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2016 Ram 1500
2015 - 2024 Ram 1500
Limited
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  • Guides
  • /
  • Ram 1500
  • /
  • 2015 to 2024
  • /
  • How to Replace Both Headlight Bulbs on a 2015-2024 Ram 1500 (H13 or 9005/9006) (Trim: Express)
How to Replace Headlight Bulbs 2011-2018 Ram 1500

How to Replace Headlight Bulbs 2011-2018 Ram 1500

Suggested Parts

No Tools

No Parts Required

Tools & Fluids

10mm
10mm
Socket
or (3/8")
1/4
1/4
Ratchet
6"
6"
Extension
Trim
Trim
Tool
Nitrile
Nitrile
Gloves
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How to Replace Both Headlight Bulbs on a 2015-2024 Ram 1500 (H13 or 9005/9006) (Trim: Express)

Step-by-step bulb swap with tools/parts list, safety tips, and headlamp bolt torque spec (44 in-lbs)

How to Replace Both Headlight Bulbs on a 2015-2024 Ram 1500 (H13 or 9005/9006) (Trim: Express)

Step-by-step bulb swap with tools/parts list, safety tips, and headlamp bolt torque spec (44 in-lbs) for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

Orion
Orion

đź”§ 1500 - Headlight Bulb Replacement

You’ll remove each headlamp assembly, twist out the old bulb(s), and install new ones without touching the glass. On your 1500, the bulbs are accessed from the rear of the headlamp after pulling the housing forward.

Assumption: Your 1500 has either the single-bulb (H13) headlamp or the dual-bulb (9005/9006) “quad” headlamp—steps for both are included below.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5–1.5 hours


⚠️ Safety & Precautions

  • ⚠️ Turn lights OFF, remove the key, and let bulbs cool 10+ minutes (hot glass can burn you).
  • ⚠️ Do not touch the new bulb glass with bare fingers (skin oil shortens bulb life); use clean gloves.
  • ⚠️ Support the headlamp as you pull it forward so you don’t scratch paint or stress wiring.
  • ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required, but keep the headlight switch OFF the whole time.

đź”§ Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

  • 10mm socket
  • 1/4" drive ratchet
  • 6" extension for 1/4" ratchet
  • Trim clip removal tool
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Flashlight
  • Clean microfiber towel

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

  • Headlight bulbs - Replace in pairs (left + right) - Qty: 2
  • Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

đź“‹ Before You Begin

  • Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
  • Open the hood and set a flashlight where it shines into the headlamp area.
  • Put on nitrile gloves so you don’t contaminate the new bulb glass.

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the headlamp retaining bolts

  • Use a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension to remove the two bolts at the top of the headlamp.
  • Set the bolts aside where they won’t fall into the engine bay.

Step 2: Pull the headlamp assembly forward

  • Grip the headlamp and pull it straight forward to release the lower alignment pins.
  • If it feels stuck, gently wiggle while pulling—do not pry against painted surfaces.
  • Tip: A microfiber towel protects the bumper edge.

Step 3: Disconnect the wiring (as needed)

  • If you need more room, unplug the main connector by pressing the lock tab and pulling straight back.
  • If a plastic clip is in the way, use a trim clip removal tool (a forked plastic/metal tool that lifts clips without breaking them).

Step 4: Remove the old bulb(s)

  • Reach behind the headlamp and locate the bulb socket(s).
  • If your headlamp uses a single bulb (H13): twist the bulb socket counterclockwise about 1/4 turn, then pull it out.
  • If your headlamp uses two bulbs (quad): remove the low beam (typically 9006) and high beam (typically 9005) the same way—twist counterclockwise, then pull out.
  • Unplug the bulb from its connector by pressing the tab and pulling apart.

Step 5: Install the new bulb(s)

  • Use nitrile gloves to handle the new bulb. If you accidentally touch the glass, wipe it with a clean microfiber towel.
  • Apply a very thin smear of dielectric grease to the electrical terminals (not the bulb glass).
  • Plug the connector into the new bulb until it clicks.
  • Insert the bulb into the housing and twist clockwise to lock it in place.

Step 6: Reinstall the headlamp assembly

  • Line up the lower pins and push the headlamp straight back into place.
  • Reinstall the two top bolts using the 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension.
  • Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs)

Step 7: Repeat on the other side

  • Do the same procedure for the other headlamp so bulb color and brightness match.

âś… After Repair

  • Turn the headlights ON and verify both sides work on low beam.
  • If applicable, switch to high beams and verify both high beams work.
  • Check that the headlamp is fully seated (no gaps) and the beam aim looks even against a wall.
  • If one side doesn’t work, turn lights OFF and re-check the connector is fully clicked in.

đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$250 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $30-$120 (parts only)

You Save: $90-$130 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.


🎯 Ready to get started?

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Guide for Headlight Bulb replace for these Ram vehicles

Year Make ModelSub ModelEngineBody Style
2024 Ram 1500Limited--
2023 Ram 1500Limited--
2022 Ram 1500Limited--
2021 Ram 1500Limited--
2020 Ram 1500Limited--
2019 Ram 1500Limited--
2018 Ram 1500Limited--
2017 Ram 1500Limited--
2016 Ram 1500Limited--
2015 Ram 1500Limited--
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