is about $5 to $25 per bulb, and an LED equivalent $20 to $80. Replace headlight bulbs in pairs: the other one is the same age and will fail soon after, and a fresh bulb next to a faded one throws visibly uneven light. If the job means dropping the bumper or airbox, a shop adds roughly $20 to $60 per bulb in labour, which is the whole reason to do it yourself.

Ranges aggregated from published 2026 US repair-cost and parts price guides, including RepairPal and Car Talk. Prices vary by region, brand, and vehicle - treat these as a sanity check on a quote, not a fixed price.

Frequently asked

How do I know which headlight bulb I need?

Headlights use a code like H11, 9005, or H7, and low beam and high beam are often different. Look up your exact year, make, and model so you buy the right one.

Why shouldn't I touch the glass of a new bulb?

Skin oils create hot spots on a halogen bulb that make it fail early. Handle it by the base, or wipe the glass with rubbing alcohol if you touch it. LED and HID are less sensitive but still best handled by the base.

Should I replace both headlight bulbs at once?

Usually yes. Bulbs from the same pair tend to fail around the same time, and matching a fresh bulb with an old, dimmer one looks uneven. It also saves you a second trip.

Need your car's exact spec?

Find your headlight bulb size