How to change Pontiac Vibe / Toyota Matrix headlight bulb
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- Headlamp went out while I was driving last night and figured I'd make a quick little video on how to change it. It's not difficult and worth spending the time to fix it yourself.
Link to buy the bulbs - goo.gl/EtydFG
Time - ~15 minutes
Thank you so much for your video and clear and concise explanation! Even though the owners manual said the same thing, your tips helped and seeing the actual parts in the video and not a drawing in a book helped so much. One note. Changing the bulb on the drivers side next to the battery is a ROYAL PAIN, but after moving the battery a little bit and doing some adjusting by feel and some really, really tight spaces, the bulb was changed and the rubber housing put back on. The passengers side is so much easier! This 60+ year old woman did it herself and saved money by not taking it to the repair shop. Thank you!!
DJ. Kaye Nice work and congrats on a job well done!
9 years later, that tutorial is still useful. Took me less than 5 minutes to change both bulbs & it was my first time. Thank you so much!
I also did not need a screwdriver to remove the rubber seal, it was not that tight.
Wondering if your headlights come on automatically at engine start? I can't turn them off at all. Bought used from a lady w dimentia so maybe her fam rigged them. Lmk, thanks
Yes it does@@mscurf8412
Thank you for the great tutorial. That was a TON of help never having changed headlight bulbs before. Just did both sides with no trouble. (Other than getting the battery bolted back down correctly.) Original Vibe headlight bulbs lasted 11.5 years before one burned out. Pretty amazing especially with daytime running lights.
Thanks for the great video. I've never seen clips quite like those before, so they would have brought me to a complete halt for a while to try to fiqure them out. With your help, I just changed both bulbs on my '04 in about 15 minutes. That includes the time it took to loosen the hold-down bracket on the battery so I could scoot it over a couple of inches. BTW, I looked at the "threads" inside the rubber seal very closely, and they are just rings, not threads. A person wouldn't gain a thing by trying to unscrew them. Thanks again for an excellent video.
Thanks for the feedback and also for taking a very close look at the rubber seal! If my memory serves me correctly, my Toyota Camry had the exact same clips. Glad this could help you out!
Hubby said to wait and he would do it but I wanted to do it myself. Your video was perfect, and it took me under 5 minutes to do !! THANKS !
Thank you so much for the help! I had a little struggle getting the rubber seal back on so I could get the plug plugged back in ... but persistence paid off! Couldn't have done it without your video!!
Nice! Glad this video could help you out!
Thank you! I appreciate this video. Only took about two minutes because I have tiny hands haha. I prefer fixing these things myself so thank you for this!
+Amanda Laren you're welcome
+Amanda Laren you're welcome
This is pretty good The guy at the auto parts store asked me if it was the high beam of the low beam. I’m hoping he wasn’t referring to the fog lamp on the bottom. Because with my headlamp bulb the bright light works however the low beam doesn’t. Is 2009 The right bulb for the job?
your video so much better than car manual...don't know that I would have been successful without your help! thanks! peace and safe driving to all
Thanks for sharing this excellent video. It made a simple job even easier with the helpful tips, especially with the clip and not touching the bulb itself. I went out and changed that bulb like a boss. I even checked it first before I replaced the rubber seal. Ready to go to a concert tonight with all lights working. I love my Vibe!
John Dix Nice! I love my vibe too. They are great little cars.
Hi I just to say that I'm so thankful for you and this video. The man at the auto shop couldn't even figure out to do this and I did it all by myself. With your help.
Well done
AWESOME! I did this in about 5 minutes or less. Very easy, first video I found, very appreciative.
Excellent video!! Took me about 5 minutes without the screwdriver. Thanks
Excellent!
Thanks for the video! The instructions were clear and it only took me five minutes to change it once i figured out how to pull out the light bulb!
