Where to get a headlight bulb replaced?

2,830 Views | 30 Replies | Last: 4 hrs ago by johnnyblaze36
johnnyblaze36
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Have a driver's side headlight that went out. Called Gladlney Automotive and they gave me an estimate of $408 to replace which is the most insane thing I've ever heard.

Called the auto department at Walmart and talked to the least helpful guy in the world. I told him the year, make, and model and that it's a simple driver's side headlight and he said I wasn't giving him enough information for him to help me. It was like pulling teeth and then he hung up on me.

Any recommendations? I've also read it can be a pretty simple DIY process but I'm not so sure about that.

mnuge
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Go buy a light at auto zone.

I'm guessing you haven't changed one before, so watch a youtube video about how to install. Will take 5 minutes
johnnyblaze36
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mnuge said:

Go buy a light at auto zone.

I'm guessing you haven't changed one before, so watch a youtube video about how to install. Will take 5 minutes
Thank you. I actually called a different Walmart just now and the lady was way more helpful. She told me they didn't have the right bulb and to call Auto Zone. Called them and naturally it needs a special bulb they had to order for $125. Lady at Walmart said they charge $15-$20 to install so I'm all in for $150.

Not sure how Gladney came up with $408. What a rip off.
91_Aggie
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For stuff like, google "Headlight bulb for Make, Model Year"
That will get you the where you can buy it and how much they might cost.

And remember that there are several Auto Zone locations in town and O'Reilly's and Napa Auto Parts you can check.

Then google "Youtube How to replace Headlight bulb for Make, Model, Year"

Most cars that will be simple to change out.

johnnyblaze36
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tu ag
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Just want to say that there are some models that are a lot more involved.

I still change all my own, but some take 30-45 minutes. You will have to remove numerous things to get to the bulb.

Most are really simple though.
ChampsAg
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a guy on the automotive board is a light guru. can't remember his username. posted about a light for my Chevrolet truck and he gave me the amazon link for over half the price of the auto parts places.

Edit to say that the HD bulbs are not cheap. They recommend that you change both, but I only did one at the time due to monetary constraints.
bushytailed
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Had mine replaced at Quicker Sticker last week for about $25 including the bulb.

Auto Zone will do it for you at no additional charge but last time I went the guy spent half an hour attempting it and couldn't do it. He said he would have to take out some other things to get to it. Took it to QS and it took them five minutes.
woodiewood
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mnuge said:

Go buy a light at auto zone.

I'm guessing you haven't changed one before, so watch a youtube video about how to install. Will take 5 minutes
Yep. I did one on my pickup last Friday and it took me about six minutes with the only tool need was pliars.. The bulb cost $16.

If you do your own, make sure you get one that is as bright as the original. For my pickup, there are three different levels of brightness you can get.
techno-ag
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ChampsAg said:

a guy on the automotive board is a light guru. can't remember his username. posted about a light for my Chevrolet truck and he gave me the amazon link for over half the price of the auto parts places.

Edit to say that the HD bulbs are not cheap. They recommend that you change both, but I only did one at the time due to monetary constraints.
Agreed. In my experience Amazon has had great prices on headlight assemblies and taillights.
Trump will fix it.
KaneIsAble
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mnuge said:

Go buy a light at auto zone.

I'm guessing you haven't changed one before, so watch a youtube video about how to install. Will take 5 minutes


This may or may not be true. To change mine it's easier to take the front wheel off so you can unscrew the wheel well liner to get to the bulb. If you're not handy with tools it's not an easy job.
doubledog
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johnnyblaze36 said:

mnuge said:

Go buy a light at auto zone.

I'm guessing you haven't changed one before, so watch a youtube video about how to install. Will take 5 minutes
Thank you. I actually called a different Walmart just now and the lady was way more helpful. She told me they didn't have the right bulb and to call Auto Zone. Called them and naturally it needs a special bulb they had to order for $125. Lady at Walmart said they charge $15-$20 to install so I'm all in for $150.

