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Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: How to Replace Headlights and Fog Lights

A faulty headlight or fog light could get you ticketed, which, depending on your state, could spell big bucks for you. Make the repair yourself before a cop spots your Jeep Cherokee on the road and pulls you over.

By Charlie Gaston - August 26, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001).

State laws are pretty straightforward; your headlights and fog lights must be in good working order when you're operating your vehicle on roads or highways. If one or more of your exterior lights becomes defective or is completely blown out due to an old bulb, you could face a fine. Because the violation is statutory, your driving record has absolutely no bearing upon whether or not you are ultimately ticketed. To avoid the hassle altogether, have faulty headlights and fog lights repaired immediately. While you could visit a local Jeep dealer or certified mechanic to have the work done there, it's highly recommended that you invest the money and time to complete the repair on your own.

Materials Needed

  • 10mm socket
  • Work gloves
  • Hammer
  • T25 Torx driver
  • Phillip's screwdriver
  • Replacement headlight(s) and fog light(s)

Step 1 – Remove front grille

Grab your Phillips screwdriver and remove the four screws located along the length and width of your front grille. Next, remove the front grille by gently lifting it away from your Jeep. You'll need to remove your front grille to gain unobstructed access to your headlights and fog lights so you can complete this repair.

Step 2 – Remove headlight cover

Wearing a pair of work gloves so you don't get your fingerprints on the cover while you work, remove the bolts to the headlight cover. Next, remove the housing. To remove the bolt, you'll need to rotate it in a counterclockwise direction. Complete this for the upper and lower portion of the housing. Remove the bulb housing assembly by gently easing it out of your Jeep. Minimal force should be required at this time. Detach the bulb by disconnecting the connector, which you should clearly notice on the back of the assembly, and check for snugness.

Figure 1. Removing headlight cover.

Pro Tip

The oils and dirt on your fingers can damage the cover and bulbs on your Jeep, so always wear gloves when making this repair.

Step 3 – Connect new headlight bulb

To connect the new bulb, simply push it directly into the connector. Re-insert the bulb housing by gently placing it back into your Jeep. Re-attach all bolts in the reverse order of how you detached them in Step 1. Do the same for the housing and cover. If you experience any trouble in attaching either of the two parts, check that they are lined up correctly.

Figure 2. Replace the old bulb with a fresh one.

Pro Tip

It's highly recommended that you replace both bulbs at once. If one bulb has died, it would be safe to assume that its partner bulb is also on its last leg.

Featured Video: How to Change a Jeep XJ Headlight

Step 4 – Replace fog lights

Remove your headlights by disconnecting the harness located on the back of the assembly, if you have not done so already. Remove the two T25 screws located near the upper and lower portion of your side marker light using your T25 Torx drive. Remove your side marker light, and then detach the bulb. Next, remove any remaining T25 screws that you see in front of you. Twist out the sockets to free your parking light and remove it.

Step 5 – Remove front bumper cover

Identify and remove the clips along the front bumper cover by prying them up and away from your Jeep. Next, remove the clips located in the wheel well by gently prying them out. Don't forget to grab the clips located at the bottom of your bumper cover. Remove the bumper cover when you are done by easing it out and away from your Jeep. You are now ready to unbolt the bolts holding your fog lights in place. Bolt your new fog lights into place on your Jeep. Reverse the steps to re-connect your lighting system, making sure to start the process by connecting the harness from your fog light to your Jeep.

  • Insert the bolts for the fog lights.
  • Install the bumper cover.
  • Re-attach the clips along the front bumper cover.
  • Install the headlights with the T25 Torx screws.
  • Put the headlight cover back on.
  • Put the front grille back on.

Featured Video: How to Install/Replace Fog Lights 1997-98 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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