How to Remove a 1999 Ford Taurus Headlight Assembly

If your headlight assembly (also called a headlight casing) is cracked, faded, or otherwise damaged, you may want to consider replacing it. Once you learn how to remove the old headlight assembly, the process is quite easy, since replacement is the reverse of removal. The 1999 Ford Taurus uses modern sealed-beam headlights. You'll need to unhook a couple of connections and remove the headlight bulb before you can completely remove the headlight assembly. The process is the same for all 1996 to 1999 Taurus models.

Instructions

1

Shut the engine and headlight switch off. Open the hood and support it with the hood rod.

2

Locate the three bolts behind each headlight assembly, and then locate the forth bolt, which is mounted farther back. Remove the three bolts with a 10mm ratchet or wrench, and then rotate the fourth bolt a few turns. It is a pinch-bolt; it does not need to be removed, only loosened.

3

Pull the headlight assembly toward you, to access the rear. Unplug the electrical harness from the center of the assembly. It's plugged into the plastic retainer.

4

Grasp the plastic retainer and turn it counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the headlight assembly. Set the retainer to the side when it's unhooked.

5

Pull the bulb socket straight away from the assembly. Once the bulb is out, pull the assembly completely away.