How do you replace the headlight bulb assembly located on a 2002 Dodge Durango?

Answer

I just finished changing mine!!! (it's a 2000 model, but the same as a '99) I had a squirrel that chewed through the wire's on the plug behind the headlight, so I had to replace that part of the harness. (The driver side light) I found this page trying to solve my problem but found no answers either. BUT I FIGURED IT OUT!!!

'nuf chit chat...lets get to business!

1)With the hood open, you will see a rubber strip along the inside of the headlight. That will simply come off carfully with your hands. There are four plastic "buttons" and one "tab" that it will slip off of. (removing the battery may be helpful for the driver side but I don't think is is absolutely necessary)

2)There are 3 bolts BEHIND the light bucket and framework and a plastic connector. I beleive the size for the bolts is a 10mm socket. (You need a long extension for all) Two of them are on the inside-(closest to the radiator) & are visible if you get in there and look. The extension will fit in-between the light and the bumper to get the bottom one off.(DO NOT remove or loosen the tiny star nuts-barely visible between the lights themselves, those are only for the beam adjustment) The 3rd is on the bottom outside. This one is a little tricky, you must use a 1/4 inch ratchet with an extension and the smallest socket you can find to fit the bolt because there is a piece of metal in front of the bolt-head. This may require a little patience to get the socket down and over the bolt, but be careful not to brake the light.

3)Here is the last pain in the butt, it's a little plastic plug that I think is supposed to be a snap in/out type of connector-kind of like a ball and socket. You can see the pointed tip on the inside of the engine compartment. You should carefully pull out straight forward. Somehow I managed to get out the whole peice by squeezing and twisting the plastic piece and wiggling the light. Be careful not to break the connector, if you do the bolts will still hold the light, but you may get a little vibration/wobbly light when driving.

You should have the light assembly completely out now. (So of course on my job, I just reconnected my wire/plug and stuck it back together) To change out the assembly should be easy to see and figure out. You will have to be careful when unplugging the old plugs (little tabs that need to be manipulated) so they don't get damaged before you reconnect to your new headlight.

[edited to add] There is a very small torx screw in between the headlight and directional housing that holds the two units together that you nee to unscrew before they slip apart. I also found it easier to get at the bottom bolt of the headlight assembly from unde the fender using a ratcheting box wrench.

Trouble? contact me at joybox13@hotmail.com and be sure to fill in the subject as "dodge durango question's" or It may get deleted.

GOOD LUCK!!! Hope this helps a bunch!!!

First answer by ID403268277. Last edit by ID403268277. Question popularity: 58 [recommend question]