Replace the Headlight in My Mazda 3
There are still some cars on the road today that don't require you to seemingly remove an engine to replace a headlight. The Mazda 3 is one of those cars. The Mazda 3 has always employed halogen capsule headlights. These headlights last longer and burn brighter than the old style headlight. However, special care must be taken when handling them. They use gases inside the bulb to ignite the filaments. Touching the bulb with your skin can damage the bulb or compromise its longevity.
Instructions
1. Turn the headlights on to identify the location of the faulty headlight. Once you've taken note of its location, turn the light switch off and remove the ignition keys. Be sure the light switch remains in the off position during the procedure.
2. Open the hood of the Mazda 3 and approach the headlight assembly containing the faulty headlight.
3. Reach down behind the headlight assembly to grasp the base of the headlight and wire. Turn the base counterclockwise 1/3 of a turn to disengage it from the headlight assembly.
4. Release the locking snap on the base of the headlight wiring to disconnect it from the base of the faulty bulb.
5. Put on latex gloves, and then remove the new headlight from its package.
6. Plug the headlight wire into the base of the bulb.
7. Insert the bulb into the headlight assembly and turn 1/3 of a revolution clockwise to lock it in place. You'll have to align the three notches on the base of the bulb to the mating grooves in the headlight assembly. It will only fit in the assembly one way.
8. Test that the bulb works properly.
Tips Warnings
Some repair manuals and the owner's manual may recommend disconnecting the negative battery terminal to eliminate the risk of electrical problems. As long as the light switch in the Mazda 3 is in the off position during the procedure, there is no need to disconnect the battery. Disconnecting the battery improperly will also erase codes for radios equipped with theft deterrent features and car alarm systems.
Tags: replace, headlight, mazda, headlight assembly, light switch, base bulb, base headlight, during procedure, faulty headlight, Headlight Mazda, headlight wire
