Repair And Fix it

The Dodge Neon uses the common 9007 headlight bulb. Eventually, after normal wear and over time, the 9007 headlight bulb will burn out. Replacing burnt out headlight bulbs on any vehicle is very important and may seem like a daunting task to those unfamiliar with auto repair. Replacing the bulb on the Dodge Neon is easy.

Instructions

1

Turn off the Dodge Neon and open the hood of the vehicle. Put on the clean gloves.

2

Locate the three upper fascia screws located right above the headlight. Use the screwdriver to remove all three of the screws.

3

Remove the headlight assembly unit from the vehicle by pulling it away from the Dodge Neon.

4

Disconnect the electrical connector by unplugging it from the back of the headlight assembly unit.

5

Remove the retaining ring by twisting it counterclockwise. This will allow access to the bulb. Pull out the old bulb and push the replacement bulb into the headlight assembly.

6

Reattach the retaining ring and reconnect the electrical connector by plugging it into the back of the headlight unit. Place the headlight assembly unit back into the vehicle and reattach the three screws to lock it into place. Close the hood.

Installation problems with headlights can be a major safety issue because nighttime driving is nearly impossible when headlights are not working properly. Although some headlights can function after well over 1,500 hours of use, even a few minutes of driving without them can be a dangerous venture.

Installation Problems

When installing new headlights, sometimes one or more bulbs will fail to light up. A corroded socket is sometimes to blame for this kind of issue. By applying a cleaner made specifically for electronics, the connection can sometimes be revived. If not, you will likely need a new socket altogether.

Fuse Problems

Voltage issues will also prevent headlights from coming on. Fuses should be checked, and any blown fuse should be replaced. If the new fuse blows as well after replacement, the problem is likely due to a short somewhere in the wiring of the headlights circuit.

Charging Problems

If your headlights lose brightness each time you rev your motor, a problem is likely present somewhere within your vehicles charging system. A faulty alternator is an example of this. Checking your car batterys voltage can help as any voltage reading under 13 volts suggests that the charging system is indeed the problem.

Inoperative headlights are often ticketed on sight by law enforcement agencies. Even worse, accidents can occur when headlights fail at an inopportune moment during nighttime driving. If your headlight switch feels loose or wobbly when activated, it is time to change the switch to a new unit that is dependable and unlikely to fail.

Instructions

1

Ascertain the headlight switch is broken or in poor condition by repeatedly testing its operation. With the key in the cars ignition and switched on, rapidly activate the switch. The headlights should immediately turn on with no delay or hesitation. The switch should have a solid feel to it, and you should be able to tell when the switch is on or off just by feel as the switch snaps or pops into the correct position.

2

Look for tell-tale signs that the switch is worn out; common symptoms of a worn switch include any slight hesitation before the lights turn on, less than 100 percent success control of the headlights when rapidly turning the switch on/off repeatedly, inability for you to tell if the lights should be on by simply looking at the physical position of the light switch, flickering of the headlights when the switch is move to and from any position.

3

Replace the switch if you notice symptoms of a worn or failing switch. Purchase a complete headlight switch kit that is compatible with your vehicle. Most automotive stores have compatibility charts that identify headlight switch kits that will work for your year make and model vehicle.

4

Disconnect the negative battery cable (black lead) that connects the car battery to the wiring harness. This can be accomplished by loosening the nut and bolt that holds it in place with a crescent wrench (see "Warnings").

5

Remove the knob and light switch simultaneously. There is often a release button that will allow you to do this. If you dont feel a release button (located under the dash board on the side of the switch) unscrew the bezel (round cover securing the switch to the dashboard). Do not try to force anything, just ascertain how the switch is held in place and remove it from the dashboard with the wiring in the rear of the switch still intact.

6

Open the replacement switch packaging and check to see if your new switch kit contains a bezel removal tool if you are having difficulty removing the old switch. Many aftermarket kits include this small tool with no mention made of this on the exterior of the switch packaging.

7

Remove the locking bezel, then gently pull the switch so that here is slack in the electrical wiring connected to the rear of the switch. In most vehicles, this means holding the old switch in an odd position beneath the dashboard. Note the position of the colored wires leading into the switch.

8

Remove the color coded wires from the old switch one wire at a time and insert them into the new switch. Most switch kits allow the old wires to simply plug in to the new switches. Take care to get them all color coded as they were on the old switch assembly. Gently insert the new headlight switch into its proper place within the dash console. As always, avoid performing this step with undue force. Doing so could lead to breaking the headlight switch or causing other damage to the vehicle.

9

Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten with a crescent wrench. Test the new switch in the same manner as you tested the old switch. You will see and feel a remarkable difference in the new switch performance. Replace any ornamental mounting trim as required.