How do you replace headlamp on 2004 Mazda B3000?

Answer 1

How to change a 2004 Mazda B3000 Head Lamp

(drivers side shown)

Note: I have described in detail with additions sentences, phrases as well photos in order that I take as much guess work or surprises out of this maintenance procedure. Instructions are for the driver's side but can be repeated for the passenger side head lamp minus having to remove the battery for clearance. My Mazda PDF owners manual on page 41 titled "LIGHTS" lists a 9003 bulb type which is incorrect for 2004 Mazda high/low (combined) headlamp. It is 9007 type bulb replacement. tip/minor point: use online car bulb replacement guides such as SYLVANIA or a phone call to your car parts dealer.

See related pictures if available.

Repair time:30 minutes to 1 hours

Tools needed:

One 1/4'" drive ratchet, one 3" drive extension, one 6" drive extension, one 5/16" socket, one 3" to 6" jewelers screw drive/ small head screw driver that has a 1/8 to 3/16" round shaft.

Optional: Dielectric grease, clean rags (not shown)

Vehicle position and state prior to changing head lamp:

Vehicle is in park with parking brake on or in gear for manual transmission models, vehicle more level the better with room of course around the front of your truck with the hood open (use hood prop rod), ignition and all electrical accessories off.

Safety precautions to take:

Remove negative - (negative cable should be black color coded) battery terminal connector first. Then remove the positive + (positive cable should be red color coded) battery terminal connector. tip/minor point: (if present on your battery post) if you have a plastic positive battery terminal cover you can clip that back on the cable connector to prevent accidental connections. This order of operation with all accessories off should eliminate sparking at the battery.

Precautions to take:

Do not touch new replacement head lamp glass bulb at all. Avoid bulb contact with anything epically grease, oil and dirt. tip/minor point: Once old bulb is removed use it as a practice run for installing it with everything positioned before you begin. Get this step right and you are good to go with your new halogen replacement bulb.

Step 1 Park and position vehicle

Step 2 Disconnect battery electrical terminals. Start with the negative and then the positive.

Step 3 Disregard this step if you do not have this option. Remove and relocate battery heater blanket by sliding up and off battery. Place battery heater blanket out of way. There is no need to disconnect wire harness to this part.

(this step not required for passenger side)

Step 4 Disconnect battery hold down.

Step 5 Remove battery (this step not required for passenger side)

Step 6 Rotate large plastic locking collar/ring counter clockwise roughly 1/3 turn. You should feel it loosen. Then slide it backwards from light housing. Let it rest on bulb wiring harness that goes through it. You should be able to remove bulb socket with connector into battery compartment space to disconnect bulb connection.

Step 7 Note! which way the locking ring faces. It must go on the same direction. If you forget look at passenger side for reference. Now use a tool such as a long round screw driver shaft to prop up locking clip on one side of the light bulb wiring harness quick connect by sliding it under plastic clip while lifting opposite locking plastic clip just enough to clear barbs on connector. Then carefully pull the male and female connectors apart. Note! do not hold on to wire part of harness when separating the male and female connectors but instead grip the connectors with you fingers.

Step 8 Apply dielectric grease to the three new head lamp contacts, slide on locking ring the correct way on wiring harness as noted in step 4 and only then reconnect male/female head lamp connection.

Step 9 Hold light bulb connector only where the connection was made. Avoid touching glass bulb or bumping into surrounding vehicle parts. Slide bulb directly into light housing in correct orientation. No turning motion is needed. This is a plug style fitting that is established with the "o" ring that is on each new replacement head lamp.

Step 10 Now slide locking ring up wiring harness to light housing repeating the reverse of step 3.

Step 11 Replace battery and its hold down clamping system.

Step 13 Replace battery heater blanket.

Step 14 Reconnect battery electrical terminals.

Step 15 Turn head lights on and visually check. (last step)