How do you replace the headlight bulb located on a 2000 Mazda Protege?

Answer 1

Now if you have ever changed the headlight or taillight bulb in a car before then you know its actually very easy. In fact its so easy, new headlight bulbs do not even come with directions assuming you have a manual to look from. If you are like me and do not have a manual then you have to apply your previous knowledge of car maintenance and figure it out the hard way. So now that it has been figured out, I will explain in detail what you need to do.

1. You should notice the space you are working in is very cramped especially on the drivers side. The only tools I recommend are large pliers and needle nose pliers. (for reasons I'll explain later)

2. There is a single bulb that is supported by a black rubber dish fitted tightly to the back of the headlight housing. When you peer straight down behind the headlight you will see the rubber dish and 3 wires taped together attaching to a black plastic clip inside it. On the other side of the black plastic clip is a metal retaining clip and the bulb itself.

3. What I have found is easier to do is to pull the rubber dish off first and twist the bulb loose. The bulb has 3 tabs that correspond to a matching hole pattern inside the headlight housing. Twisting the bulb allows the tabs to align with the holes and free the bulb. The metal retaining clip acts like a spring and will try and pull the bulb back into the headlight housing. You have to pull hard while twisting to free the bulb.

4. Once the bulb is free, you need to squeeze the small tabs on the sides of the black plastic clip and pull the clip from the bulb. I eventually had to take needle nose pliers and large gripping pliers and yank the bulb connectors free from the black plastic clip.

5. Repeat this process on the other side.

6. Now that the old bulbs are out, just do everything in reverse. The only thin to really remember is how that retaining clip went in. In my case I just left it out because it proved to be too much of a hassle to rearrange. All it really does is prevent the headlight from popping out which is what the rubber dish does anyway.

7. With everything back in place turn them on and check for misalignment.