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How to Replace the Head Lights on a 2001 Dodge Dakota

Replacing the headlight on a 2001 Dodge Dakota requires the same procedure used on 1997 to 2004 models. The Dakota uses a single bulb for the drivers side and passenger side with two elements---one for low beam and one for high beam. If one of the elements in a single bulb burn out, the bulb still needs to be replaced. While getting to the drivers side bulb does not require the removal of the headlight assembly, the passenger side does. The air box assembly also can be removed in order to access the headlight.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Dodge Dakota after making sure the interior headlight switch is in the off position.

2

Approach the headlight assembly that contains the faulty headlight.

3

Remove the rubber gasket seal from the inside edge of the headlight assembly by unsnapping its retainers.

4

Locate the retaining screw at the lower junction of the corner marker lens and headlight assembly and remove it with the T-10 Torx head screwdriver.

5

Use the screwdriver or pry tool to gently unseat the guide pin holding the corner marker lens and running-lights lens assembly from the truck. The guide pin is located at the top behind the corner marker lens. Disconnect the driving lights and corner marker lights from the assembly by turning them a quarter turn counterclockwise and pull them out of the assembly.

6

Remove the three headlight-assembly retaining screws with the ratchet, extension and 10-mm socket. One is located on the upper inner corner; the next is located at the lower inner corner, and the last one is located at the bottom center.

7

Pull the headlight assembly forward enough to reach behind it and disconnect the wire harness plug from the back of the headlight socket.

8

Turn the retaining ring of the headlight a quarter turn counterclockwise to align the retaining tabs of the ring to the release grooves of the assembly and remove the headlight from the assembly and ring.

9

Install the replacement 9007 combination headlight into the ring and then into the headlight assembly. Be careful not to touch the glass bulb of the replacement headlight. Contact with the bulb with skin will create a weakened "hot spot" on the bulb and cause it to expire prematurely.

10

Reconnect the wire harness plug to the headlight socket and reverse the headlight assembly, corner marker or running-light assembly and rubber gasket sealer procedures to restore and finish the job.

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