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Dodge Ram 2009-Present: How to Install HID Headlights

High-intensity discharge lamps are well regarded headlight types due to their ability to better light up the roadway than standard electric power. This is due to the fact that a greater proportion of their radiation is actual light compared to infrared. Interested in adding them to your Dodge Ram? Read through the following steps to learn how.

By Jeffrey Bausch - July 28, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2009-present).

HID stands for high-intensity discharge and is used commonly in headlights. They’re a type of headlight that uses electrical gas-discharge to produce light by means of an electric charge between tungsten electrodes that live in a transparent fused quartz arc tube. Drivers like them because they make more light visible per unit of electric power used than fluorescent and incandescent lamps. This is due to the fact that a greater proportion of the radiation is visible light compared to infrared. On top of the technological benefits, they also give cars a different look than others on the road, making them stand out a bit more during the evening hours. If you’re thinking of adding this new type of headlight technology to your Dodge Ram, read through to learn how you can do it yourself.

Materials Needed

  • HID headlights
  • Ratchet / impact 10mm box
  • Plastic rivet removal tool

Step 1 – Disconnect the battery and remove plastic cover

To mitigate the risk of shock, disconnect the battery at the start of this install.

Now, a rivet removal tool comes in super handy when the removing plastic cover that houses the headlights, so if you don’t have one, it’s recommended you go out and buy one. If you do have one, when applying to the rivets, take your time not to snap them.

Figure 1. Remove the plastic covers that house the lights.

Once the cover is off, remove the grille by pulling on it.

Figure 2. Once the grille is removed you'll be treated to this view.

Step 2 – Remove the bolts

Using 10mm socket and ratchet, remove bolts to loosen headlights. Don’t remove the headlights just yet—you need to remove the wheel well cover first using the plastic rivet removal tool. Pop the rivet out and then you’ll find access to the back-end of the headlight. Locate a white tab and push up on it to remove the headlight.

  • Figure 3. Remove these bolts to loosen the headlights.
  • Figure 4. Now push on this tab to remove the headlight.

Step 3 – Install HID bulb

Remove the old bulb.Cut a 7/8" hole in order to accommodate the install of the HID.

Put some grease around the exterior of the headlight, near the wires, to prevent water from getting inside (important considering the larger hole).

Figure 5. Make sure the seal is air tight so that moisture cannot get in.

Step 4 – Reverse the process

  • Place the headlight back into place, confirm secure seating, and replace wheel well cover.
  • Replace bolts and again reconfirm secure seating of headlight.
  • Replace grille.
  • Replace the plastic cover and put the plastic rivets back into place. Reconnect the battery and test the lights.

To watch a step-by-step instruction on how to install HID headlights, see the featured video below.

Figure 6. Now you're all done and new headlights to boot.

Featured Video: 2009-2014 Ram 1500 Headlight Removal

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