How to Change the Headlights on a 2008 US Model Ford Focus

This is how to remove the grill and headlight housing from a 2008 US made Ford Focus. This is useful for changing the headlights, installing HID, installing new headlight housings, or modifying the grill.

[@el_rey_kurto]

Bro, you just saved everyone a lot of trouble and $100. Many, Many Thanks. I watched the video once, took notes, changed the H13 low/high beam bulb in about 25 minutes. Success ! 2008 US made Ford Focus owners unite. :-)

[@brendanjamieson]

By far the best explanation I found for how to accomplish this. Thank you so much!

[@johnniec2861]

ORiely auto parts has one just as good , kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGXZqmmVbpKchbs

[@lightningsmokerXx]

Engineers need a kick in the balls.

[@dizkoteck]

+lightningsmokerXx I know,had to deal with this today... who thought this was a good idea

[@kevindavis2315]

I agree. Total pain in the ass

[@meschwartz]

Thank you for this video. My car is the spittin' image of yours, same paint job, trim, everything. Followed your instructions. Took me a little longer because of the bitter cold, 10 degrees F. Was going to replace both lights at the same time, but only replaced the one that was out because my fingers were starting to get frost bite. Will replace the other one when it is warmer. Easy fix when you know how - thanks to you.

[@n8dodgeable]

Great info. I'm not much of a car guy, but I knew replacing a bulb CAN'T be hard....then I popped the hood....wtf! Watched this vid and was very relieved. Took 5 mins to complete. Back to good vision at night :) thanks!

[@kevinknights9373]

I can’t thank you enough for this video. I just successfully changed the headlight bulbs on my Focus, and it went so much faster and easier seeing it done first like this.

[@aztaylor]

Dude, getting those bottom things on the grill was driving me up the wall. I watched 8 videos before someone actually covered that part. They slackin' and you the man!

[@Jammer8x8]

Your video was very helpful when I needed to get to the third screw for the headlight. Especially since the owners manual claimed you only needed to remove two of the push pins. You made my life a whole lot easier. Many thanks, SteelTheAnthroWolf.

[@lamisharochelle]

My headlight on the driver side had gone out. Therefore, I found this video and watched it. So, I went to the auto parts and bought the bulb for $16 then me and my neighbors fixed the headlight within 15 minutes. This video is a money saver.

[@Barah87]

Dude....your vid was the first I found searching "2008 ford focus how to replace headlight". I work for a bank and have basically no car skills however it was short and easy enough to follow I was able to do it myself. 10/10 do recommend

[@ThadofOhio]

The instructions were great for my 2009 Focus. This is the best method I've seen. I have a plastic wedge tool that pryed up the grille and headlamp housings nicely.

[@jtforde0518]

Thank you for sharing this!!! Your how-to video saved me about $90.00 hr labor charges here in New England (they gouge you big time here). I hope you win the lottery or some other really good fortune blesses your life!

[@Phophorousbronze]

Thanks Steel for posting this vid....My mom lives on a meager ss check but loves to visit her friends at the VFW and American Legion. Her driver's side front turn signal failed...I said "Cmon mom,,,if u take it to the shop..ur talkin LABOR. The bulb cost 5 bucks and the labor cost might buy you a new car..." I watched your vid did just what you said...You rock Steel....you may have just saved someones life....Bless you bro,

[@k.pointer1732]

Just wanted to let you know that this was extremely helpful. I was told the same thing... have to drop the bumper... remove the air intake... several things... priced from $54 to $104 for a stupid turn signal. You're instructions only took me 25 mins and that was only because I lost my 10 mm socket and had to use a wrench instead. Thanks again! Super helpful!

[@mrwpurdue]

I first used this video a year ago for my wife's car. Saved countless amount of heartache. When the bulb went out on my car I had to revisit this video. Thank you.

[@kennethh3764]

Thanks. Just did it your way! Got a 10 day fixit ticket last night, now I can get a police officer to see I fixed it! Thanks again.