Cassie Ng You're welcome. Happy to help!
thanks, this video really helped me out, the light is really tight and awkward to get at, thougth i might need to take the light out your video saved me alot of time , have a good day from Canada ,
David
David DeVlugt Thanks David! Very glad this video could save you some time and frustrations!
When in doubt, UA-cam it. Very informative. made my job much easier; Thanks. I also changed both bulbs and found that loosening the battery and moving it over a little help quite a bit.
+ordopm :)
Thanks man. Saved me a bunch of time and frustration trying to figure this out when it is -5 degrees and dark out.
Happy to help!
Thank you! I'm not mechanical, but after watching your helpful video, I was able to do this myself.
Glad I could help you out!
Excellent video. Thank you so much. I refer to it every time I have to change the bulb. Very simple, but this makes it nice to be able to double check. Thanks again!
Thank You! I'd wiggled everything to no avail and decided that I'd probably break it. You're my hero!
Thanks for this, I changed my drivers side headlight in about 10 minutes. Though, since I have small girl hands I was able to get my hand in there, I don't think it would be possible if you have larger hands. Get the help of your wives/girlfriends/sisters involved if it's the drivers side bulb out!
how do you buy the correct replacement bulb? My Vibe is 14 years old, do they still make the same bulbs? (not those zenon things that blind you!)
Thanks for the video, it helped a lot when trying to replace the right-side headlamp. As for the left-side, do I have to remove the car's battery to replace it?
It can be done without removing the battery. However, it's VERY tight. The smaller your hands are, the better.
I replaced the left side last night.... I ended up taking the battery out and my hands are relatively small. Ended up with some good cuts from trying to squeeze my hand down in between the side of the battery. I personally would avoid that if possible and take the battery out, just much easier even though a little more work involved.
Tom Parkison I had to take the battery out on the left side.
Very helpful! The owners manual does not do a good job explaining the rubber gasket or the metal clip. Your video made it very easy and removing the battery for the drivers side makes it extremely easy. Thx!!!!!!!!
I have purchased an '04 pntiac, and the headlights have been busted out, I was wondering if I'm gonna need and mounts pr brackets replaced on it? I know its not your video maybe a good forum or website. much appreciated
+releevent rap Sorry, don't know much about vibe forums.
took me 5 minutes....great video....the drivers side is a bit harder because battery is in the way :) Thanks
Carrie Kyle Nice! Thanks for watching.
Mine was driver's side and a massive pain in the arse but got it in great part thanks to you showing us how to flip the baley thing that holds the light in. Driver's side is way worse as you need to remove the battery . . . . . . .
Do the rubber casings need to be put back on after changing the bulb? Will any damage occur if I do not replace the one on the driver side. The battery was in the way so I did take it out, but for some reason the driver side rubber casing will not fit back on. I have left it off but am concerned I may cause some damage. I figure they are there for a reason. Thoughts?
Shaun Allan They are there to keep water and debris out of the light. I would say it won't immediately damage anything but I would definitely get that back in there ASAP. If it's not going back in, something might not have gone back in correctly.
Anyone got a link on how to adjust the bulb height? I just bought an 04 Vibe but the headlights are almost pointed straight down
Thanks for your video, it really helped a bunch.. I also second another's comment of the driver's side to loosen or remove the battery clamp and move the battery to give yourself a bit of room.
No problem!
For the drivers side, remove the battery clamp and slide the battery over to give more room.
And don’t drop the screw somewhere in the hood of the car and lose it like me.
Or gain even smaller hands
Very helpful! Mine just went out, I think I can do this myself and save a mechanic's fee, thank you.
Thanks so much! The clip was throwing me, but you made it so clear how to remove it.
Glad you made this video, I couldn't figure out how the hell to get the bulb out. Who know there was a clip in that little fucking space. It's nearly impossible to work on cars these days, even the simplest things like changing a headlamp bulb can be complicated. I suppose they want us to take our cars to the dealer for a dry raping...crooks.