Not sure how Gladney came up with $408. What a rip off.
So what is the make and model?
taxpreparer
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I had a car that the procedure for replacing a headlight bulb included removing the battery and dislocating my right wrist to get the correct angle for accessing the lens opening.

Okay, I might be overstaying things a little.
Esteban du Plantier
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doubledog said:

johnnyblaze36 said:

mnuge said:

Go buy a light at auto zone.

I'm guessing you haven't changed one before, so watch a youtube video about how to install. Will take 5 minutes
Thank you. I actually called a different Walmart just now and the lady was way more helpful. She told me they didn't have the right bulb and to call Auto Zone. Called them and naturally it needs a special bulb they had to order for $125. Lady at Walmart said they charge $15-$20 to install so I'm all in for $150.

Not sure how Gladney came up with $408. What a rip off.
So what is the make and model?


This.

It could be $10 and 2 minutes or it could be a much more involved thing. I've heard of some lights that take more than an hour to change and you have to jack it up, remove wheels and wheel wells, etc. And HID bulbs are more expensive.

$408 is high in any case, but if it's a $50 bulb and they mark that up and then charge you an hour for labor, that adds up quickly.
TexasAggie_02
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Gladney probably quoted you an entire headlight replacement. They overcharge for everything.
MyNameIsJeff
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You literally have several people here willing to help if you'd provide the make and model.

Don't go to Walmart for automotive help, especially a luxury brand.
birdman
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I just replaced one on my truck. Bulb was pretty cheap. Not a 10 minute job. Had to loosen grill get access to lamp housing. That had to be removed. Then it was easy swap. Just had to replace everything. Probably an hour.
tu ag
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This thread has me thinking about how Quicker Sticker can pivot to become Right Light.

But only if the owner comes on here and starts talking smack to those that don't get good customer service...remember that one?
dubi
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tu ag said:

This thread has me thinking about how Quicker Sticker can pivot to become Right Light.

But only if the owner comes on here and starts talking smack to those that don't get good customer service...remember that one?
Dubi Dumbass thread was pretty epic!
maroon barchetta
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Uncle Bug
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Make/model are important to answer this.

Examples from personal experience:
10 min -> Chevy Avalanche
1 hr 30 min -> F-150
Nab85ag
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I am NOT the OP and don't mean to interfere with his/her post, but I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton with a burned out front bulb - drivers side? Much involved in replacing? Appreciate it!
Esteban du Plantier
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Nab85ag said:

I am NOT the OP and don't mean to interfere with his/her post, but I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton with a burned out front bulb - drivers side? Much involved in replacing? Appreciate it!


Looks about as easy as it gets.

.
johnnyblaze36
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MyNameIsJeff said:

You literally have several people here willing to help if you'd provide the make and model.

Don't go to Walmart for automotive help, especially a luxury brand.
I wish I had seen this earlier. I picked up the bulb today from Auto Zone and went across the street to Walmart. It's an Infiniti G37. I check in with the guy where it's supposed to be "15-20 bucks to install".

Guy pops the hood and instantly tells me there are too many parts in the engine for them to move around and they can't do it. I looked at him like he was crazy and left.

So then I went to Midas nearby and the guy says they are slammed but to bring it back tomorrow and they can do it for $139 plus tax as long as it doesn't take them longer than an hour.

So it would appear this is definitely not a 5-10 minute DIY project, at least not for me.
BrazosWifi
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johnnyblaze36 said:

MyNameIsJeff said:

You literally have several people here willing to help if you'd provide the make and model.

Don't go to Walmart for automotive help, especially a luxury brand.
I wish I had seen this earlier. I picked up the bulb today from Auto Zone and went across the street to Walmart. It's an Infiniti G37. I check in with the guy where it's supposed to be "15-20 bucks to install".

Guy pops the hood and instantly tells me there are too many parts in the engine for them to move around and they can't do it. I looked at him like he was crazy and left.

So then I went to Midas nearby and the guy says they are slammed but to bring it back tomorrow and they can do it for $139 plus tax as long as it doesn't take them longer than an hour.

