The 1997 Ford Aerostar was designed with a composite headlight system, which means you only need to replace the bulb when a headlight burns out instead of the entire headlight assembly. Unlike many other composite headlight systems, the headlights on the 1997 Ford Aerostar are removed like a sealed beam headlight system, which requires you to replace the entire headlight assembly. Change your headlight bulb immediately after it burns out to ensure your safety while driving at night or in inclement weather.
Instructions
1. Park the Aerostar on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Ensure the headlight switch is in the "Off" position.
2. Remove the four screws from the headlight trim using the Phillips screwdriver and pull the trim off of the headlight. Two of the screws are on the top of the trim and two are on the bottom.
3. Unscrew headlight lens retaining screws located on the top and the bottom of the headlight lens and pull the lens out of the front of the vehicle. Do not pull too hard or you may damage the electrical connector.
4. Pull the electrical connector off of the bulb in the headlight lens. You will notice a retaining wire sitting over the back of the bulb, which is used to secure it in the headlight lens.
5. Remove the retaining wire by sliding a flat-head screwdriver underneath it and pulling up.
6. Twist the bulb and pull it straight out of the lens. Discard the old bulb.
7. Insert the new bulb into the headlight lens by lining up the tabs on the bulb with the slots on the headlight lens. Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your hands. The oils on your skin will shorten the life of the bulb.
8. Push the retaining wire onto the back of the bulb to secure the bulb and plug the electrical connector into the back of the bulb.
9. Slide the headlight lens into the car frame and attach the four lens screws.
10. Reattach the headlight lens trim and attach the four trim screws.
11. Repeat Steps 2 through 10 with the other headlight.
Tags: headlight lens, 1997 Ford, 1997 Ford Aerostar, back bulb, electrical connector