Jeffrey Eickhoff Yup. They want all our money! We have to do things ourselves from time to time.
Yep. Even the smallest act of self sufficiency has become an act of rebellion against the corporatocracy.
One important note here:
I followed Robbie's instructions, and when i took the rubber piece off, I apparently used too much force. My mechanic showed me how the inside of the rubber guard is threaded and it's meant to be essentially unscrewed. I ended up using brute force after watching this video, and the metal latch that keeps the bulb in place ended up breaking off.
Fortunately I have a good bodyshop guy and he put the new bulb back with just the rubber backing to hold it in place, but he said it's only a matter of time before a bump in the road burns out the bulb without that metal rod holding it firmly in place, and I'll probably have to get a whole new headlamp. Fingers crossed that that doesn't happen anytime soon, but not looking forward to paying for a new assembly! DIY beware I guess!
+Jacob Marley Probably would have saved you money if you would have taken to a shop the first time.
My rubber piece was grooved-I think to help keep water out, not threaded in the sense that it could unscrew. There were no threads on the plastic that it fits over. Carefully prying and pulling (straight up as best I could) seemed to be the only way, for the design of the rubber piece that I had.
headlamp light and daytimerunning light are the same or different?
Thanks man, took me 9 minutes. 10$ bulb.
You're welcome! Thanks for commenting.
Christopher Lampman ADVICE GUYS. I'm planin to buy a used 2003-2005 Toyota Matrix with 200k miles on it. Is this car dependable overall? What are the parts that broken down often with costly repairs? How reliable is the manual transmission? What model year should I advoid, I heard 03-04 Matrixs are no good. I am a self-taught mechanic, I fix the car up myself except for the timing belt change I let the shop do it. So minor fixer-upper is no big deal to me. Your advice is appreciated.
Sorry i missed this. My wife has the vibe (the same car) and it has been very good to us. I have done nothing except oil changes since we got married. She never remembers having to do any work on it. Ours is a 2006 with 140K and runs like a champ. We are very happy with it. CWL
ADVICE GUYS. I'm planin to buy a used 2003-2005 Toyota Matrix with 200k miles on it. Is this car dependable overall? What are the parts that broken down often with costly repairs? How reliable is the manual transmission? What model year should I advoid, I heard 03-04 Matrixs are no good. I am a self-taught mechanic, I fix the car up myself except for the timing belt change I let the shop do it. So minor fixer-upper is no big deal to me. Your advice is appreciated.
rotcataergeht How much are you buying it for?
As the first and current owner of a 03 Toyota Matrix, I'll say the Matrix is a reliable car but I don't know how well it'll be for those that are over 200k miles. I've only put in 150k miles on mine. Just keep up with tune ups and basic maintenance for the best results. I get about a quarter tank after every 300 miles (Highway) with iridium spark plugs. I live about 6 miles from my work place and I put in fuel for my car every two weeks. Changing the timing belt is really easy, the longest part for me is waiting in line at the store when buying a new belt. It is a weak car but it's fun to drive with good handling.
I've driven through blizzards and thunderstorms; This car is lite and so it can easily get stuck in the snow but like other cars, just drive carefully and you'll be fine. With the option to install fog lights which can make driving at night more pleasant; 43k HID Headlight and 3k HID fog lights for best visibility.
This is a debatable topic but stick with the TOYOTA brand RED coolant. it does cost a lil more but it'll save you from headaches in the long run. Some Toyota dealers also have good prices for oil filters too if you buy it in bulks but if you don't have the storage space for it then just buy any filter with whatever oil promotions your local auto store has when you need it. I run full synthetic oil and change it every 3-4k miles.
