Change Headlight Light Bulbs on 2002 Toyota Rav4

The Rav4 has several things in common with other Toyota cars, but this puts all the pieces together.

Steps

  1. Buy your replacement bulbs (the auto-parts store will have a book or touchscreen where you can look up the model type).
  2. Park in a well lighted place and pop the hood. You don't need any tools.
  3. Even if one bulb is burned out, plan to replace both bulbs. The other bulb is bound to go soon anyway. Also you will notice the new bulb is a lot brighter than the old working one.
  4. Look behind the headlight to find a large round cylinder with a wrapped electrical cable going into it. There are 3 wires in it, but you probably can see that because of the wrapping.
  5. Pull out the cable from the headlamp. You should see the wires end in a female socket.
  6. Remove the big rubber plug. Gently wiggle it and pull until it comes loose. Some guides say to now spray on some conditioner to keep it nice and supple. Sure, if you're that kind of person.
  7. Once out, you'll notice the plug is labeled "Top" on the top. Since it is black on black you'll never see this normally, but it's handy when it is time to put the plug back in.
  8. Next obstacle is a wire U that holds the lamp steady. Think of it as very round U. It is hinged at the bottom so you don't have to worry it will fall out of the assembly. Squeeze the top parts together until it pops free and flaps down toward you.
  9. The bulb is now free! Pull it out. Don't throw it away yet! First practice putting it back in, then do it for real with the good bulb.
  10. Take a look at the bulb. There are 3 metal connectors on the back: up, left, right. Nothing facing the ground. The front face looks round at first, but actually the bottom is flat and this squashed circle will form a tight fit with the headlamp assembly.
  11. Do not touch the bulb! Don't get grease on it. It gets super hot and the fingerprint/grease will cook the bulb.
  12. Carefully insert the bulb so the flat front is down, rear connectors are left, up, right. It should fit snug and not wiggle.
  13. Raise up the U wire, pinch the tops together, and continue to raise until it clips into place. The bulb should now be snug even if you poke at the connectors.
  14. Squish the rubber plug back into place. Remember put the "top" side top. You might find it resists and resists, but suddenly goes in easily.
  15. Reconnect the electric cable.

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