How do you replace the headlight bulb on a 2001 PT Cruiser?

Answer 1

Removing the headlamp is the easiest way. Two long threadbolts hold in the headlamp. You might have to jiggle it a little to get it out.

UPDATE:

Look in the manual. It explains that you have to partially remove the bumper in order to get the headlight assembly out. I know its a pain I've had to do it before. Don't yank too hard, it's plastic so it WILL break. Also, be careful that you don't bend the metal out of shape.

Answer 2

Raise the hood and look at the top of the metal cross member that holds the radiator and fans and head light housings. Right next to the very front fender on both sides of the vehicle and at the top of the head light housings, you will see a small 7mm silver screw and right across from it and on top of the head light housing, you will see a second 7mm silver looking screw. These screws hold the head light housing to the metal cross member. Remove the two screws and the head light assembly is easily pulled forward enough to allow removal of the lamps. The lamps have a locking tab on the plug assembly. Just press the plastic tab and turn the lamp socket counter closckwise to remove it from the lamp housing. Now, the lamp can be pulled from its socket holder. Don't touch the new lamp with your fingers or it will cause the lamp to turn dark and shorten its life. Assemble in the reverse order

Answer 3

Parts Required: Change all the lights at once, it is not worth the anguish of doing this over and over again

2 low-beam lights, 2 high-beam/running lights, 2 parking lights - part nos in the owners manual

A can of Diet Coke to clean the battery terminals is also recommended. *optional

Tools required

Ratchet set : 10mm, 7mm, 6mm sockets

Extension 12"

Large Flat screwdriver, small 4" flat screwdriver and a pair of pliers

Flash-light

12" Magnetic tip telescoping bit

Surgical gloves

Battery terminal cleaner * optional

Step 1:

First take off the plastic cover that cover that is across the front of the engine compartment. 6 push pins hold it in place, Use the long flat screw driver to pry them up and use the pliers to pull them off.

Gently take the plastic cover off and set it aside.

Step 2:

Next you will see 3 push pins that hold the front grill to the engine housing, using the long flat and a pair of pliers pull the 3 push pins out.

Step 3:

In the upper area of each wheel well, you will see a large 2.5" rubber grommet. Pull the rubber grommet out

Step 4:

Locate a 6mm bolt head that is driven vertically upwards. It is not visible looking at the wheel well. You have to lay down on the floor and you will find it about a foot below the grommet and at the edge of the fender. Use the the ratchet to remove this bolt headed screw. It is about a 1.5" long. Do this for both sides before going to the next step

Step 5:

Start with the passenger side as it is easier. Use the flash light and peer into the fender area from the engine compartment. You will see a nut on a bolt, and a plastic fastener.

Use the 10mm socket on the 12" extension. Insert it into the hole where the grommet was, and guide the socket on the nut head. It is about an 1" long. Be careful as you take it off, else you will be fishing for the bolt in the fender.

Step 6:

Pull on the plastic fender in the front till the bolt head and the fastener exit the fender. This has to be repeated for each side.

Step 7:

Locate 8mm bolt heads on top of the light assembly. Note it is not the Philips head - they are to level the lamps. Before undoing the bolts, check the spirit level on top of the lamp assembly and make a note of the bubbles position. You will need this when you put the assembly back. Undo both bolts, they have about an 1" of thread on the top and then you have to pull it up physically or with the use of the pliers

Step 8:

Pull the headlight assembly out - gently. Don't scratch the paint work and don't damage the rubber molding around the light assembly.

Step 8a*: If you see any salt build up on the battery terminals, pour diet coke or pepsi on the terminals, this neutralizes all the salt. Then pour some water to clean the gunk and then with a paper towel dry it. Be careful with the paper towel, as it contains sulfuric acid and is corrosive, put in in a garbage bag immediately. If you feel it has come into contact with your skin, was vigorously before continuing.

Step 9:

Note the position of the connector before you do anything. Turn the retaining rings holding each bulb counter clock wise. When you do this the bulb assembly and the connector will pull free. Two instances of this. Remove assembly, and place securely on a table

Step 10:

Locate the parking light below and turn the connector clockwise as you are looking over it. Pull out the old bulb and replace it. Do this for both sides. Turn on the parking lights to ensure they work, try the signals too. No sense it putting it all back together and nothing works. Replace the holder and bulb in reverse order. Note the unit should fit in nicely and rotate smoothly as you turn counter clockwise this time.

Step 11:

Using the 4" flat screwdriver, lift the locking pins gently and push the bulb out, Start with the low beams. Low beam has only 1 filament, high-beam/running light has 2 filaments. Put on the pair of surgical gloves, and open the pack of new bulbs, push the bulbs into the empty sockets, until the locking pins click into place. Change the low-and high beams.

Step 12:

Insert the bulb with the connector in the position you noted in step 9. Slide the mounting ring and then lock it into place by turning it clock-wise as you are looking at it from the rear of the assembly. Repeat this for both the high beam and low beam. Slide assembly back into cavity. Repeat this for the other side. Test the bulbs light correctly

Step 13:

Gently push back the front plastic so that the bolt and the plastic stud enter the fender. Pay attention to ensure that the fender lining sits correctly. Using the 12" ratchet extension and the 10mm socket mount the bolt back on and tighten. Do this for both sides

Step 14:

Using the ratchet mount the 6mm fastener on to the fender. Do this for both sides

Step 15:

Mount the jack screws on top of the headlight assembly. Tighten till the bubble in the spirit level returns to the original position. Don't push the bolt past its maximum. If it doesn't return to the original level, loosen and adjust the headlamp assembly and re-tighten. Do this for both headlamps.

Step 16:

Replace the 3 push pins that hold the front grill to the engine compartment. Replace the large plastic panel that was removed in step 1 and remount it using the 6 push pins.

Voila - you have changed all the bulbs on the front of the 1999 300M.

Estimated time:

Novice 2 hours

Advanced 1 hour

Expert 45 mins

If you found this helpful, a quick note to the author George and Anna at lmcgeko@Yahoo.com would be appreciated.

Answer 4

In the front wheel well, there is a plastic clip-in hatch (just behind the headlight). Gently lift it by pushing it sideways with a wide flathead screwdriver, the lid is somewhat flexible. From there you can access the bulb sockets which come loose with a 1/4 turn twist. Once done, just click/ push the hatch panel back in its place by gently flexing it.

Answer 5

To replace a headlight bulb on a 2004 Ram 3500, open the engine compartmentÊhood and locate the back of the headlight bulb to be replaced. Twist the headlight bulb counterclockwise to remove, and replace with new.ÊÊ

Answer 6

Open hood, and pull and turn-out burnt bulb holding socket from socket receiver. Remove burnt bulb from socket and replace w/new bulb into socket. Replace socket into socket receiver & turn to lock socket into receiver. Do NOT TOUCH bulb! Use GLOVES when handling. Done!