1500 - Headlight Bulb Replacement 💡

On your 1500 SLT, the low and high beams are separate bulbs inside the headlamp. Access is from under the hood, behind the headlight.

Confirm bulb types 🔍

For most 2015 1500 SLT (non-projector, non-HID):

• 💡 Low beam: 9012 (also called HIR2)
• 💡 High beam: 9005

Check your owner’s manual or the printing on the old bulb to confirm.

Tools & supplies 🧰

• 🧰 10 mm socket and ratchet (for headlamp bolts)
• 🧰 Short extension for the ratchet (helps reach bolts)
• 🧰 Flat trim tool or flat screwdriver (to pop plastic clips; a trim tool is a plastic pry tool)
• 🧰 Clean gloves (keeps skin oil off bulbs)
• 🧰 New bulbs (2x low beam, 2x high beam if doing both sides)

Safety first ⚠️

• ⚠️ Turn ignition OFF and remove the key.
• ⚠️ Switch headlights OFF and let them cool for 5–10 minutes.
• ⚠️ Set the parking brake and work on level ground.

Step 1 – Open hood & remove grille top cover 🧵

• 🛠️ Pull the hood release inside the cab, then unlatch and raise the hood.
• 🛠️ At the top front, you’ll see a plastic cover over the grille with several plastic push clips.
• 🛠️ Use the trim tool or flat screwdriver to gently lift the center pin of each clip, then pull the whole clip out.
• 🛠️ Remove the plastic cover and set it aside with the clips.

Step 2 – Loosen grille (if needed) 😎

On many 2015 trucks you can reach the headlamp bolts without fully removing the grille, but loosening it gives more room.

• 🛠️ Remove the four 10 mm bolts along the top of the grille.
• 🛠️ Gently pull the top of the grille toward you to release the clips. Don’t yank; they can be tight but will pop free.

Step 3 – Remove headlight assembly (one side at a time) 🔧

• 🛠️ Look at the top of the headlight: remove the upper 10 mm bolt.
• 🛠️ Look at the side (toward the fender, behind the grille edge): remove the side 10 mm bolt.
• 🛠️ The headlight is still held by a ball-and-socket clip at the rear. This is a metal ball stud that snaps into a plastic socket.
• 🛠️ Place one hand on the outer edge of the headlight and one on the inner edge. Pull the headlight straight forward with a firm, quick tug to pop the rear clip.
• 🛠️ When it pops free, support the headlight so you don’t stress the wiring.

Step 4 – Disconnect wiring & find the bulbs 🔌

• 🛠️ On the back of the headlight, you’ll see two bulb sockets:
  • Upper/inner bulb: usually high beam (9005)
  • Lower/outer bulb: usually low beam (9012)
• 🛠️ Each bulb has a connector plug. Press the locking tab and pull the plug straight off.

Step 5 – Remove old bulbs 💡

• 🛠️ Grasp the bulb base (not the glass).
• 🛠️ Turn the bulb counterclockwise about 1/4 turn and pull it straight out.
• 🛠️ Compare the new bulb to the old one to confirm same type and tab pattern.

Step 6 – Install new bulbs ✅

• 🛠️ Put on clean gloves. Oil from fingers can shorten bulb life.
• 🛠️ Insert the new bulb into the opening, aligning the tabs so it sits flush.
• 🛠️ Turn the bulb clockwise about 1/4 turn until it locks firmly.
• 🛠️ Reconnect the wiring plug until it clicks.
• 🛠️ Repeat for the other bulb (low and high beam) on that headlight.

Step 7 – Reinstall headlight assembly 🔩

• 🛠️ Carefully position the headlight back into the opening.
• 🛠️ Line up the rear ball stud with its socket in the body.
• 🛠️ Push the headlight straight back until you feel/hear it snap into place.
• 🛠️ Reinstall the upper and side 10 mm bolts and snug them down.
  • Tightening torque (headlamp bolts): about 5–7 ft‑lb (7–10 N·m). Just snug; don’t overtighten.

Step 8 – Repeat on the other side 🔁

• 🛠️ Do the same steps for the other headlight so both sides match in brightness and color.

Step 9 – Reinstall grille & cover 🧩

• 🛠️ Push the grille clips back into the bumper until they snap in.
• 🛠️ Reinstall the four 10 mm grille bolts and snug them.
• 🛠️ Refit the plastic top cover and push the plastic clips back in (center pin last).

Step 10 – Test the lights 🌙

• 🛠️ Turn ignition ON.
• 🛠️ Turn on low beams and check both sides.
• 🛠️ Switch to high beams and check again.
• 🛠️ Step back 5–10 m in front of a wall at night to make sure the beams look even and not pointing wildly up or down.

Tips & tricks 💬

• 💡 If a bulb won’t twist in, don’t force it; remove and realign the tabs.
• 💡 If you accidentally touch the glass, wipe it with alcohol and a clean tissue before installing.
• 💡 Consider replacing bulbs in pairs so color and brightness match.

HowToo makes it easy: below this answer you’ll see the correct bulbs and any tools you might need. You can add them to your cart right from the parts section for fast shipping. 🚚

If you want, tell me if your truck has projector-style headlights (round lens inside) or standard reflector style, and I’ll double-check the exact bulb numbers for you.