Replace Headlight Assembly on Dodge Dakota or Durango

[@raysanders2450]

Thank you for the video I was a little skeptical about doing it myself I'm not a very Hands-On kind of person but after watching your video if self-explanatory and it was awesome saved myself several dollars by not taking it into a mechanic shop and I thank you

[@ClintHolland]

Awesome and thanks for letting me know. That is exactly why I make these videos.

[@eriKrypto]

Excellent pre-job video that doubtlessly saved me time for this task. Two points: it's a 10mm socket for the 3 bolts, you do say it, but quickly and only once, I had to back up to catch it. So yeah, as you say in your comment below, a little rude to that one poster Phillip Gibson. And maybe a bit more detail on releasing the 2 clips to hold the turn signal bulb, since that was the only holdup I had as I had to pry the red one a bit. You struggle with it a little as well, and it's clear to see what you do (two tries), you just don't say it, but tip is to push red clip up to release, and then push green clip down to completely free the turn bulb. And it took another poster's question to reveal we can also use Torx for the same bolt. You do say in the video you have another on changing the bulbs specifically, but I didn't find your link. Kudos for the detail on using a flat blade or other to release the upper white plastic ball/socket clip on the headlight housing "straight out" with some force! And for those watching that are not just doing the simple headlight assembly but doing a conversion to HID or LED bulbs from the stock halogen, Dodge only started using the CAN Bus system on the 2005 Dakota SLT V8 version. So check a site like Auterra for your year and model to see if it is equipped with the CAN Bus, otherwise you will need the harness / relay CAN Bus wiring decoder such as the one I used ( SIRIUSLED H13 LED Canbus Decoder - Amazon Next-Day less than $30 for pair). I did not need it for my 2005 V8 Magnum SLT, but did need a set for my 2008 V6 SXT. I went with a set of Fahren HID Bi-Xenon 55w slim-ballast for each, 200000 lumens, 6500K color ($60 Amazon). The resulting difference between those and the stock halogen was astounding. I just turned 60 years on my personal odometer, and noticed my night vision declining, and this conversion made a HUGE difference for my country-road night driving. Good luck to all on this fairly simple but impactful project, whether you're doing cosmetic replacement for looks or damage on just the assembly as Clint is detailing here, or an improvement project on what the factory gave us. Yes, Clint, I subscribed, let's see what else you do to that Dakota!

[@foxbrow]

Just used this video to change out a headlight on my '06 Dakota. Absolute perfect instructions/guide. Previous to watching this video, I was "How in the world ......?" After watching this, it became so easy. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@ClintHolland]

I could not ask for a better comment. Thank you for watching and taking the time to let me know.

[@davidlachniet3263]

Thanks; easy job with your video. Did however break 3 of the 4 red safety clips. But considering it’s 16 years old, can’t complain. 2005 dodge Dakota.

[@topherbec7578]

Changing the headlight assemblies on my dad's truck. This really helps.

[@ClintHolland]

Glad to hear that Topher and thanks for letting me know.

[@joshmoore8743]

Thank you. Was done in 15 minutes with both due to this video. Did break one of the points off the assembly though, but they'll be whole new assembly soon.

[@ClintHolland]

Awesome. Glad to hear that Josh. That's why I make these videos.

[@carlrogers2352]

Thanks Clint, Great Video, you make it look so clear and easy. Much appreciated.

[@ClintHolland]

Awesome. That's what I aim for. Thanks for watching.

[@danieldyer4354]

Thx brother...got mine done in mins. Your video is a huge help

[@ClintHolland]

Glad it helped and thanks for watching.

[@creatingtogetherwithsandra7960]

Ty! Trying this out tomorrow. Don’t want to pay for it if I can do it myself.

[@ClintHolland]

You can totally do it.

[@creatingtogetherwithsandra7960]

@@ClintHolland I’ll let you know! 🤪

[@MikaTennessee]

Hi, great video. Hope yoy can answer this -- I replaced the light bulb for the headlamp. It worked for awhile then it did not work. Took it to my friend who's a part time mechanic. He said he just tightened the bulb in the socket. Again it worked and then stopped working. So i'm thinking it is the socket/wiring bit?? which I dont know what to call properly . Or loose wiring somewhere? Do you have any suggestions? TIA

[@ClintHolland]

It certainly sounds like an issue with the bulb socket. You can buy a new one but you will have to cut the wires to connect it.

[@vivenferello7704]

Thanks man best video for this on KZbin

[@ClintHolland]

Aww, thanks. Nicest words someone has posted yet.

[@manuelcarbajal7357]

Very helpful

[@tomadams8929]

Big help Clint..thanks!

[@ClintHolland]

Glad to hear that Tom. Hope you have a Happy New Year.

[@agent-ht5ri]

What’s that plastic ball socket piece called? I broke mine…..

[@ClintHolland]

I honestly have no idea. I broke mine too and never replaced it. A body shop might be the best resource to pick one up.

[@troyfuerst3799]

My seem to be pointing to low. Any sugestions? there seems to be no adjustment screw in height adjustment

[@ClintHolland]

What type of lights did you put in?

[@keithmaly904]

Easy task, thanks for the video.

