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Audi A4 B8: How to Replace Headlight Bulbs

You won't get very far at night without working headlights. This article will show you how to change the headlight bulbs in the Audi A4 B8.

By Jared Hammond - April 8, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A4 B8 (2005-2015).

When a headlight bulb goes out, you simply have to replace it unless you don't mind driving in the dark without seeing the road. Don't worry, headlight bulb replacement is easy. While headlight bulbs in the Audi A4 B8 are not the easiest bulbs to change, it's still a pretty simple job. Follow the instructions below to learn more.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement H7 headlight bulb(s)
  • T30 Torx screwdriver
  • Needle nose pliers

Step 1 – Remove the headlight housing

While not absolutely required, you will find it much easier to access the headlight bulb if you just remove the headlight housing from the car. It's not all that difficult. Open the hood and start by removing the trim piece on top of the grille. This covers up one of the mounting screws for either headlight. Then you need to remove the four mounting screws for the headlight housing. There are two Torx screws on the top and two Torx screws on the bottom of the housing. Once those are removed you can carefully wiggle the headlight housing free. Just don't forget to disconnect the electrical connector before you remove the headlight housing.

  • Figure 1. Remove the trim panel above the grille.
  • Figure 2. Remove the top two bolts on the headlight assembly.
  • Figure 3. Remove the bottom two screws on the headlight assembly.
  • Figure 4. Slide the headlight assembly forward.

Step 2 – Remove old headlight bulb

Push in the tabs on the back cover of the headlight housing and remove the cover. You'll see a pair of wires and another electrical connector. Squeeze the sides of the electrical connector then pull it out of the headlight housing. All that remains between you and the bulb is a retaining ring. To remove the retaining ring you must rotate it until it releases the bulb. Once it releases you can carefully pull the bulb out of the headlight housing.

Figure 5. Remove the electrical connector and the retaining ring.

Step 3 – Install new headlight bulb

Insert your new bulb to the headlight housing. Reattach the retaining ring and turn it until it locks the bulb into place. Plug the electrical connector into the two prongs on the back of the bulb. Snap the cover to the back of the headlight housing. Then carefully return the headlight housing to car. Tighten down the mounting screws for the headlight housing and plug in the electrical connector. Then, return the top trim panel over the grille.

Pro Tip

HID Bi-Xenon bulb replacement is even simpler. All you need to do is turn the Bi-Xenon bulb socket counter-clockwise to release it from the housing and then unplug it from the electrical connector. The bulb and socket are attached. So just plug in a new bulb, insert it to the headlight housing, and turn it clockwise to lock it into place.

Featured Video: Audi A4 Headlight Bulb Replacement

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