How to Replace a Headlamp in a Jeep Wrangler JK

The headlamps are an important safety component on your Jeep Wrangler JK. Without them, driving at night or in bad weather would be both difficult and dangerous. Over time, the headlamp bulbs will burn out and need to be replaced. Luckily, replacing a headlight bulb can be done just about anywhere as long as you have one handy. Instead of paying someone else to do it, take a few minutes and change your own bulbs.

• 1

  Open the hood and prop it up with its metal prop rod.

• 2

  Locate the black retainers on the front grille. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to turn the retaining screws about 1/4-turn counterclockwise to loosen them then pull them out. If you have a newer model JK, you may have to pry the retainers out with a flat head screwdriver.

• 3

  Pull the front grille off of the Jeep by carefully tugging on the bottom left-hand side and slowly working towards the right side. Unplug the indicator lights, as you pull the grille off, by unlocking the sliding red tab and pressing the red release tabs on the back of the plug located on the back of the indicator lights. While pressing the red tabs, pull out the plug.

• 4

  Remove the four screws on the metal ring surrounding the headlight with a Torx T-15 driver. Gently pull out the headlight assembly and remove the headlamp from the housing by rotating it about 1/4-turn counterclockwise.

• 5

  Slide the red tab on the bulb's plug to unlock the bulb connector and remove the bulb. Insert the new bulb and lock the connector by sliding the red tab in the opposite direction. Insert the headlamp into the housing and turn it 1/4-turn clockwise to lock it in place.

• 6

  Reinstall the headlight assembly and screw it in with the four Torx T-15 screws and driver. Repeat Steps 4 through 6 on the other headlight assembly if necessary.

• 7

  Move the grille back to its original position and plug in the indicator lights as you do so. Plug in the indicator lights by connecting the two plastic connectors and sliding the red tab back into the locked position.

• 8

  Reinstall the grille by inserting the retainers and turning them 1/4-turn clockwise with the Phillips head screwdriver. If you own a newer model Jeep, insert the retainers by pushing them into their holes. Make sure the grille is secure then close the hood.