Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-2004: How to Replace Headlights and Fog Lights

Faulty headlights and fog lights can be a hazard. Replace them on your Jeep Grand Cherokee using the following straightforward instructions.

By Charlie Gaston - October 28, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (1999-2004).

Even the most avid road warrior won't need to replace their headlights or fog lights very frequently. On average, halogen bulbs will last you around 2,000 hours, and LED bulbs will last you around 10,000 hours of use. In addition to lasting longer, LED bulbs also offer 30% to 50% greater illumination, which can make a significant difference when driving at night or along winding roads where visibility is low. Read on to learn the straightforward way to swap out your old headlight or fog light bulbs for new ones. You'll be done in less than 30 to 45 minutes.

Materials Needed

  • 7mm wrench
  • 10mm wrench
  • Regular screwdriver (optional)
  • Headlight restoration product (optional)
  • Lubrication
  • Pliers

Step 1 – Replace your headlights

  • Pop the hood of your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
  • Grab your 7mm wrench and use it to remove the top bolt on your headlight assembly.
  • Once the bolt is loosened, pull it completely out using your hands.
  • Grab the headlight assembly and pull it towards you; you might need to exert some force or even resort to yanking it out.
  • Remove the two connectors by hand or using a screwdriver; there will be a connector for the high beam and one for the low beam.
  • Remove your old bulbs by hand. Doing so will allow you to remove the entire headlight assembly once it is ready.
  • Pry off the upper and lower clips once your headlight assembly is free; it's recommended that you use a little grease to help you in doing so.
  • Grab your new headlight assembly and push the three studs into the clips located directly in front of you.
  • Twist in your new LED light bulbs; it's recommended that you install fresh bulbs at this point.
  • Connect your low and high beams.
  • Ease your headlight assembly snugly into place, making sure the assembly is completely lined up.
  • Reattach the bolt you removed early on.
  • You're done!
Figure 1. Your headlight assembly is easy to remove.

Featured Video: How to Replace Headlights

Step 2 – Replace your fog lights

  • Kneel down so you are facing the lower part of your front bumper; you will be working on the underside of your Jeep for the next action.
  • Remove the two 10mm bolts using your socket wrench.
  • There will be one bolt on each side of the bumper: one near your driver's side wheel well and one near your passenger's side wheel well.
  • Remove your old fog lights by hand, and then disconnect the connectors.
  • Untwist the actual bulb by twisting it in a counterclockwise direction. Finish by pulling the bulb(s) straight out. This action is only needed if you are replacing a bulb, and not upgrading the entire assembly.
  • Remove the old studs to make room for the new ones. Add a touch of lubrication, as needed, to work the studs out of their place. Pliers may also assist you in removing the studs.
  • Grab your new fog light; coat your studs with lubricant to help ease them out.
  • Connect your new light, and then fit it into place.
  • Reattach the two bolts you previously removed at the beginning of this step.

Featured Video: How to Replace Fog Lights

Step 3 – Maintain your lights

You won't need to worry about swapping out your new headlights or fog lights for some time. You should consider investing in a headlight restorer. Meguiar's Headlight Restoration Plus will help you keep your headlights and fog lights clean, since dirt, grime, and oxidation start to accumulate over time.

Figure 2. This product retails for around $16 online.

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