🔧 Headlight Bulbs - Replacement

Replacing headlight bulbs on your Armada is usually done from behind each headlight housing in the engine bay. The key is installing the correct bulb type and not touching the glass (oil from skin can shorten bulb life).

Quick check before I lock this in: Are you replacing the low beams (normal headlights), the high beams, or both?

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the headlight switch OFF and remove the key before starting.
• ⚠️ Let bulbs cool 10+ minutes; they get extremely hot.
• ⚠️ Do not touch halogen bulb glass with bare fingers; use clean gloves.
• ⚠️ If your Armada has factory HID/LED (rare on some trims): do not open the ballast/igniter; high voltage risk. Stop and tell me what you see.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Trim clip removal tool
• 10mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• 3" socket extension

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Headlight bulb (low beam) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Headlight bulb (high beam) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and use a flashlight to look behind each headlight.
• Confirm which bulb you’re changing by turning headlights on briefly (then OFF): low beams vs high beams.
• To guarantee the correct part: remove one bulb first and read the bulb type printed on the base (example: “H11”, “9005”, etc.).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Make room to reach the rear of the headlight

• Use safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use a flashlight to locate the bulb socket on the back of the headlight housing (the round plug with a wiring connector).
• If your hands don’t fit, remove the closest intake duct/cover fasteners using a 10mm socket, 3/8" ratchet, and 3" socket extension, plus a trim clip removal tool for plastic clips.
• Tip: Take a quick photo before unplugging.

Step 2: Disconnect the bulb electrical connector

• Press the connector lock tab and pull the connector straight off by hand (do not pull on wires).
• If it’s stuck, wiggle gently while pressing the tab; do not pry hard.

Step 3: Remove the old bulb

• Rotate the bulb base (typically about 1/8–1/4 turn) and pull the bulb straight out.
• Use the flashlight to note the orientation tabs so the new bulb goes in the same way.

Step 4: Install the new bulb (do not touch glass)

• Keep nitrile gloves on.
• Insert the new bulb into the housing, aligned with the tabs, then rotate to lock fully.
• If you accidentally touch the glass, clean it with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely before installation.

Step 5: Reconnect wiring and test

• Push the electrical connector back on until it clicks.
• Turn headlights ON and verify the bulb works (low or high beam depending on what you replaced).

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the matching bulb on the other headlight so color/brightness matches.
• Reinstall any ducts/covers you moved using the 10mm socket and trim clip removal tool.
• Torque: If you removed small 10mm bolts for ducts/covers, tighten snug by hand (these are low-torque fasteners; do not overtighten).

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✅ After Repair

• Verify left and right headlights match in color and brightness.
• Check high beams and turn signals to make sure nothing else got unplugged.
• If the new bulb doesn’t light: re-check the connector seating and bulb lock position.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $30-$160 (parts only, depends on bulb type)

You Save: $90-$140 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.