Tou Hmong Vang THANKS FOR REPLYING. Im asking becus on Edmunds consumer reviews, some Matrix buyers complained about 5speed gear broke after 66k miles, or engine sludge, or shocks busted after 50k miles, etc. So im afraid the same thing might happen to me too. See my link... www.edmunds.com/toyota/matrix/2004/wagon/review/
66k miles is way too young to die, Other Mtrix owners that I've talked to has had their matrix run over 200k miles before they traded it in for a newer matrix or buying a new engine. I have a 1zz Fe engine and I've never had engine problems. If not due to lack of oil changes, the oil sludge problem could be because of the driver's driving habit.
I do a lot of camping and usually have to haul a lot of the heavy stuff because of the cargo space that the car provides. My struts wore out around 120k after hauling my stuff over 300 miles for college.
There's known issue with coolant sludges but that's because those with this problem used a non toyota coolant.
Tou Hmong Vang My 2003 has 159k and it's still running strong. Some small problems here and there that I can fix myself but nothing that is too tough.
2003-2004 Matrix 5speed defective failed at 98k miles... www.carsurvey.org/reviews/toyota/matrix/2003/
It's dielectric grease (bulb grease), it's supposed to prevent the connections from burning/fusing together. I've only seen it happen twice in my life.
Thanks. Like an idiot, I unscrewed the clip screw. Put the clip back in. Thanks for showing me where I went wrong!
Nice! Glad this could help you out!
Awesome. Many much thanks. It only took about as long as the video is. Fantastic.
+Sir Benjamin Allen Great news!
Thanks for the helpful vid. Saved me a lot of time.
UA-cam is awesome for car repair.
Tip: If the clip is immovable than use a phillips screwdriver, which is star shaped, to loosen it. You will see a screw with a phillips head. Once you loosen it the clip can spring out with a lot of force so keep your hand on it and don't lose it.
This helped me today. Thanks Mr. Twoscraps !!
You bet
my back running lights aren't working can you help?
Bradley Morgan If they are all out, sounds like a fuse or relay. Check the fuse box first. How does that look?
Thank you. I have actually checked the main fuse box secondary fuse behind globe box and the lights themselves . . . To no avail
Bradley Morgan There should be one up under the steering wheel as well. Check that too.
saved me a ton of time, thanks!
Awesome! Glad I could help you out a bit.
Since nothing helped me, here's my method. Followed all the steps but had some issues. First, I'll say this. I have small hands but moving the battery over is worth the hassle. When you put the rubber seal back on you're going to need to make sure the prongs on the new bulb are all poking through the small circular opening in the seal before you try to plug the plastic plug-in into the bulb. The manual will say to reverse steps but it truly isn't that simple.
I had the same experience with the driver's side: move the battery, be sure to get the boot over the electrical connectors. I will add a safety note. Ideally, the battery should be disconnected at the negative terminal before moving, or at least be careful not to create a short from the positive terminal to negative or to anywhere metallic on the car. Also, you may be bent over a while trying to get that rubber boot back on properly (it crowds against some other wires) so take care when straightening or be prepared to have a sore back for about a week.
thanx bro this helps a lot
avet super Awesome. Glad that you help you!
this was awesome, dude. thanks much!
santeeass No problem! Thanks for watching
easy peasy lemon squeazy... thanks for the video..
+lifeizgood08 Glad this could help! Vibes are pretty good little cars.
We had one that made it to 500k miles, it only died because the shop we took it to for an oil change never changed the oil but charged my wife for it...
Thank you, exactly what i need. :)
Wish you'd shown more about how that stupid clip goes in. That's the hardest part of the whole assembly.
Thanks for the video very helpful
Excellent! Glad it could save you some time.
Good stuff! Thanx man
Thanks for the video!
Thank you, thank you! Very clear instructions.
Nice. Glad this video could help you out!
Thanks for the tips. The clip was the worst part of the job!
Anna Marie Bartels Happy to help!
Good video, thank you.
Happy to help!
Very helpfull thank you
+gen mann Thanks for the tip!
Thank you!
Jen Caruso My pleasure!
thanks for the vid
Flynn Shady You're welcome