With the proper equipment, you can replace your headlights on your own, especially if you’re changing your high-beam lights. It may be simpler and safer to contact an auto body shop to replace your low-beam lights because doing so is significantly more difficult. The following tools are required for a DIY headlight repair on a Toyota Corolla:
- a headlight 9005 high-beam bulb
- a set of low-beam LED headlights
- the screwdriver (low-beam bulb only)
- socket 10 mm (low-beam bulb only)
Changing a high-beam bulb:
- Locate the bulb by opening the hood. The headlight assembly should be in front of it.
- Pull the lightbulb out by rotating it counterclockwise, pressing the tab on the electrical plug, then turning it clockwise again.
- Push the replacement bulb into the housing after inserting it into the electrical plug.
- Make sure your headlights are functioning correctly by testing them.
Since your entire light assembly needs to be replaced, replacing your low-beam lights is much trickier. To replace them, you’ll have to take the car’s grill and light assembly off. Once more, it is strongly advised to get your low beams changed at an auto body shop.
While hunting for new insurance shouldn’t take as much time as replacing your headlights, it often does. Your insurance should occasionally be updated and changed, just like old lightbulbs. Use the Jerry app to quickly locate and compare rates and plans from leading insurers.
In This Article...
How is the bulb removed from a Toyota Corolla?
- Headlight Bulb in Step 1. To open the hood, find the handle.
- Pull the latch up by reaching beneath the hood at the front where there is a tiny notch.
- Find the lightbulb.
- Assembly should be twisted 45 degrees counterclockwise and pulled out straight.
- Pull while lifting the lock up.
- Repeat steps 3-5 to remove the other bulb after you’ve located it.
What distinguishes high beam from low beam?
Headlights are frequently regarded as a design feature since they may give an automobile a unique appearance. But keep in mind that the purpose of headlights is not to enhance the appearance of your vehicle. Exterior lights illuminate the roadway in front of you, allowing other motorists and pedestrians to see you as well as where you’re going.
SHINING A LIGHT ON AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE
Driving in the dark has been a concern for people for as long as they have been using automobiles. That doesn’t necessarily imply driving at night. Even during the day, weather conditions have the potential to make the sky exceedingly black, and as a result, the streets. Headlights are especially important for drivers in rural locations where there may not be many streetlights.
IMPROVING A BRIGHT IDEA
Headlamps fueled with gas were once a standard feature on all vehicles. Then, the auto industry developed technologically.
- Halogen headlights outperform gas-filled headlamps in terms of brightness, durability, and heat resistance.
- LED headlights use less power and generate an even brighter light than halogens.
- The brightest lights on the market are HID headlights. Before you conclude that brighter is better and switch to HIDs, bear in mind that certain jurisdictions deem them to be too bright (each state has its own laws governing headlights)
Let’s now examine the use of high beam vs. low beam and when to keep to low beams.
HIGH BEAM VS. LOW BEAMOPERATIONALLY
The low beams are activated when you turn on your headlights. Simple enough, yes? Older cars generally had a foot switch on the floor to the left of the brake/clutch pedal that was used to turn on the high lights. The high beam control is located on the turn signal lever on more recent automobiles.
HIGH BEAM VS. LOW BEAMREACH AND INTENSITY
Low beams have a lower intensity and cover less ground in front of your vehicle. High beams have a high intensity and cover more ground.
WHEN TO USE HIGH BEAMS
- When more light is required (for instance, when driving on a rural road without any streetlights), switch to high beams.
- When driving in fog, use high beams with caution as the harsh light may be reflected back to the driver and obstruct vision. Because of this, some automobiles have distinctive fog lights.
- Of alert other cars to a hazard (such as a tree that has fallen in the road), flash your high lights. Please be aware that depending on the state, county, or city, utilizing and flashing high lights may not be permitted.
Jiffy Lube takes extra care of your headlights because they look out for you. Every oil change provided by Jiffy Lube Signature Service includes a thorough examination of all exterior lights. They will be checked for proper operation by a skilled technician. If an issue is found, additional diagnostics will be carried out (with your permission). Your headlights will be meticulously cleaned with specialized solvents before you go on your way.
READ MORE ABOUT IT
Illumination jargon might be bewildering, such as headlights, cabin lighting, parking lights, and service reminder lights. Jiffy Lube created this Car Terms Glossary for that reason.
Do the Toyota Corolla’s headlights use LED technology?
If you drive a Toyota Corolla from 2014 or later, you’re surely aware that LED headlamps are a standard feature.
Describe an HIR2 bulb.
CI1255 HIR2 halogen bulbs are frequently found on Lexus and Toyota automobiles. The UV-reduced HELLA halogen automobile bulbs are secure for use in contemporary headlamps with polycarbonate lenses.
Autozone plans to replace the headlights.
To be clear, buying a headlight or tail light for a vehicle at AutoZone is pretty simple if you have the part number for it or simply know the make, model, year, and occasionally even the trim of the car. When you visit a dealership or repair facility, labor is frequently added to the cost of the headlamp.
