How to Pull A Headlight at a Junkyard: Tools & Tips

General guidance, not instructions for your exact car. Bolt sizes, steps and tools vary by year, make and model. Watch a video for your exact vehicle and follow the yard's safety rules.

Tools to bring

Sockets 8–10mm, Phillips and flat screwdrivers, plastic trim tool, Torx bits on some cars, gloves.

Typical steps

1. Open the hood and look for the bolts along the top of the headlight. Many cars hide one or two more behind the grille or the front of the fender liner.
2. On some cars the bumper cover must be loosened or removed first. Look for clips and bolts in the wheel well and under the bumper.
3. Unplug the connector at the back. Squeeze the tab, don't pull the wires.
4. Ease the light out without forcing the mounting tabs; broken tabs are the most common damage.

Before you pay

Check the lens for haze and cracks, the mounting tabs for breaks, and the inside for moisture. Bring the bulbs from your own car if you want to test the fit.

▶ Search YouTube for "how to remove headlight" Add your year, make and model to the search for the best match.

See also: What to bring to a U-Pull yard · Safety and etiquette.