[@magneto91]

Thanks for this vid. Short and to the point, exactly what I was looking for 👍

[@ClintHolland]

Thank you Jesse.

[@g012170]

Can you make a video on how to replace the fog light assembly on the Dakota????

[@ClintHolland]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will add it to my list but it won't be anytime soon.

[@g012170]

@@ClintHolland awesome. I just hit the bell so I can be notified. Thanks so much

[@shadowchaserdk]

Great Vid.

[@seanmccabe1566]

What if the clip is missing? Is there a way to replace it? I have an 05 Dakota

[@ClintHolland]

You can buy them online or at a body shop. I have one that is missing too and I just left it that way. The bolts are plenty to keep it in there tight.

[@edwardvincent4050]

Just bought the same headlights.didnt install them yet.looks nice..also thanks for the jokes also in video

[@ClintHolland]

Thanks for watching. They do look much better than the stock and have held up well.

[@phillipgibson3253]

What size socket do you need and how long does your extension need to be?

[@ClintHolland]

I don't mean to be rude but did you actually watch the video with sound on? I call out what size I am using. But to answer your question, it's a 10mm with a 3 or 6 inch extension.

[@phillipgibson3253]

@@ClintHolland You probably are being rude because of course I did listen to the video, but, FYI, you must have the six inch extension for the socket to reach. My bad on the 10mm socket . I failed to hear it mentioned in another like video I watched while gathering all the info I needed. Also I found that after sliding back the red clip on the headlight and turn signal bulbs, you must depress the plastic under the clip for it to release the bulbs. That was the hardest part for me to figure out. Other than that, the replacement was a piece of cake and you did make the best video for saving me time to see it get it done. Thanks.

[@MrRaynemaker]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@welovepets1000]

I did my driver side a few years ago but needed a review of how to do it. But somehow I remember needing a Torx. Is it 10 mm or torx for the 05 Dakota? Some other videos say torx.

[@mandosandradios]

I have 2006 and it required torx

[@ClintHolland]

@@mandosandradios The 2005 actually can use both. It's a 10mm but it also can be removed with a Torx bit.

[@kenhuggins7557]

Great video thanks I have an 05 but there's so many more things I'd like to know

[@ClintHolland]

Once I get off my butt, I have several more videos on the 05 Dakota coming. Been lazy recently.

[@Mate2Frio]

Thanks, I think I got the same lights and plan to install them today.

[@ClintHolland]

Let me know what you think. I love the way these new ones look.

[@Mate2Frio]

@@ClintHolland I got AKKON brand. Love the way they look and fit.

[@migueltorres7503]

Thank you for your Video

[@ClintHolland]

Happy to help and thanks for watching.

[@bmack2938]

Do they need to be aimed again?

[@ClintHolland]

They do not.

[@Jacob-hk6ly]

If you don't mind me asking where did you get those headlights?

[@ClintHolland]

I actually found them on Amazon.

[@fransbouman6777]

Same procedure for 2007 model Dakota?

[@ClintHolland]

Not exactly but close. This is only valid for the 2004-2006 Dodge Dakota.

[@kaseybrigham5068]

I got a 2000 Dodge Durango and the headlight I got it broken inside but I'm getting ready to buy a whole headlight assembly so do I do the same thing you did

[@ClintHolland]

You sure can, however the procedure will be a little different on the 2000 model year.

[@sparkyd407]

Slam it on the ground!!! Hahahaha!!!! Excellent video thank you for the great video!

[@damianpizana5473]

Hey I was just watching your old yerf dog harbor freight engine swap. And I wanted to know how it worked over time. Did anything bad happen? I’m planning on swapping for the same engine, would be great if you could get back to me.

[@ClintHolland]

It is still working great years later. I am actually planning on doing some upgrades to it over the next year and posting those. This guy can be upgraded to over 20HP.

[@damianpizana5473]

@@ClintHolland Sounds great! Thanks. Is there anything in the video that you might have missed that could help with any issues?

[@ClintHolland]

@@damianpizana5473 I don't think so but honestly that was so long ago.

[@williamkuhns4106]

Anyone have a source for one of the ball sockets I was supposed to NOT break... Cuz ... One broke

[@ClintHolland]

Did you end up finding one? That might be a junk yard kind of part.

[@bmack2938]

Yeah I restored mine and did two coats of clear. Lasted about 9 months. Replacing is easier.

[@ClintHolland]

Check out the Sylvania Headlight Restoration kit and the Meguiar's Keep Clear to keep it from yellowing again.

[@danielturner6236]

great vid, ty

[@thomasgregory8941]

Good simple vedio

[@thomasgregory8941]

Good

[@richardflores7754]

Thank you

[@ClintHolland]

Thank you for watching Richard.

[@CandyChick2000]

Got an 07 Dakota and my right white clip is busted..come to find out the Dakota was discontinued in 2011😅

[@timothyjsmith7132]

Your all white i mean all right lol great job Thank you

[@jamesgifford591]

This does not apply to a 1996 dodge dakota as the title implies

[@ClintHolland]

I list in the description what year the repair is on. No way I can know exactly which years it would and would not work on but I do put that info in the description.