🔧 Kona - Headlight Bulb Replacement (Both Sides)

On your Kona, headlight “bulbs” may be traditional replaceable halogen bulbs, or a non-serviceable LED headlamp unit (no bulb to swap). The steps are very different, so we need to confirm which headlight type you have before you buy parts or start taking things apart.

Quick check: Look at the headlight lens—does it say LED, or do you see a removable round dust cap behind the headlight when you open the hood?

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn headlights OFF and let them cool 10+ minutes before touching anything.
• ⚠️ Do not touch a halogen bulb’s glass with bare fingers (oil can shorten bulb life).
• ⚠️ If you’re unsure whether your Kona has LED headlamps, stop—forcing access can break the housing.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for halogen bulb replacement, but keep the light switch OFF.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Small flashlight
• Trim clip tool
• Needle-nose pliers

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Headlight bulbs (match the bulb number printed on your old bulb) - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and keep the headlight switch OFF.
• Open the hood and use a small flashlight to find the rear of each headlight.
• Plan to replace bulbs in pairs (left and right) for even brightness.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm you have replaceable bulbs

• Use a small flashlight and look behind each headlight for a round removable dust cap.
• If you see a dust cap and wiring going into it, you likely have replaceable bulbs—continue.
• If the headlight is labeled LED and there’s no dust cap/bulb access, your Kona likely uses an LED headlamp unit (not a bulb swap). Tell me what you see and I’ll guide the correct repair path.

Step 2: Make room (only if access is tight)

• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• If a plastic cover or intake duct blocks your hand, use a trim clip tool to remove push-clips (a push-clip is a plastic fastener that “pops” out).
• Set clips aside so they don’t get lost.

Step 3: Remove the rear dust cap

• Use your gloved hand to twist the dust cap counterclockwise and pull it off.
• If it’s stubborn, gently help it with needle-nose pliers on the cap’s tabs (don’t crush the cap).

Step 4: Unplug the bulb connector

• Use your hand (or needle-nose pliers gently) to pull the electrical connector straight off the bulb.
• Wiggle gently; don’t yank wires.

Step 5: Remove the old bulb

• Your Kona will typically use either a wire retaining clip or a twist-lock bulb base.
• If it has a wire clip: press and swing the clip away, then pull the bulb out.
• If it’s twist-lock: rotate the bulb base counterclockwise and pull the bulb out.
• Use a small flashlight to note the bulb’s orientation before removal.

Step 6: Match the bulb type before installing

• Use a small flashlight to read the bulb number printed on the old bulb (example formats: H7, 9005, etc.).
• Make sure the new bulb is the exact same number and connector style.

Step 7: Install the new bulb (do not touch glass)

• Keep nitrile gloves on and install the new bulb in the same orientation.
• If it’s a wire clip style, seat the bulb fully, then latch the clip.
• If it’s twist-lock, seat it fully and rotate clockwise until it stops.
• If you accidentally touch the glass, clean it and let it dry before installing.

Step 8: Reconnect and reseal

• Push the connector back on until it’s fully seated.
• Reinstall the dust cap by twisting clockwise until snug.
• Reinstall any covers/ducts using the trim clip tool and the original clips.

Step 9: Repeat on the other side

• Do the same procedure for the other headlight so both bulbs match in color and brightness.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the headlights ON and confirm both low beams work.
• Turn high beams ON and confirm they work (if you replaced high beam bulbs).
• Check that each dust cap is fully sealed to prevent moisture inside the headlight.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$300 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $30-$150 (parts only)

You Save: $90-$150 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.

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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.

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Quick question (so I can be 100% exact): Do your headlights say LED on the lens, and do you see a removable rear dust cap behind the headlight with the hood open?