How do you change the headlights on a 2000 ford ranger?

Answer 1

I am assumming that you need to change the entire lamp assembly and not just the bulb.

First, remove the metal clips from the plastic nuts where the headlight adjusters are. Second, unscrew the nuts (3 each headlamp)from the adjuster screw. Third, slowly wiggle the headlight assembly forward. Fourth, disconnect the wire assembly from the headlight.

You should take your truck to an inspection station (or garage) to have the final adjustment (aiming) made to the lights. Hope this answered your question,

Steve

Let me greatly expand on Steve's response:

Yes, you have to remove two clips. They are made of low grade steel and when I grabbed the firstone with needle nose pliers it just broke. The top part has a 90 degree flange with a slot. I thought this would be simple but did not realize until looking more carefully that the down side has two catches that engage in the slots in the plastic screw - I'm guessing to prevent slippage. These are not easily disengaged and I ended up using a long narrow screwdrive and hammer to drive them out of position. Then I discovered that the best way to remove th clip as to force it sideways and do a lot of prying until it came off. Be prepared to lose some skin in this - narrow space and sharp edges.

OK that gets the two adjustment clips loose. There is still the third fixed pivot which is on the bottom. You can see it sticking through with a plastic hub and two expanded retaining fingers. This thing is old and brittle. I was able to get on finger off but the other just kept turning away from the screwdriver. I finally manhandled the entire light assembly out, breaking off this third attachment. The hum with the adjusting sreew was still there and I discovered that I could use a Phillips screw driver to remove the screw and then put the screw driver into the hum and drive it out (toward the rear). Once you start to remove the lense you also note that it over laps the rim of the side marker and you will end up partially dislodging that. OK its out. Now you have to get the new one in and getting the three attachments lined up with the holes is not easy as its dark down there. Once they ar in you have to replace the two metal clips. I broke off the catches as there is now way to get the whole thing down in there Pounded them flat, as you have bent them gettiing them out and then worked them back in. Do this on both sides. - hope that you have the alignment close to correct. Never do it again.

What evil enginer came up with this system?

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AnswerI did this the other week on the Passenger side you have to take apart the air filter in order to access the bulb and it has got a clip on the top that you must pull up to slide the bulb out of place. On the Drivers side you have to take the battery out only because it is in the way and you will see the connection to the bulb. and same thing you did on the drivers side. to Pull the lap assembly i had to pry off the piece of plastic right where the glue was however I personally am not a very patient person so i took a hammer to the OEM light plastic thing so I could pull the screws out. The other way is to melt the glue w/o melting the plastic.