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nhsd
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2006
17:35:52
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 Subject: headlights
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Message:
OK, yeah I feel stupid asking, but I am having trouble putting in new headlight bulbs in my 2000 Quadcab 4x4. The book seems to show one bolt to remove, but it appears to me that I need to remove 3 bolts. Sounds easy enough, but I don't really see how to easily get to the third bolt closest to the fender. Do I really have to crawl under the truck and try to finagle a wrench on an out-of-the-way bolt where my fat arm won't reach just to change a headlight bulb? Or (more likely) am I missing something extremely simple. Changing the tail lights was very easy and I assumed that the headlights would be also.
Dave
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Wow
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2006
21:38:42
| RE: headlights
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Just looked under the hood and the two inboard bolts look like a piece of cake to get at, but I couldn't even find the third bolt. I hope I never have to change my headlamps.
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OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2006
21:41:06
| RE: headlights
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No idea why you would think removing the headlight assembly would make removing the bulb easier. you just pull the wire plug off the back of the bulb, twist the ring (on mine anyway) that's holding the light in counter clock wise removing it and wiggle the light out. Wiggle the new one on reversing the procedure and your done. 2 minute job . Oh instead of s ring, you may possibly have a snap on holder . Just look at it. Be very carefull you do not touch the glass part of the new bulb or it will burn out quickly. If you do, clean it off with alcohal on a soft lint free cloth.
So many problems .... So little time
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ewraven
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2006
23:30:54
| RE: headlights
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Yeah, the openings under the hood next to the fenders right behind where the headlights are is how you get to the back of the bulbs to pull the bulb out.
To remove the parking light and turn signal; you have to pull that assembly out but not for the headlights.
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nhsd
Dodge Dakota
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3/20/2006
18:38:56
| RE: headlights
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Hmmmmmm..... I don't see how I could possibly get to the headlight bulb from under the hood on mine (2000 QC 4.7, 4x4). On the driver side I might be able to twist my hand in sideways after removing the battery, but I would definitly be working blind. On the passenger side there is no way to get to the bulb from under the hood without some serious dismantling. The easiest way I can see would be to remove the plastic inner wheel-well and reach in from the tire area. I did manage to remove the assembly on the driver side and change that bulb, but headlights shouldn't be an hour job per bulb (it was harder to get that third bolt back on than to take it off). oh well I guess one headlight will just have to be brighter than the other for a while ;-)
Dave
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ewraven
Dodge Dakota
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3/20/2006
19:16:32
| RE: headlights
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That is really odd. I have a 1999 and it only takes me like five minutes a side to reach in through the opening; unplug it, twist the ring and pull the bulb out. I'll admit though that the first time I did it; it took about fifteen minutes for the first one to get that ring twisted the correct direction and off.
They must've changed something for the 4.7 V8's, I guess?
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The Purple1
DakotaEnthusiast
3/21/2006
03:28:07
|  RE: headlights
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Message:
Hi, nhsd!
I can remove the bolt closest to the fender on my '99 from the front of the truck with a box-end wrench: 10mm I think. I'm sure you have already, but it bears saying: remove the marker lamp assemblies first. Be sure to re-aim your headlights when you're done!
Hope that helps!
360 Air Intakez, 52 MM Holley Billet, Ported, Hughes Plenum Plate, Perma Cool Fan, Jacobs Pro Street, Moroso Ultra 40, Bosch 4, Superchips, TPS, CPS, IAT Mods, Dynomax Ultra Flo, Transgo, SLT Trim, Diamond Heads & Corners, Clear Tails, Hood Pins, APC White Gauge, PML Polished Trans & Diff Covers
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Scott C.
Dodge Dakota
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3/21/2006
19:50:36
| RE: headlights
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Message:
no need to remove the light.... you'll be there allday just for a damn bulb.... on the driver side reach down next the battery to get the light bulb... no need even to remove the battery... a hand can fit in there to get the light... passengerside.. reach dwon next the airfilter housing to get to that light socket... very easy... removing the light houseing will put a 10 min job to a 1 hour job...all ya gotta do on both sides is just reach down into the fender well to get the light.... ya might have to sqeeze your hand into there and get scratched but thats what happens....
Scott C.
Royal Auto
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caulk04
GenIII
3/22/2006
02:08:15
| RE: headlights
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On my 02 with 4.7, I can't even imagine reaching the bulbs with everything assembled still...just not gonna happen.
Remove the small screw holding the marker light in place (T10 screw driver needed) and pull the bulbs/sockets out of it, set aside. 3 bolts will be visible that hold the headlight assembly in place. Use a 10mm socket to remove them and the headlight will come right out. Now change the bulb and reassemble.