[@donaldbartlett1712]

Thanks a bunch for this! Just goes to show that a seemingly impossible task can be done quite easily if you know the way! You are a good instructor!

[@robertkagarise8991]

This video rocked, Wasted 15 min trying to change the headlight the manuals way. After watching this video Headlight was installed and all complete in 20 minutes. Thank You

[@DonRicky.]

still helping after 12 years, thanks.

[@SJ-co6nk]

Thanks for this excellent video. I had to replace the passenger side headlight bulb on my 2009 Ford Focus SES, and the Haynes manual suggested removing the coolant expansion tank. I started doing so, but it became quickly obvious that even if I did remove that tank, there is no way I'd be able to get to the connector for the headlight (the vehicle's frame completely covered the connector) I used your instructions to remove the grill to get the headlight off, and was quickly and easily able to replace the bulb.

[@codybarnes2863]

I got the same color car, same model, and seeing that made me know that I can trust this guy. Cheers to you for starting my mods to my car, first was blacked out headlights, next is wrapping the car!

[@annikasenebald1177]

THANK YOU FOR THIS. Your video was so easy to follow, and for being a non-car person, I was proud to succeed on my first try😜 Thanks!

[@Glipsnarp]

Its proper videos like this that make youtube so great.

[@DancerSeattle]

This is the second or third time I've needed to use this video, so I'm leaving a couple of tips for myself and others. There is a little pin by the middle of the 3 bolts that stops the top of the grill from moving out. Get some bulb grease when you buy your replacement bulbs. My guy at O'Reilly said corrosion is the main reason our bulbs burn out early. Thank you, everyone! BTW, if this 70 yo grandmother can do this, you can too!

[@davidweaver1968]

I dropped my 2010 Focus SES at the garage this morning for state inspection and to have both headlamps replaced with GE Silverstar bulbs before I give the car to my 16 year old daughter and to my utter shock, my mechanic didn't replace the bulbs, couldn't figure out to change them? Seriously, my mechanic couldn't change two headlamps on a Ford? Thanks for the video man. I'll do it myself tonight in my own garage. You just know I'm sending this to my mechanic. Thanks again.

[@HG-NLINE]

You sir are a genius....changed the headlight bulbs on my wifes ford focus and it was a pain in the as#. But you helped alot i dont think i wouldve been able to remove the housing without taking off the grill

[@edgarandrade660]

This is great, i decided it was time to get brand new headlights and this made it. Extremely easy to install them

[@CaseyWallace3]

Thank you very much for this informative video. More Focus repair videos please!

[@brigidkelly2085]

This video was very helpful for replacing the headlight bulb for my 2010 Ford Focus. There is a sneaky clip on the bottom of the headlight assembly which is why you have to yank that up to get it loose.

[@smoberdeen]

THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO OF HOW NOT TO CHANGE YOUR HEADLIGHT BULB! Simply loosen the hose clamp on the air box and remove the hose from the air box. Disconnect the wire going to the air box sensor. Remove the two 10 mm screws and lift the air box out. Now locate and remove the bulb by turning it counter-clockwise as if you were sitting in the driver's seat. Installation is reverse order. It only takes about 7 - 10 minutes. If you are replacing the bulb on the passenger side. Remove two 10 mm screws and swing the coolant bottle out of the way. Locate and turn the bulb nut counter-clockwise as if you are sitting in the driver's seat. It only take about 5 - 7 minutes. Installation is reverse order.

[@TeafannyGoddard]

Thank you! This worked much better for me!

[@markluni4234]

You are right about this. It's a lot more work taking off the bumper/grill. And those little 2 piece rivets are a pain. I learned that when I went to replace a rear brake light. Maybe I was doing that wrong.

[@toddbeattie8922]

Took me about 30 minutes start to finish. Thanks for the video!

[@Bladerunner58]

The correct term for the plastic bits you call pins (two piece), is rivet or caped rivet. Most auto and motorcycle manufactures are using them these days. Thanks for the video! I would have been scratchin' my head on a few procedures.

[@T1000416]

Extremely helpful instructions. Thank you for making this.

