How to Replace Sealed Beam Headlights
- 1). Turn on the headlights. If your car is equipped with retractable lights, open the electrical doors to expose them.
- 2). Open the hood, disconnect the negative cable from the battery and wait a couple of minutes for the headlights to cool down.
- 3). Take off the rim that surrounds each set of headlights using a standard or Phillips screwdriver. On some models, you may have to remove the grille--this is the aluminum framework or screen that runs from the left headlight to right headlight set.
- 4). Unscrew the headlight retainer or frame that holds the headlight in place, making sure not to upset the headlight adjusting screws. On some round headlight models it is possible that, once unscrewed, you may have to rotate the retainer before it comes out. Also, look around for a spring that might be helping to hold the retainer in place. Unhook the spring and make sure to place it in a safe place so it does not get lost.
- 5). Pull the headlight retainer and look around the headlight to make sure there are no more security fasteners that might hold the headlight in place.
- 6). Pull out the headlight carefully until you see the connector behind. Unplug the connector, being careful not to damage the headlight spade terminals.
- 7). Upgrade if necessary. If your vehicle uses standard sealed beam headlights, you might want to replace them with halogen type lights. Halogen headlights emit a brighter light and come in the standard sealed beam configuration, so you do not have to make any modifications.
- 8). Install the new headlights following the steps in reverse order. Make sure the number markings on the headlight lens are on top before you plug them in. Test the new headlights for proper operation.
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