How to change headlight headlamp bulb on 1996-1999 Taurus?

Answer

1. Make sure headlamp is off and open hood.
   
   
2. Facing the driver's side headlamp, and looking at the headlamp itself, at clock positions 8, 11 and 1 are the headlight housing screws. They all look the same. Using a 10mm socket wrench, remove these 3 screws and set them aside.
   
   
3. Just to the right of the "11 o'clock" housing screw is a clinch bolt (same hexagonal 10mm sized top as the housing screws). This just needs a few turns to loosen it. As soon as you loosen that up the whole assembly comes right out.
   
   
4. Gently pull the whole headlight forward. Now you can get at the bulb.
   
   
5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb. Now the headlamp is free to work with.
   
   
6. Remove the bulb from the lamp assembly by pulling straight back.
   Do not twist, as there are alignment slots built into the lamp assembly socket. It may take some effort to remove the lamp because it has a rubber o-ring type seal - try a bit of wiggling side-to-side while pulling
   
   
7. Insert new bulb into headlight assembly - don't touch the glass - use gloves, paper towel, or similar
   Make sure that the flat surface of the bulb socket is facing upward, and is firmly seated
   
   
8. Re-attach retainer ring by rotating clockwise
   
   
9. Reconnect the electrical harness
   
   
10. Place headlamp back into position. Line up screw holes. Tighten the clinch bolt. Replace housing screws and tighten.

Passenger side headlamp is mirror image of driver's side. Screws at 11, 1 and 4 o'clock positions. Bolt should be to the left of the "1 o'clock" housing screw.

NOTES

• Do not touch the glass of the new halogen bulb - the oils in the skin will shorten the life-span of the new bulb, or possibly cause the bulb to explode when first turned on
  
  If the bulb is accidentally touched, it should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol before being used
  
  

Additional Information1996-2005

Bulb Numbers:

• FRONT Turn-signal - 3457 AK (amber)
• Headlamp - 9007 QL (9007LL optional)
• Tail lamp/brake/turn lamp 3157
• Tail lamp/brake lamp (wagon) 3157
• Rear turn lamp (wagon) 3456K
• Backup lamp 921
• Backup lamp (wagon) 3156
• License plate lamp (2) 168
• High-mount brake lamp (2) 912
• Rear side marker lamp (wagon) (2) 168

The above information extracted from the Owners Manuals (see below)

First answer by Ccoach. Last edit by Ccoach. Contributor trust: 260 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 326 [recommend question]