🔧 Compass - Headlight Bulb Replacement

On your Compass, the headlight bulbs are serviceable from behind the headlamp housing. The job is mostly about getting access, unplugging the old bulb, and installing the new one without touching the glass.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the lights OFF and let bulbs cool 10+ minutes before touching.
• ⚠️ Do not touch halogen bulb glass with bare fingers; oil can shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Support the hood securely and keep tools away from the battery terminals.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is recommended if your hands/tools will be near the battery positive terminal.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 6" extension (1/4")
• Trim clip removal tool
• Torx T25 screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Low beam headlight bulb - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• High beam headlight bulb - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Bulb access cover seal - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, engine OFF, parking brake ON.
• Open the hood and set a flashlight where it lights the back of the headlamps.
• If you’ll be working near the battery: use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable and isolate it so it can’t spring back.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Quick check which bulbs you’re replacing

• Turn the headlight switch ON briefly and identify what’s out (low beam vs high beam), then turn lights OFF.
• Low beam = normal night driving.
• High beam = “brights.”

Step 2: Get access behind the headlamp

• On the passenger side, you may need to loosen/remove the air intake duct/airbox area for room: remove fasteners with a 10mm socket and pop clips with a trim clip removal tool.
• On the driver side, space is tighter near the battery/fuse area; move any small covers out of the way using a Torx T25 screwdriver and trim clip removal tool.
• Take a photo before you move anything.

Step 3: Remove the rear dust cover (if equipped)

• Reach behind the headlamp and locate the round/oval access cover.
• Twist it counterclockwise by hand; if tight, use nitrile gloves for grip.
• Set the cover aside where it won’t get dirty.

Step 4: Unplug the bulb connector

• Press the locking tab on the connector and pull straight back.
• If it’s stubborn, gently help it with needle-nose pliers on the connector body (not the wires).

Step 5: Remove the old bulb

• Most Compass halogen bulbs are held in by a twist-lock base.
• Rotate the bulb base counterclockwise about 1/8 turn and pull it straight out.
• Note the bulb “tab” position for reinstall.

Step 6: Install the new bulb (no glass touching)

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Align the bulb tabs with the slots in the housing, insert fully, then twist clockwise to lock.
• If you accidentally touch the glass, clean it with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free wipe before installing.

Step 7: Reconnect and seal everything

• Push the connector on until it clicks.
• Reinstall the rear dust cover by hand (clockwise) so it seals evenly.
• Reinstall any intake ducts/covers you removed using the 10mm socket and Torx T25 screwdriver.

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the matching bulb on the other headlamp so both sides match color and brightness.
• Replace in pairs for best visibility.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn headlights ON and verify low beam and high beam operation on both sides.
• Check that the dust covers are fully seated (keeps moisture out).
• If you disconnected the battery, reconnect it using a 10mm socket and confirm all electrical items work.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$260 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $90-$140 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

Before I lock in the exact bulb types for your cart, answer these two quick questions: (1) Are you replacing low beam, high beam, or both? (2) Do your headlights look like a standard halogen reflector/projector, or are they factory HID/LED?

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.