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Dodge Ram 2002-2008: How to Replace Headlights and Fog Lights

A simple job for any DIYer, replacing the headlight and fog light bulbs when they burn out, or upgrading the output, is a great way to save yourself some money and time at a shop.

By Nik Romano - July 14, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2002-2008).

Replacing the headlight bulbs is something that every owner will have to do sometime in the life of their truck. Bulbs have a lifespan and, typically, the brighter the bulb, the shorter the life. Doing your own replacements can save you some cash as well as the trip to the shop for a very simple job.

Materials Needed

  • Ratchet
  • Various extensions
  • 10mm socket
  • Female Torx sockets (on some trucks)
  • Painter's tape

Step 1 – Remove headlight housings

While the actual process of swapping the bulbs out couldn't be simpler (no tools needed!), in the third gen Ram you need to remove the whole headlight housing in order to gain access. This is still a very easy job to do, but it does take a few minutes of wrenching. The first thing you will want to do is stick some painter's tape to the bumper just under the housing to prevent any damage to the paint.

On the front side of the headlight housings with the hood open, there are two nuts that need to be removed. They are to the inside (near the radiator) and, depending on the year and model of the truck, they will either be a 10mm nut or a Torx bolt. Access is simple, so just remove and set aside.

There is a third bolt on the bottom of the housing, nearer to the turn signal, that can be accessed by feeding an extension between the headlight and the bumper. Now take hold of the housing near the turn signal, and tug to free the clips.

  • Figure 1. Removing first two bolts.
  • Figure 2. Removing the third bolt.

Step 2 – Replace the bulbs

Un-twist the ring to release the bulb from the housing. Pull it straight back and it will pop out. Remove the harness connector, install the new bulb, and plug it back in. Now is a good time to test the lights, just to verify everything is working as intended. Re-install the housing in reverse of removal, and the headlights are done.

Figure 3. Releasing bulb from housing.

Featured Video: How to Install/Repair/Replace Headlight and Bulb Dodge Ram '02-'06

Step 3 – Replace the fog light bulbs

These couldn't be easier to replace. Simply reach up under the bumper, grab the bulb on the back of the housing, and give it a 1/4 twist counter-clockwise to pop it out. Pull the bulb straight out of the harness, and push the new one in. Put it back into the housing and twist 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it back into place. You are done!

Figure 4. Twist counter-clockwise to pop the bulb out.

Featured Video: Foglight Removal and Installation Dodge 4x4 1500

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