Release and pull the clips upward. The issue is not as rare as you think. Raise the headlamp retainers by pushing rearward and pulling up. The plugs should be locked in place by a simple twist lock and should be quickly and readily accessable. With the cable unplugged, look at the back of the bulb assembly.
Theres a white or red piece of plastic behind the headlight you have to open hood and reach your hand in behind headlight that holds the light in and is also the electrical connector. Removing the bulb for an extended period of time may affect headlamp bulb performance. Line these up with the corresponding marks on the headlight bezel assembly, and then push the bulb assembly gently into place. Attach the bulb electrical connector. Just loosen enough so the bulb can be turned and removed from the housing.
Improper headlight adjustment on your Matrix could cause an automobile accident from blinding oncoming drivers if the headlights are aimed too high or from not being able to see the road if headlights are aimed too low. Oil from your finger will destroy the lamp as it operates at high temperature. Always verify all light bulb sizes, bulb voltage usage and bulb wattage before applying any information found here to your 2003 Toyota Matrix. It is accessible from the front of the truck. Fingertip oil, even very slight, can cause the bulb to fail very quickly. On the left side, you need to slide your screwdriver between the housing assembly and the battery to reach the screw. If you replace your headlight assembly, however, and the new headlight assembly isn't properly calibrated, the assembly may need to be adjusted.
Chances are these steps also apply to the Freestar and Mecury Monterey. Using latex gloves or another barrier is recommeded. Push each side of the glove box to disconnect the claws. Contaminants may enter the headlamp where they can settle on the lens and reflector. Replace these when done with the bulb assembly replacement. The connector may have a locking tab, which has to be depressed. There are 2 headlight retainer clips to find - they are:.
Check that you the square tabs are on the outside of the ring it's easy to miss one, so that only two of the tabs are engaged - this can result in the bulb being loose. Pull the rubber boot which is sealed against the back of headlight assy. Pull it straight back away from you to remove it. Connect the electrical connector into the rear of the plastic base unti it snaps, locking it into position. Once side has a 'hinge' and the other side has a single wire which sits in a seat. Pull the headlight unit forward.
Check that you the square tabs are on the outside of the ring it's easy to miss one, so that only two of the tabs are engaged - this can result in the bulb being loose. This is odd because you cannot actually see the light and, in my opinion, you come at it from further back in the car than you might think. The oil from your hands can damage the bulb which could cause it to fail prematurely. There are 2 headlight retainer clips to find - they are:. If necessary, wipe off any dirt or oil from the bulb with rubbing alcohol before completing installation.
It is a bit of a squeeze on the battery side. Be sure not to touch the glass part of the bulb or get it wet. Headlights grow dimmer by up to 20% over time and eventually burn out - for this reason, we recommend changing your headlights in pairs. When I first looked this over it was at night in my garage and it looked harder than it was. Hi, Replacing a headlight on a Toyota Matrix is a simple process that only requires the use of a screwdriver and a replacement bulb.
With the cable unplugged, look at the back of the bulb assembly. Nov 14, 2012 First check electrical connection, if its got voltage at the connector when headlight switch is on , then if it does you have a defective headlight bulb, you can switch the bulb from the other side that you know is good. The light bulb plug may be obscured by other parts which may or may not need to be removed to access … it though generally this is not the case. Open the hood and then: 1. Look for the black plastic coupling or ring on the backside of the headlight. You may want to consider replacing both left and right at the same time in order to keep brightness and color equal optional.
If equipped, install the headlamp bulb protective cover. Easy Returns Guaranteed We offer a no-questions 100% money back guarantee on all items returned within 60 days of delivery. Keep the ring to retain the new bulb. Disconnect the headlamp bulb electrical connector. You can also lift the plastic lock tab with a small screwdriver instead of squeezing the harness.
The headlamp assembly will now pull forward providing great access to the electrical connector and bulb retainer ring. Remove the headlamp connector by a straight pull, rocking if necessary. Without turning, remove the old bulb from its socket by gently pulling it straight back out of the lamp assembly. Strongly recommend replacing both headlights at the same time. If replacing the left-hand headlight, remove the air cleaner duct by removing the securing clip with a screwdriver and pulling the duct out of the vehicle. If the connector is too tight, wiggle it slightly to help remove it. There is a rubber cover on the rear of the headlight assembly.