Help!! Changing a headlamp bulb ....

[EdiePA]

I'm a single Mom and money is really tight now. (Just had to buy a new dryer and a hot water heater -- on top of all the Christmas frivolities). One of my low beam bulbs is burnt out on the Windstar van. Is this something that I can replace by myself? I know that car shops charge an arm and a leg for this sort of thing, so I'd like to do it myself if I can.

Any car gurus out there??

Edie

 

[Microcell]

DH does it on all our cars. You may want to check a Chiltons guide at an auto parts store as you may have to replace the entire tail light (some cars are that way). Probably not, but while you are at the Auto parts store the guys that work there usually are helpful and will tell you what is needed with your particular car. Sometimes it is as easy as taking out a couple of screws. Good luck!

 

[Imzadi]

If you don't have to have to replace the entire light assembly, there are usually a few screws that hold the headlight in place. You just have to look & see which ones actually hold the lamp vs. adjusting the level & angle of the whole lamp (keeping the aim of the lamp out of oncoming cars.) The guys at the auto parts store will be able to help you out with that too.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We had to replace the whole thing at the shop and it was several hundred dollars.

As long as moisture isn't the cause--you should be able to get an auto parts store to point you in the right direction.

It seems sometimes they make things on cars so darn difficult--you don't have a choice..but if you are persistant...you should be able to fix this yourself.

 

[lap3]

Most of the headlamp bulbs that you'll find in the 9004/9005/9006/9007 series all twist into the headlight housing to lock in place. The factory headlight wire harness clips onto the back of the bulb. Is it difficult? No, it can be done by just about anyone. But, I'm not familiar with the Windstars so I can't tell you what's involved. If it's a tight compartment, it may take some time. Try to have someone on hand to help you. Otherwise, a local auto parts store can shed some light(no pun intended!) on the subject.

 

[Disney_1derland]

If it's not a difficult light our Super Wal Marts oil change place will do it for free. AS long as there is no dismantling of the vehicle to be done they do it and it's done by the time I'm done shopping. Maybe you can check with them?

 

[poohandwendy]

The only thing I know is that my husband is careful not to touch the actual bulb with his fingers when installing a new one. Apparently the oils in your skin can cause the bulb to burn out more quickly (create a 'hot spot'). I think that is what he said...LOL, I guess I do'nt pay as much attention as I pretend to....

good luck, you can do it!

 

[EdiePA]

Success!! The bulb has been replaced -- for a total cost of $8 !!

Thank you for giving me the confidence to try! My daughter-in-law had watched someone replace theirs, so together we did it!

Hugs,
Edie