🔧 Challenger - Headlight Bulb Replacement

On your Challenger, the headlight bulbs are replaced from the engine bay (no bumper removal). The driver side is usually accessed by moving the washer-fluid filler neck, and the passenger side by loosening/moving the air intake box.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 0.8-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧤 Let the headlights cool completely before touching bulbs or housings.
• 👓 Wear safety glasses; debris can fall when working behind the lamps.
• ⚡ If equipped with HID (xenon) headlights, turn lights OFF and wait 5 minutes before unplugging anything; HID igniters can produce high voltage.
• 🧼 Do not touch the glass of halogen/HID bulbs; skin oils can shorten bulb life. Use nitrile gloves.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required, but keep the headlight switch OFF and the key away from the car.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Flashlight
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Headlight bulb (Low beam) - Qty: 2
• Headlight bulb (High beam) - Qty: 2

Tip: Match bulb type to what’s printed on your old bulb.

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to neutral, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and use a flashlight to locate the rear covers/connectors behind each headlight.
• Decide what you’re replacing: low beams, high beams, or both (each headlight has separate bulbs on halogen setups).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Identify your headlight type (Halogen vs HID)

• Use a flashlight to look at the back of the headlight: HID setups typically have a larger round igniter/ballast connection; halogen bulbs usually have a smaller twist-lock base and a simpler 2-pin connector.
• Remove one bulb first and read the marking on the base (this is the most accurate way).

Step 2: Get access to the driver-side rear of the headlight

• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension to loosen/remove the washer-fluid filler neck fastener(s) if they block access.
• Carefully move the filler neck aside just enough to reach the headlight bulb area.
• Reinstall fastener(s) later and Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).

Step 3: Get access to the passenger-side rear of the headlight

• Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension to loosen the air intake/airbox fastener(s) as needed.
• If a plastic push-pin clip is in the way, remove it with a trim clip removal tool.
• Gently reposition the intake/airbox enough to get your hand to the bulb area (do not force it).
• Reinstall fastener(s) later and Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the bulb (Halogen path)

• Reach behind the headlight and unplug the bulb connector by pressing the lock tab (use a flathead screwdriver gently if the tab is stubborn).
• Rotate the bulb base counterclockwise (about 1/8–1/4 turn) and pull the bulb straight out.
• Put on nitrile gloves before handling the new bulb.

Step 5: Install the bulb (Halogen path)

• Align the bulb’s tabs with the headlight housing slots and insert the bulb fully.
• Rotate clockwise until it locks in place.
• Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
• Tip: If touched, clean glass with alcohol.

Step 6: Remove the bulb (HID/Xenon path, if equipped)

• Confirm the headlight switch is OFF and wait 5 minutes.
• Unplug the HID igniter/bulb connector by releasing the lock tab (use a flathead screwdriver gently if needed).
• Rotate the bulb/retainer counterclockwise and remove the bulb straight out.
• Use nitrile gloves to handle the new HID bulb.

Step 7: Install the bulb (HID/Xenon path, if equipped)

• Align the bulb tabs, insert fully, and rotate clockwise until locked.
• Reconnect the igniter/connector until it clicks and feels fully seated.

Step 8: Repeat for the other side and for the second bulb (if applicable)

• Use the same access method on the other side.
• If your setup uses separate high/low bulbs, repeat the remove/install steps for the other bulb position.
• Tip: Replace bulbs in pairs for color match.

Step 9: Reassemble intake/washer neck and clips

• Reinstall any clips using the trim clip removal tool (reverse to push back in) and ensure they’re fully seated.
• Reinstall/secure loosened fasteners using the 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension.
• Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition on and test low beams, high beams, and turn signals/DRLs.
• Verify both headlights match in color and brightness.
• If one side doesn’t work, recheck the connector seating and bulb lock-in position.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $40-$260 (parts only)

You Save: $140-$190 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.