Change headlight bulb for 19 99 miata?

Answer 1

It is fairly straightforward to change the headlights on the 99 models. They use an H4 or 9003 bulb. The most important thing to do is when installing the new bulb to NEVER touch the glass with your hands or let anything contaminate the bulb: the heat generated will cause any contaminants to crack the glass in a short time. First there is a wire harness that leads to the back of each bulb--it is easy to spot with the hood up and just following the line of sight back from the bulb as seen in the headlight assembly. It has 3 wires going to it in the form of a black plastic plug. There is a locking tab that keeps it intact, and when pushed allows you to (somewhat)-easily remove the plug. Then there is a large rubber boot that fits over the mount setting. It has tabs to aid in pulling it off. Once removed the bulb holder and the bulb contacts are easily seen. The bulb is held into the assembly via a tension spring wire. To remove, you need only push it in towards the front of the car a slight bit then slide it towards the middle of the car. This relases the spring lock and the bulb can be removed. Installation is the reverse of removal, but remembering: DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB!! The bulb is oriented to go in only one way (one terminal connector at the top, one on each side) and locked in place via the tension spring wire. The boot goes on easily enough, but make sure the 'donut hole' leaves the bulb tabs exposed. Finally re-connect the wiring harness and try the bulbs out!