How to Change the Headlight Assembly on a 1995 Ford Contour

Ford Motor Company introduced the Contour in 1995. The 1995 Ford Contour was available as a base model, equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. An optional 2.5-liter V-6 upgrade was available in the SE sub-model. The 1995 Contour's headlamp assembly is separate from the turn-signal assembly. Removal of the assembly is slightly difficult due to the brittle nature of the parts you must work with. Headlamp assemblies are usually replaced due to severe fogging or blurring of the assembly or defects such as cracks or breaks.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Contour, and set the hood prop for the duration of this project. Visually inspect the top of the headlight assembly to locate the mounting bolts.

2

Remove the two mounting bolts from the headlight assembly, using a ratchet, socket and extension. Installing an extension between the ratchet and socket makes removal and installation of the mounting bolts much easier.

3

Pull the headlight assembly forward and upward out of the front of the Contour. Set the assembly on the front bumper, and rest it against your knee. Remove the two headlight sockets from the rear of the headlight assembly by hand. Turn the protective locking collars at both headlight locations, counterclockwise to remove them.

4

Pull the individual headlights out of the headlight assembly by the base of the bulb, making sure to visually note which bulb is the inner bulb, versus which one is the outer bulb. The bulbs need to be replaced in the same order during installation.

5

Install the new headlight assembly onto the front bumper of the Contour, and rest it against your knee for stability. Install the low beam bulb (9006) to the outside of the new assembly. Install the high beam bulb (9005) to the innermost hole. Install the plastic locking collars around both bulbs, and turn the collars clockwise to lock the bulbs in place. Use rubber gloves or a paper towel when installing the bulbs, so as not to touch the actual glass portion of the bulb.

6

Install the wiring harnesses to their respective light bulbs. Do not force the socket in place if it gives you resistance. Try the socket on the other bulb, as you may have the harness wires switched during this replacement. Push the headlight assembly downward and back into the front of the Contour.

7

Install the headlight assembly mounting bolts, and tighten the bolts to no more than snug. No torque is needed to hold the assembly in place --- adding torque can break the plastic mounting tabs at the top of the assembly.

8

Repeat Steps 2 through 7 to replace the headlight assembly on the second side of the Contour if necessary.