🔧 Cadenza - Headlight Bulb Replacement (Both Sides)

You’ll replace the halogen headlight bulbs by accessing the back of each headlamp housing from inside the engine bay. The key is to keep the bulb glass clean (oil from fingers shortens bulb life) and to fully re-seat the dust cap to keep moisture out.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn lights OFF and let bulbs cool 10 minutes (they get very hot).
• ⚠️ Do not touch the new bulb’s glass; use clean gloves.
• ⚠️ Make sure the rear dust cap seals fully to prevent fogging/water entry.
• ⚠️ If you disconnect the battery: remove negative first, reconnect negative last.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Low beam headlight bulb (H7 halogen) - Qty: 2
• High beam headlight bulb (9005 halogen) - Qty: 2

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, shift to Park, set the parking brake, and turn the headlights OFF.
• 🔦 Open the hood and use a flashlight to locate the rear of each headlamp (you’ll see a round dust cap and wiring connector).
• 🔋 Optional (recommended if your hands are tight in the space): disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket. Prevents accidental shorts.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Create working room (if needed)

• If access feels tight, remove nearby intake duct clips or covers using a trim clip removal tool.
• If there are small 10mm bolts holding an intake snorkel/cover, remove them with a 10mm socket, 1/4" ratchet, and 6" extension.
• When reinstalling any small 10mm intake/cover bolts: Torque to 7-9 Nm (62-80 in-lbs).

Step 2: Remove the low beam bulb (H7) on one side

• Reach behind the headlamp and remove the round dust cap by turning it counterclockwise by hand. If it’s stubborn, use a nitrile gloves grip and steady pressure.
• Unplug the bulb electrical connector by pulling straight back (wiggle gently). Use nitrile gloves for grip.
• Release the bulb retainer. On H7 setups this is usually a spring clip (a metal “wire latch” that flips down). Press and move it sideways to unhook it (no tools needed).
• Pull the old H7 bulb straight out and note the orientation tabs so the new one goes in the same way.

Step 3: Install the new low beam bulb (H7) on that side

• Put on nitrile gloves. Insert the new H7 bulb in the same orientation as the old one. Tabs must fully seat.
• Re-latch the spring clip retainer (it should feel secure, not loose).
• Plug the electrical connector back onto the bulb until it is fully seated.
• Reinstall the dust cap and hand-tighten it fully so it seals.

Step 4: Repeat low beam replacement on the other side

• Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 on the opposite headlamp.

Step 5: (Optional) Replace the high beam bulbs too (9005)

• Locate the high beam access at the rear of the headlamp (separate from the low beam).
• Unplug the connector by pulling straight back (use nitrile gloves).
• Remove the 9005 bulb by twisting it counterclockwise about 1/4 turn, then pull it straight out.
• Install the new 9005 bulb by inserting it, then twisting clockwise to lock.
• Reconnect the electrical connector until fully seated.

Step 6: Reassemble anything you removed

• Reinstall any intake ducting/covers and push any clips back in using a trim clip removal tool.
• If you disconnected the battery, reconnect the negative terminal using a 10mm socket. Torque to 5-6 Nm (44-53 in-lbs).

---

✅ After Repair

• 💡 Turn the headlights ON and confirm both low beams work (and high beams if you replaced them).
• 🔎 Check the dust caps are fully seated; any gap can cause condensation inside the headlamp.
• 🧼 If you accidentally touched the bulb glass, remove it and clean with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth, then reinstall.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹2,000-₹6,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹800-₹3,500 (parts only, depending on bulb brand)

You Save: ₹1,200-₹2,500 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?

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.