If your headlamp is easily accessible to the installer and is in most cases, Autozone will replace it.
Is it challenging to switch headlights?
Even if you have the most expensive wheels, if your headlights aren’t working, it won’t mean much (and as we know from numerous movies and cop shows, a burned-out light will lead to an unwelcome stop by a highway patrol car). Thankfully, changing a headlight bulb is a rather simple procedure.
Tools required:
- brand-new light bulb(s) Make sure you purchase the appropriate bulb type for your car (your local auto parts store should be able to match a bulb with your make and model)
- alcohol-based tissues and wipes (to clean and hold the new bulb)
- tool for Phillips screws
Instead of from the front of the automobile, you’ll access your headlight bulb via the engine compartment. Locate the headlight close to the front of the car by opening the hood. It will be housed in a bulb holder and connected to the bulb by a power connector, which typically has three wires.
Depending on your vehicle, the power cables are connected to a plug at the base of the headlamp and secured by a plastic catch, a metal clip, or a screw cap. Push down on the little lever at the top of the plastic catch as you take the plug out. Hold onto the metal clip as you draw it up and away if you’re dealing with one. When working with a screw cap, turn it counter-clockwise to unscrew it.
Holding onto the base of the old bulb, you should be able to remove the back of the headlight holder after the wires have been severed. In some circumstances, you might need to slightly spin the bulb to release it.
Use tissues or gloves to handle the replacement bulb; you don’t want your skin’s oils to get on it. Before you install it, you should give it a thorough cleaning with an alcohol wipe. When the bulb is prepared, insert it into the plug’s base. No rubber gasket will be seen if it has been placed properly. The headlight holder and power wires can be plugged back in when the bulb has been installed. Make sure to switch on your headlights to test the bulb.
Working with your headlights differs slightly from changing your rear tail lights, which include your brake lights. On some models, you may unscrew the housing that houses the bulb from the outside, while on other models, you have to do so from inside the trunk. To access the bulb after unscrewing the housing, you might need to work with tabs, screws, or tiny knobs on the tail light cover (make sure not to lose the screws if you need to remove them). The electrical wiring won’t need to be taken out, but be careful not to pull the housing out too much lest you rip the wires.
The bulb should be easy to remove by either pulling it out straight (as in most contemporary cars) or by pushing it in while simultaneously unscrewing. Replace the housing and reattach it when the replacement bulb has been installed (screws, tabs, knobs, etc.). Once more, be careful to test the bulb by turning the ignition on and using the brakes.
Step One
Choosing a method to access the headlight bulb is undoubtedly the trickiest aspect of the procedure. Even though it looks like you should be able to just pop the bulb out, you frequently need to remove other components in order to reach the bulb.
On the majority of automobiles, the engine compartment is where you access the headlight bulb. Locate the headlamp within a bulb holder by opening the hood. For information on the optimum access points and any components that need to be removed in order to reach the headlight bulb, consult your owner’s manual as well.
Step Two
Analyze the best way to remove the old bulb. On some cars, the bulb is positioned directed into the headlight assembly, while on others, the bulb is fixed in the headlight assembly by a wire arrangement. You can take out the bulb once you understand how it is held in the housing.
You’ll also be able to decide at this time whatever tools you’ll need to finish the project. Some headlight bulbs do require the use of a flathead or Phillips screwdriver, but the majority can be removed without them.
Remove any power wires that are attached to the back of the light bulb. The back of the headlamp may also have a dust cover that needs to be taken off. The bulb may alternatively be secured in place by a clip or clips.
Step Three
By grasping the bulb housing and drawing it out, you can remove the bulb. You might need to twist some bulbs in order to remove the cap. When doing this, be careful not to risk shattering the bulb by touching it roughly.
Step Four
Clean the replacement bulb with an alcohol wipe or by using rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth before replacing it.
Insert the new bulb by aligning it with the available socket while holding it by the housing. Avoid touching the bulb as your skin’s oil may leave a hot patch, which could cause it to burn out more quickly. To avoid this situation, you can think about wearing gloves.
The procedure you used to remove the old bulb should be repeated. If necessary, reinstall the dust cover and attach any wires or clips. Place the headlight housing in the frame once again. If you had to remove any extra components to get to the headlight bulb, replace them.
Step Five
To test the new headlight’s functionality, start your car and turn on the headlights. Spend some time as well examining the headlights’ direction. Your lights may not be focused on the road, where you need them to shine clearly, if they are not properly aligned. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to fix them if they appear to be out of alignment.
Find out more about high-quality lighting items, where to buy your car part, or how to locate it.
This article’s information is provided for educational reasons only and shouldn’t be relied upon in place of consulting a qualified technician or mechanic. We advise you to speak with a licensed technician or mechanic if you have any specific queries or issues regarding any of the subjects discussed here. We will not, under any circumstances, be held responsible for any loss or harm resulting from your reliance on any content.