How to Install Head Light Bulbs in the 2001 Mazda Protege

The Mazda Protege was introduced in the United States as the Protege in 1990. The 2001 Mazda Protege was equipped with a 1.6-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 103 horsepower. An optional 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, capable of producing 130 horsepower, was available in the upgraded 2001 ES 2.0 Protege. Removing and installing headlight bulbs in the 2001 Protege is slightly challenging, due to the fragility of the parts you are working with.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Protege and set the hood prop.

2

Remove the headlight mounting bolt from the radiator core support, using a ratchet and socket. Remove the secondary bolt from the top of the grille, with a ratchet and socket.

3

Pull the headlight assembly forward out, and rest the assembly on the front bumper. Use your knee to assist in holding the assembly. Turn the headlight bulb and socket 90-degrees counterclockwise, then pull the bulb and socket free from the headlight assembly.

4

Separate the bulb and socket by hand. Wrap the new light bulb lens in a paper towel or clean rag. Push the new bulb into the headlight socket. Do not touch the bulb with your bare skin.

5

Install the bulb and socket into the headlight assembly. Turn the bulb and socket 90-degrees clockwise to lock it into the headlight assembly.

6

Install the headlight assembly back into the front of the Protege. Install the mounting bolts, and snug them with a ratchet and socket. Do not apply torque to the headlight mounting bolts as this can break or crack the headlight assembly.

7

Repeat Steps 2 through 6 to complete the headlight replacement on the second side of the Protege.