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Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee 1984-2004: How to Clean Foggy Headlights

As your Jeep Cherokee gets older, the headlights get foggier and duller. Learn how to clean and restore it back to new here.

By Brett Foote - August 26, 2015
Contributors: MadMonk

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee (1984-2004).

Over time, headlights change their colors due to the sunlight and can fog up, giving your Jeep Cherokee a very dull look. More importantly, it can decrease the output of the light that you produce, thus limiting your vision at night. A lot of drivers tend to replace the headlights when this happens, which can end up costing over 200 dollars. Fortunately, the headlights can be fully restored back to new. The process can be done by almost anybody willing to invest some elbow grease. Read on to learn how to make your headlights shine again in less than an hour.

Materials Needed

  • Meguiars PlastX or similar plastic polish
  • Polishing cloths or buffer and pad
  • 1500 and 2000 grit sandpaper
  • Bucket of water or spray bottle filled with water
  • Masking/painter's tape

Step 1 – Prepare headlight

You can take one of two steps to start. Some prefer to remove the headlight assembly from their vehicle before polishing and sanding to make absolutely sure they don't mess up the paint on their vehicle. If you don't want to remove the headlights, you can use some blue painter's tape to cover up the painted area directly around the headlight.

Figure 1. Either remove the headlight as shown, or tape around it to protect your paint.

Step 2 – Sand headlight

Dip a piece of the 1500 grit sandpaper in a bucket of water, or spray the headlight down with some water from a spray bottle. Start wet sanding the entire lens area of the headlight evenly all the way across. Rinse the headlight off after each session and note any areas that need extra work. Repeat several times as needed. Once you have removed all traces of buildup on the lens, continue wet sanding using the 2000 grit sandpaper. Continue sanding until the scratch marks are as small and smooth as possible.

Figure 2. Wet sand the headlights first with the 1500 grit sandpaper, then the 2000 grit.

Step 3 – Polish headlight

Dry the lens completely. Apply some PlastX or similar plastic polish to an applicator sponge or buffer pad. Work your way over the entire surface of the headlight in small sections at a time. Use a clean polishing or microfiber cloth to wipe off the wax and check your progress. Continue until the headlight is clear and no scratches are visible. If using a buffer, be extra careful not to work the same area for too long. This can cause excessive heat and warping or melting of the plastic.

Figure 3. The finished product next to a foggy lens.

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