'02 CC 4x4 4.7 HO
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2147050 <- Check it out!
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nhsd
Dodge Dakota
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3/23/2006
08:18:00
| RE: headlights
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Caulk04, I am with you as far as no way being able to get to the bulbs with everything assembled on my truck. However, there must have been a change for the better between 2000 and your 2002 since all of my front lights are in one assembly and I cannot remove the marker light separately. Oh, well.
Dave
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caulk04
GenIII
3/24/2006
02:20:02
| RE: headlights
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Message:
Just recently there people have started carrying 1-peice headlights for Dakotas and Durangos...see my cardomain site for pictures of them on my truck.
Otherwise, they all should have one small screw to the outboard side, bottom of the headlight (above the marker lights) to remove the marker.
If all else fails, remove the four bolts holding the bumper on and pull it off to gain access to the headlight mounting bolts. 18mm socket to remove four bolts facing straight up, directly in front of the radiator core support. Unplug your fog lights if applicable and it will come right off. No big deal.
'02 CC 4x4 4.7 HO
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2147050 <- Check it out!
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Kaine
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2006
00:24:00
| RE: headlights
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Message:
On the older models you do have to pull the RH headlight to change the bulb because of extra componentry located on the RH inner fender. but in my 04, if you have a long flat screwdriver, you can use it to undo the lock ring by goinging in between the back of the headlight and the radiator support then just reach in and retrieve the light
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ewraven
Dodge Dakota
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3/27/2006
12:40:51
| RE: headlights
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Yeah, that's true. On my 1999 5.2, the air intake was in the way of the right hand headlight. I pulled that intake out a long time and access is even easier than the drivers side headlight now.
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caulk04
GenIII
3/27/2006
22:40:26
| RE: headlights
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00-02 4.7 automatics had the transmission computer there. 03+ incorporated the TCM into the PCM...thats why you have room there behind the headlight.
'02 CC 4x4 4.7 HO
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2147050 <- Check it out!
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Shatto
Dodge Dakota
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3/28/2006
01:55:50
| RE: headlights
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caulk04
Your truck sure has a wierd intake system. What kind of performance do you get with it?
I was able to change bulbs on my 98 from behind. Cant you do that with the new body?
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caulk04
GenIII
3/28/2006
02:43:04
| RE: headlights
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Message:
Huh?
As of right now I have the stock airbox in my truck. Some couplers and radiused ABS tube connect to the TB.
My truck has the TCM directly behind the right headlight, the airbox behind that and the ECM on the outboard side of the airbox.
'02 CC 4x4 4.7 HO
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2147050 <- Check it out!
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eharri3
Dodge Dakota
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4/03/2006
12:23:21
| RE: headlights
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Message:
On my 04 recently I switched to GE Nighthawk bulbs. Monroe said something about having to take out the airbox and headlight assembly and it would cost big $$ for the labor. I said screw that, went down the road to Pep Boys. They did it for free because I recently threw 700$ in work their way. I watched them change the bulb in the window. Each side took the guy some time and it seemed to be a pain in the ass for the guy, but he was able to jam his hand down in there and get to the bulb from behind without moving anything. Each one took awhile and he had to twist around alot and keep pulling his arm out to rest it so I am glad I didn't bother, but he managed it without removing any parts.
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Stone
Dodge Dakota
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4/05/2006
12:32:58
| RE: headlights
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Howdy gents. I'm pretty new hear and not all that impressive with a wrench in my hand, so I'm here to learn more than advise. However, I recently bought a theft recovery 2003 Dak V6 2wd and have been getting back into driveable shape.
One of the last things I did was put some new bulbs and sockets into the headlight assembly, and I have not encountered the difficulties that you guys have. Are older models a single piece unit? Mine was two pieces, with one easily accessed screw being all that was required at the first step of disassembly. It lays at the lower outside corner of the headlight, above the parking light. After this was uncscrewed, the parking light portion slides out of slots on the main headlight bracket. Then you can easily access the three screws that hold on that main headlight assembly.
This may have been incredibly obvious and unsaid info to everyone, but I thought I would see if it was helpful to someone.
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caulk
Dodge Dakota
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4/09/2006
15:51:47
| RE: headlights
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Message:
Stone - This is exactly what you have to do, but some people find it to be too difficult and/or time consuming. Apparently they'd rather reach their hand into a hole half the size needed...
All 97-04's have two-peice head/parking lights. The aftermarket has recently introduced one-peice units, great looks and not much harder to install/remove. Just lay down on the ground and reach up behind the bumper to get the lower bolts.
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