Changing a headlight globe is a relatively simple process on most cars.
Working headlights are essential for safety and it’s illegal to drive at night without both headlights working.
So check your headlights regularly because it’s easy to miss a faulty globe.
Follow these steps to change a headlight globe.
1. Disconnect the battery
As a safety precaution, disconnect the battery before making repairs to your car.
Disconnect the black (negative) cable. You can leave the red (positive) cable in place.
2. Locate the headlight holder
Access the headlight holder through the engine compartment and not directly through the headlight.
The headlight holder is at the front of the car just behind the headlight.
There’ll be a power connector with three wires coming out of it.
3. Remove the power connector
The three wires that power the headlight will be connected by a plug at the back of the headlight.
To remove it, undo a catch or unscrew it.
The catch will be plastic (with a little lever that needs to be pressed) or metal (pull it up and away).
4. Remove the old globe
With the wires out of the way, you should be able to access the globe.
The old globe can be pulled out by holding onto the base.
You may need to rotate it slightly to free it.
5. Make sure you have the right replacement globe
Remove the new globe from its packaging.
Never touch the glass of the new globe with your bare skin.
If you must touch the globe, use a tissue.
If you’re unsure what replacement globe to buy, speak to your parts supplier or take the old globe with you when you buy the new one.
6. Insert the new globe
Insert the new globe by holding the base and inserting it the same way you took out the old one.
Make sure it’s fully in and the globe’s rubber gasket isn’t showing.
7. Reinsert the power connector
Reinsert the power connector in the same way you removed it.
Make sure it’s properly screwed or clipped in place.
8. Test the new globe
You can now reconnect the car’s battery and test the globe.
If the light doesn’t come on, check the wiring to make sure nothing is loose.
Replacement headlight globes from Masterparts
Now that you know how to change the headlight globes on your car, you need to source new globes.
Masterparts stocks a wide variety of headlight globes from trusted brands Autostar and Hella.
We offer a range of H1, H3, H4, H7, H11 and HB4 globes that cover most vehicles, including models with bi-xenon headlights.
Visit your nearest Masterparts branch to get expert advice on which headlight globes are best for your vehicle.
Contact us if there’s a part you need and we’ll be happy to help.
