How do you replace the headlight bulb located on a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo?

Answer 1

I replaced a low beam. This is part 9006XS not 9006. You must get the 9006XS as the other has a 90 degree turn on the socket and will not fit. I was told you could actually change the bulb and leave the socket, but I could not get the bulb loose. Part 9006XS is a bulb and socket together. Mine cost about $12 dollars. As far as I'm concerned it is worth it. For this task you will need: Keys to the car, 7mm wrench, flat pry bar, flat head screwdriver, part 9006XS (not 9006). You must pull the plastic headlight lens away (forward) from the car to get to the bulbs from the back of the assembly. Open the hood. Using a 7mm wrench or 7mm screwdriver take out the one bolt in the top center rear of the headlight assembly. The bolt goes vertically down through the back of the headlight assembly. Once out it will be about 6 inches long more or less. You will notice the headlight still feels firmly attached to the car. There are three ball sockets in the headlights that fit into rubber grommets holding the headlight onto the car. Facing the light you can hold it by the opposite corners and wiggle it out. When I tried this it wiggled but would not come out. So I used a flat pry bar on the back of the headlight and gently pushed it forward a bit (in the direction the headlights shine). Do not push too hard or you will break the plastic housing on the light and it is very expensive. I got only one of the sockets loose and was able to pull the assembly out after that. Be careful not to pinch your fingers between the headlight and the grill or the headlight and the body on the other side when pulling it out. The headlight assembly only comes out about 10 inches or so, but you can rotate it so that the back of the bulbs are removable. The bulb and socket assembly was what I changed (part 9006XS remember). If you twist the socket you will notice little tabs that must be aligned with the headlight assembly frame to pull it out. Rotate it till it is in alignment and pull it. You now have the wire, socket and bulb in your hand. Using a flat screwdriver gently pry the tabs up where the plug from the wire clasps over the socket. Don't pry too hard or you will break the tabs. Once out simply plug in your replacement part 9006XS, reinsert the socket into the headlight assembly and push the head light assembly back into place. Test your headlights at this point. When you push the headlight assembly back into place you must align the 3 ball sockets with the rubber grommets and push straight back into the vehicle. Also make sure the tab for the screw is in the right position or the headlight will not go back into place. Replace your 6 inch screw with the 7mm wrench. If you want to see pictures go to http://www.wjjeeps.com/index.htm, although the explaination is not as complete as above.