[@jacobquintana3592]

Thanks for this most needed information, save me time and money.

[@DancerSeattle]

Thanks SO MUCH for posting this video. I got half way there by reading the owner's manual but it says "lift off the grill" Ya - right! Thanks to you, I'm all fixed up and ready to roll.

[@AndrewMurphy1]

Found this while looking at headlight things for my 2008 Europe Ford Focus. Love this! And I love the voice over to your self, hilarious! At least its not a pain in the ass to do this on mine, one bolt and two clips pops right out!

[@MegaCookiecook]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. It was a life saver.

[@shedawg]

thank you so much for this... I have the exact same car... color and all and I was mad as hell when I couldn't get to that third bolt... lol... you the real MVP..😀

[@Shotis]

For 2012 this is a damn good video

[@johnmcgowanireland695]

Thank you! I got the job done based on your tutorial..

[@johnymata8608]

Thank you for this video was extremely helpful !changed both lights in 30 min and I’m dumb lol

[@theduke2398]

This video helped thanks couldn't find my screwdriver so used the flat part of my tire iron found inside car. Made prying the grill super easy with the amount of leverage.

[@spizzlo]

THANK YOU!!! I couldn't pop the grille out for the life of me, but the tire iron popped it out immediately.

[@jackiechan_wtf4041]

Extremely simple!!!! Saved me $100 bucks at a local mechanic. Thanks video:p

[@elnetini]

I did this today. Your video was very helpful. Thanks

[@ThatOneHoosier]

This is a VERY helpful video thank you so much.

[@brucepollock983]

Wow - Video works like a champ!! Needs watching because it is not so obvious from the top down on how to get the grill out (correctly) to get to the assembly bolts!! THANKS!!

[@3P1CR4G3]

This helped me out, the grill can be slid out from one side after getting the first to pop off. Headlight has a clip on one side by the bumper.

[@liztomli]

Thank you for the video- very helpful

[@MalteseStar]

Thank you for the video that made it much easier.

[@thomasadams3894]

I want to add my thank you. Very good instructions. Thank you

[@Daveski450]

Thanks for this video, I felt stupid when I couldn't get the headlight assembly off - didn't know about the third bolt under the grill!

[@TheBurke48186]

Thanks so much this was so easy I couldn't have done this the other way!

[@mohymasri5964]

thanks man I really appreciate it people like who make thinks easy for me to save time and money good job.

[@michaelryce6837]

I really appreciate the video couldn't of done it without it

[@jaimeestupigan7049]

Best instructions ever!!!

[@kmonz90]

This was a huge help! Thanks

[@robinsanford2556]

Ty Your video saved me close to 500.00 dollars

[@ronaldkiser9742]

Wow! So simple!! Thanks!!! 2009 Ford Focus.

[@steveotis7813]

Thank you. We bought the car new in Oct.2008 and this was the first time a light went out. (Sept 2014) It was the driver side low beam.

[@drocster1985]

Thank you so much this video saved me so much money.. And time..

[@thebrewpounder]

Thank you. Just replaced my headlights on my 09 Focus.

[@davidvincent3959]

Perfect video. Thanks!

[@theherbman3030]

Those of you who are changing bulbs on the drivers side of the car. It's much easier to remove the airbox and gain access. Great video on how to remove headlight though.

[@jaymichaels599]

thanks this was alot of help.

[@fullfledgeentertainment7684]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@williamhank4565]

thank you so much spot on man

[@natalybaena0903]

Wow this helps a whole lot. And saves me 60 bucks

[@scottgm321]

Thanks. I needed to change my power steering pump and needed to get the headlight and grill out of the way.

[@joeisaac9029]

Finally!!-Veryyyy Resourceful....

[@gabriellegamache-nettles6426]

Thank you so much for this video! I know it's an older one, but since I have a 2008 Focus, it came in really handy!

[@nancymancini4006]

worked great thank you!!!

[@hectorb.colmenares6031]

Gracias, me ayudo a saber como cambiar la luz de mi ford focus. Thanks very usefull, it helps me to change the light bulb in my ford focus.

