The Dodge Charger, known as the muscle car due to its powerful engine, has been around since 1966. It has evolved over the years with various notable changes such as the headlights. As a Dodge Charger enthusiast, you may be worried about how to change its headlight bulb and if it is difficult to do so? Worry no more! We consulted the experts, and they gave us the following information.
With the evolution of the Dodge Charger, changing the headlight for the older models is different from the newer models. The following are the steps to change the headlight for the following models:
- 2005 to 2010 Dodge Charger
- Access the marker headlight and replace the bulb
- Access the high-beam and the low-beam lights and replace them
- Access the driver's-side headlight, and replace its high-beam and low-beam bulbs
- 2016 to 2020 Dodge Charger
- Access the headlight bulb
- Replace the headlight bulb
Continue reading to learn how to install the headlight of an older model of the Dodge Charger, which is installed differently from the newer Dodge Charger models. Also, find out how to upgrade halogen lights to LED or HID headlights in your Dodge Charger and the difference between the two.
How To Replace Headlights For Dodge Charger Model 2005-2010
If you prefer this model, or you inherited one, follow the steps below for a guide on how to change the headlight for 2005 to 2010 Dodge Chargers.
Before you go ahead, it’s important to note that you do not have to remove the head bumper to change the bulbs in your car unless you are changing the whole headlight system.
Marker Headlight
Check out this marker headlight for a 2006 Dodge Charger on Amazon.
This is the small headlight found on the far right or left of the car. To access the bulb, you’ll need to use a plastic trim stick so you can proceed to do the following:
- Place one hand on the headlight to hold it down firmly.
- With your other hand, use the plastic trim to pull out the headlight towards yourself, and remove the headlight.
- Identify the bulb, which is quite tiny, and turn it anti-clockwise. But depending on your model, you may have to turn it clockwise to remove it.
- Replace the bulb with a new one by turning it clockwise or anticlockwise, depending on your model.
- To place back the marker headlight, align the tracks and give it a little slap with the palm of your hand to push it back into its groove.
Passenger-Side Headlight
There are two lights here, the high-beam and the low-beam.
- To access the high-beam, open the bonnet, and you’ll find it a little towards the center.
- Grab the connector, turn it counterclockwise, and pull it out. Replace it with a new one, being very careful not to touch it as it could get damaged. Turn it clockwise to secure it.
- Next, identify the low-beam light, which is more on the right side, and follow the same procedure as that of the high-beam bulb.
Driver’s-Side Headlight
There’s also the high-beam and low-beam headlight on the driver’s side. But, to access them, you have to remove the air filter box.
Follow the same procedure, similar to that on the passenger side to replace the bulbs.
Below is a video that explains in-depth the steps on how to change the headlight of your Dodge Charger model in the year 2005 to 2010:
How To Replace Headlights For Dodge Charger Model 2016 To 2020
The procedure for changing headlights for the newer Dodge Charger models is different from older models.
In this section, we shall look at how to change the headlight of a 2016 model, though you can apply the same method to other models from this year to 2020.
Access The Headlight Bulb
- There’s a cover attached to the back of the bumper near the front tire. This cover is connected to the bumper with clips. Remove these clips.
- Reach for the dust cover and turn it counterclockwise to remove it to gain access to the bulb.
- Turn the bulb counterclockwise to remove it from the housing.
- Release the bulb from the housing.
Replace The Headlight Bulb
- Replace the old bulb with a new one, being careful not to touch it, or it may get damaged.
- Twist the new bulb clockwise to lock it back into the housing.
- Place the wires back into the housing and reattach the dust cover by turning it clockwise.
- Reattach the cover near the front tire and put back the clips.
Below is a video that illustrates the steps to replace the headlight for a 2016 Dodge Charger:
Can You Upgrade The Headlights Of A Dodge Charger?
Most cars including the Dodge Charger can have their halogen headlights upgraded to LED or HID headlights. It increases road illumination when you are driving at night.
Halogen headlight bulbs for cars have an output of around 1,000 lumens as compared to 3200 lumens for LED bulbs or around 2,400 lumens for HID bulbs.
The steps to upgrade the headlights of your Dodge Charger include:
Matching The Correct LED Headlight Bulb With Your Car
Check the manual, or contact a Dodge Charger manufacturer to find out the type of LED headlight you should upgrade your car to.
Afterward, purchase the LED headlight conversion kit to make the headlights compatible with your car.
Checking Your LED Conversion Kit
Click here to see this LED conversion kit on Amazon.
Confirm that your kit has all the required components, which include two ballasts, two LED bulbs, and the wiring.
Taking Snap Shots
Take photos, preferably at night of the halogen lights illuminating on a wall. You will later compare this with the illumination of the new LED lights.
Identifying The Headlight In Your Car
Switch off the engine, remove the keys from the ignition, and put your car in the parking. Unlock the bonnet, identify the headlight bulbs, and unplug the wiring from the bulb.
Removing The Halogen Lights
Read the manual of your Dodge Dodger and remove the halogen bulbs. Don’t throw them away as you might need them later.
Installing The LED Lights
Install the LED bulbs. Remember not to touch the bulb with your fingers and ensure it is firmly secured.
Connecting The LED Ballast
Connect the LED ballast wiring, attaching one end to the original wiring and the other to the new LED bulb.
Checking How The New LED Bulbs Illuminate
Have a look at this bright white headlight bulb on Amazon.
Before you secure the wiring, read your manual yet again. Turn on the headlights, and check the amount of light it gives off. Adjust them if they are too bright.
Fastening The Ballast Wiring
After you are sure you will not blind other drivers with your new LED lighting, fasten the ballast with double-sided tape.
Place it somewhere near the headlight, like the back of the headlight housing, away from the extreme vibration, moisture, and heat.
Testing The New Lights
Go for a test drive with your new lights. You can still adjust further if necessary.
Which Headlight Upgrade Is Suitable For Your Dodge Charger?
As seen in the previous section, you can upgrade the halogen lighting in any car, including a Dodge Charger with LED or HID lighting.
Generally, if you drive more during the day than night, halogen or HID lights are a better choice for you. But, if you drive a lot during the night, LED lights are your best choice.
You could still go for the LED lighting simply for better night vision, even though you don’t travel much during the night.
Here are the differences in tabular form to help you make a viable decision, between LED and HID lights.
| LED Lights | HID Lights |
| Has a brightness of between 9,000 and 10,000 lumens | Has a brightness of about 8,000 lumens |
| Uses electricity to light up | Uses gas, mostly xenon to light up |
| High energy-efficiency | Slightly lower energy-efficient than LED lighting |
| Lasts up to 45,000 hours | Lasts up to 15,000 hours |
| Relatively more expensive than HID lighting | Slightly less expensive than LED lighting |
| Available in a range of colors | Comes in a range of colors similar to LED |
| Good range of illumination | Equally good range of illumination |
In Closing
It is not that difficult to install the headlights of a Dodge Charger. However, the newer models have their headlights changed differently from older models.
For better lighting, while on the road, you could upgrade your halogen headlights to HID headlights, or for even much better illumination, you can install LED bulbs.
Have a look at these previous posts on the durability of Dodge Chargers and what to do if yours runs hot: