How to Replace a Headlight Bulb in a Ford Focus

by Editorial Team

The Ford Focus first sprung on the automotive scene in 2000 as a personality-laden replacement for the Ford Tempo. One of this car's calling cards is its headlight design. When one of these unique headlights burns out on your Ford Focus, changing it yourself is a simple repair that will save you time and money.

Step 1

Ensure that the headlights on your Ford Focus are off by checking you have turned the headlight control all the way to the off position. Make sure your car is off and the keys are out of the ignition, so the daytime lamps are also off.

Step 2

Open the hood using the hood release handle located inside the vehicle under the steering wheel on the left side of the instrument panel. Walk around to the front of your Ford Focus and release the auxiliary latch located under the front of the hood. Lift the hood and secure it in place with the yellow end of the hood's strut in the designated holes.

Step 3

Locate the bulb cover found just behind the headlight assembly and remove it by turning it counterclockwise. Swivel the wire clip that hold the bulb and connector in place out of the way by turning it to the left.

Step 4

Pull out the headlight bulb with its electrical connector straight out from the headlamp assembly.

Step 5

Disconnect the bulb from the connector. Later editions of the Ford Focus may have a retaining ring that lies between the bulb and electrical connector. Simply remove this retaining ring by twisting it off with a counterclockwise turn.

Step 6

Install the replacement headlight bulb in reverse order of removal. Use a HB2 replacement bulb for models older than 2004 and a HB5 bulb for models produced since 2005. Replace the wire clip and bulb cover, as well.