So it would appear this is definitely not a 5-10 minute DIY project, at least not for me.
A lot of people haven't changed a modern headlight in this thread. They are a pain. Automotive repair labor isn't cheap.

Good luck on your quest, sir.
Sponsor Message: http://BrazosWiFi.com | Fast and reliable internet for the Brazos Valley | info@BrazosWiFi.com | 979-999-7000
MyNameIsJeff
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johnnyblaze36 said:

MyNameIsJeff said:

You literally have several people here willing to help if you'd provide the make and model.

Don't go to Walmart for automotive help, especially a luxury brand.
I wish I had seen this earlier. I picked up the bulb today from Auto Zone and went across the street to Walmart. It's an Infiniti G37. I check in with the guy where it's supposed to be "15-20 bucks to install".

Guy pops the hood and instantly tells me there are too many parts in the engine for them to move around and they can't do it. I looked at him like he was crazy and left.

So then I went to Midas nearby and the guy says they are slammed but to bring it back tomorrow and they can do it for $139 plus tax as long as it doesn't take them longer than an hour.

So it would appear this is definitely not a 5-10 minute DIY project, at least not for me.
Would Autozone not install it? I know they'll install batteries for no charge.
Esteban du Plantier
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johnnyblaze36 said:

MyNameIsJeff said:

You literally have several people here willing to help if you'd provide the make and model.

Don't go to Walmart for automotive help, especially a luxury brand.
I wish I had seen this earlier. I picked up the bulb today from Auto Zone and went across the street to Walmart. It's an Infiniti G37. I check in with the guy where it's supposed to be "15-20 bucks to install".

Guy pops the hood and instantly tells me there are too many parts in the engine for them to move around and they can't do it. I looked at him like he was crazy and left.

So then I went to Midas nearby and the guy says they are slammed but to bring it back tomorrow and they can do it for $139 plus tax as long as it doesn't take them longer than an hour.

So it would appear this is definitely not a 5-10 minute DIY project, at least not for me.



Doesn't look that bad to do yourself if you have a couple tools (screwdriver).
.
legalbird
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There was a local mechanic who posted on mybcs. He had a big garage built and was doing auto stuff on the side. I cannot find his info now!

This guy has good reviews

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mobile-mechanic-of-aggieland-college-station?start=10#reviews
johnnyblaze36
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Thanks for sharing this. If I can't do it on my own I'll check out the link from legalbird. Appreciate that referral as well.

And then I'll just wait for the other one to go out next week.
Tim Weaver
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Call a mobile mechanic. This is where they make a lot of sense. This job is clearly too involved for a garage to want to take it on, hence the high prices quoted, but a mobile mechanic would like this type of job. It's worth their while to come out and do it, but it's not like replacing an oil pan gasket that requires taking half the car apart.



OP, unless you figure out how to do it yourself, this is going to cost you a couple hundred bucks. Sorry, some cars are just a pain to do basic maintenance on. One car in particular that we had, the passenger side headlight can be done in about 30 seconds, but the driver's side requires removal of the battery and airbox to get to the bulb.
johnnyblaze36
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Tim Weaver said:

Call a mobile mechanic. This is where they make a lot of sense. This job is clearly too involved for a garage to want to take it on, hence the high prices quoted, but a mobile mechanic would like this type of job. It's worth their while to come out and do it, but it's not like replacing an oil pan gasket that requires taking half the car apart.



OP, unless you figure out how to do it yourself, this is going to cost you a couple hundred bucks. Sorry, some cars are just a pain to do basic maintenance on. One car in particular that we had, the passenger side headlight can be done in about 30 seconds, but the driver's side requires removal of the battery and airbox to get to the bulb.
Update: I called the mobile mechanic referred above. Chet said it was too minor of a job to send someone to me but I could take my car to them. I said great, no problem and when can I bring it in?

He asked me to text him the details (make, model, year) so he could send me a quote. I did and he never even replied. This was three days ago.

So 1 star for that guy which equals the amount of headlights I still have working.

ETA: So it's too massive of a job for WalMart auto to take on replacing a light bulb and too minor for the mobile mechanic to send out someone. Clown world.

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