How to Replace a Headlight Bulb in a Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus has one of the longest production histories of any of Ford's mid-size cars. You should check that the headlights on your Ford Taurus are working properly on a regular basis. When one of the headlight bulbs burn out, replacing it is a simple repair you can perform yourself. These steps apply only to the fourth generation Ford Taurus produced after 2000.

Instructions

1

Turn off your Ford Taurus, engage the parking brake and remove the keys from the ignition before beginning any repairs. Ensure that the headlights are off by double-checking you turned the interior control completely to the off position.

2

Raise the hood by first pulling up on the interior hood release latch located under the instrument panel on the left of the steering column. Walk around to the front of the car and release the auxiliary latch located at the front center of the hood. Raise the hood until the lift cylinders catch and hold the hood open on its own.

3

Unscrew the bolt from the headlamp assembly by turning it counterclockwise. Use a screwdriver or pliers to pry up the retaining pins enough that you can pull them straight up and out with either your hands or a pair of pliers. These pins are located at the back of the headlight assembly.

4

Pull the headlight assembly out from the front of the vehicle. Remove the protective dust shield from the electrical connector and bulb assembly by turning it counterclockwise and pulling it off.

5

Free the bulb assembly by disconnecting the electrical connector and retaining ring. You can simply pull off the connector to remove it. The retaining ring requires a counterclockwise turn for removal.

6

Take out the old headlight bulb by pulling it straight out from the headlight assembly.

7

Install a new replacement bulb by pushing it straight in with the flat part of the bulb's base facing upward. Be sure that the grooves in the plastic base of the bulb align properly with those in the headlight assembly.

8

Reinstall the remaining components of the headlight assembly in reverse order of removal and check that the headlights are working properly.