Replacing the Bulb

• Pull the latch on the bulb access cover and remove the cover. Grasp the locking collar on the bulb socket, turn it counterclockwise and pull the socket and bulb out of the reflector housing. Lift the locking tab and separate the socket and bulb. Insert a new bulb and reinstall it, turning the locking collar clockwise to secure it. The bulb part number is 9004 in all major brands. Do not touch the glass portion of the bulb with your bare fingers.
  
  

Remove the Bulbs

• Remove the headlight bulb and socket. Remove the turn signal and side marker bulbs. Set these aside where they are out of the way.
  
  

Remove the Headlight Reflector Housing

• Remove the four screws securing the front chrome trim piece and remove the trim piece. Remove the four screws on the front of the headlight assembly securing it to the fender and body cross piece. Remove the screws on the back side (engine bay side) securing the access cover to the metal cross piece. Remove the headlight assembly. You may need to remove the battery to access some of the screws on the back side.
  
  

Advancements in Technology/ New Bulb Choices

• The bulbs that originally came in your Explorer gave off a light that can best be described as yellow and severely lacking in brightness. Many manufacturers of lighting products have introduced replacement bulbs for your Explorer that are much brighter than the standard bulbs. These bulbs are known as extra, ultra or super white bulbs. There are even some that are so bright they appear blue.