🔧 Kicks - Headlight Bulb Replacement

This repair replaces both low/high beam headlight bulbs on your Kicks. Replacing both bulbs together keeps brightness and color even from side to side.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 20-40 minutes

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Turn the headlights and ignition OFF before starting.
• ⚠️ Let the headlight bulbs cool before touching the area.
• ⚠️ Do not touch the glass part of a new halogen bulb with bare fingers; skin oil can create hot spots and shorten bulb life.
• ⚠️ Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not normally required for this bulb replacement, but keep the switch OFF the entire time.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Plastic trim tool
• Clean microfiber cloth

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Headlight bulb - Driver side - Qty: 1
• Headlight bulb - Passenger side - Qty: 1

Note: Replace in pairs for matching brightness.

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Kicks on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Turn the headlight switch OFF and remove the key or keep the push-button ignition OFF.
• Open the hood and support it securely.
• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
• A plastic trim tool is a non-metal pry tool that helps move plastic clips or covers without scratching them.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open The Hood And Locate The Bulbs

• Use the hood release inside the cabin, then lift the hood and secure it.
• Use a flashlight to look behind each headlamp housing.
• Find the round headlight bulb connector at the rear of each headlamp.
• Work on one side at a time.

Step 2: Unplug The Driver Side Bulb Connector

• Use your gloved fingers to press the locking tab on the electrical connector.
• Pull the connector straight back from the bulb.
• If the connector is tight, use a plastic trim tool gently at the connector edge.
• Do not pull on the wires.

Step 3: Remove The Driver Side Bulb

• Use your gloved hand to rotate the bulb counterclockwise about a quarter turn.
• Pull the bulb straight out of the headlamp housing.
• Keep the old bulb nearby until the new bulb is installed so you can compare the locking tabs.

Step 4: Install The New Driver Side Bulb

• Use nitrile gloves to handle the new bulb by the plastic base only.
• If the glass is touched accidentally, wipe it clean with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Insert the new bulb into the headlamp housing, aligning the tabs with the slots.
• Rotate the bulb clockwise until it locks firmly in place.
• No torque spec applies; this bulb locks by hand only.

Step 5: Reconnect The Driver Side Bulb Connector

• Use your gloved hand to push the electrical connector straight onto the bulb.
• Make sure the connector clicks or seats fully.
• Gently tug the connector body to confirm it is secure.

Step 6: Replace The Passenger Side Bulb

• Use a flashlight to locate the passenger side bulb connector behind the headlamp.
• Use your gloved fingers to press the connector locking tab and unplug the connector.
• Use your gloved hand to rotate the bulb counterclockwise about a quarter turn.
• Pull the bulb straight out.
• Install the new bulb by aligning the tabs, inserting it straight, and rotating clockwise until locked.
• Reconnect the electrical connector until fully seated.

Step 7: Test Both Headlights

• Turn the ignition to ON or accessory mode.
• Turn on the headlights and verify both new bulbs light up.
• Check low beam and high beam operation from the headlight switch.
• If one side does not work, turn the lights OFF and recheck that connector.

Step 8: Final Check

• Use a flashlight to make sure both bulbs are fully locked into the housings.
• Confirm no wiring is pinched or loose behind the headlamps.
• Close the hood securely.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Park about 25 feet from a wall at night and confirm both beams are at similar height.
• ✅ If the beam pattern looks crooked, the bulb may not be fully seated; remove and reinstall it.
• ✅ No scan tool, coding, or infotainment reset is required.
• ✅ Dispose of old bulbs safely; do not leave glass bulbs loose in the engine bay or trash bag.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$180 parts + labor

DIY Cost: $25-$70 parts only

You Save: $65-$110 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.6 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.