[@malikturner]

How would you change the fog lights .. By any chance can you post a video on that I want to install some hid lights to replace the stock ones ..

[@ruledby2008]

If I recall correctly when I changed my bulbs, once you remove headlamp assembly, if you look straight down, you can see the fog lamps, as for changing to HID, I do not know. -- Hope this helps. (This is for an 09 Focus).

[@alperturna4371]

Thank you so much!

[@david-vf5cb]

Great video,! The owners manual falls way short in accomplishing this task.

[@rw7051]

To remove the front grill, take up the four push pins, then pull the bottom edge of grill forward. You can look down inside and see the 4 forward facing u-shaped clips. Just wiggle it forward. Then the outboard edge of headlight lifts straight up,with a tug.

[@SteelTheAnthroWolf]

You know, I'm not sure. Although when these burn out I'm going to install HID's and probably some LED strips under the headlights, so ill have to look at it at some point. If I do, I'll make a video on it.

[@petertalbot5303]

how do you remove the 4 plastic fasteners attaching the grill cover without breaking them? I broke the first and don't want to break any more?

[@epicnesswithrandom3877]

please help, i want to change my dome light to an led but idk what i’m doing and i don’t want to break anything.

[@juanfv01]

Thanks, great help!

[@8877chico]

Thanks for tips about getting the grill off. What a pain in the a#! they make this.

[@alperturna4371]

Thanks again:)

[@ri5994]

How do you replace the front bumper off of a 09 focus?? Please help

[@JacksonHastings]

just replaced mine, but I found it easier to remove the radiator fluid bottle to do the right side. I have not had to do the left yet though, maybe I'll revisit the video when I need to.

[@luisleal8262]

Thank you very much!

[@tompoole7335]

whew, thank god for this video. Why the hell did they make this so complicated?!

[@johnf8991]

You're awesome dude! Just a suggestion to quickly make your video better, add edit in a small pic of the clips under the grill, and the clip at lower right under the light fixture and the small plastic piece that juts from the center, top left bolt plastic that you have to lift up to remove the fixture. Otherwise fantastic video!

[@SteelTheAnthroWolf]

Not sure. Ford did a pretty massive redesign in 08 that changed up a lot of how the front end fits together. You could always look and see how the headlight housings compare. I'm not really a car expert, I just figured this out on my car and thought I would share it.

[@darrellflorez2831]

THANKS, THAT WILL HELP A GREAT DEAL!!!

[@AtotheC_1776]

thank you so much!

[@alexdelpuerto9222]

Thank you very much.

[@kaitlincordova3879]

Thought I could get away with not removing the grill, but the assembly was being so stubborn that I finally caved and took off the grill. SO MUCH EASIER. Hopefully I remember to go ahead and do that the next time I have to change a headlight bulb. 🤦

[@alexblackish-709]

could you show me how to remove the front bumper and put it back

[@donmiller5077]

I had a problem getting the headlight assembly loose. Of course, I removed all three bolts after getting the grill out the way. I could get the headlight assembly to move some, but not enough to access the bulb. I followed the video closely, but nothing seemed to work to get the headlight assembly loose.

[@jerlv9]

Dude, thanks for posting the video! The whole process from start to finish for me was a little under 5 minutes! It's still a pain in the ass having to remove the grill from the car, but its all good. I changed the drivers side headlight. Is the passenger side just as easy, or is there more to that?

[@thecoinbox]

Good video. Had to change the marker light on the wife's Focus. Not even a 15 minute process. As a joke, I put the grill assembly on the kitchen table and yelled "hey honey, look what I left for you" and promptly left the room. LMAO

[@marccohen5477]

Laughing my ass off till I lost consciousness. When I came to, I was in the hospital having a grille removed from my butt.

[@billyritchie89]

very helpful I was told I had to take bumper off the car

[@tedperez4732]

So you did not have to remove bumper cover to replace both headlights?

[@ZB888]

good job!!!

[@brunog6375]

Thanks a lot