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Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

Posted July 13, 2009 4:45 PM by motorztv

We recently had the need to upgrade the headlights in our 2008 Ford Mustang project vehicle. Like most vehicles, we just thought we'd pop the hood, remove a few bolts and lift up on a few tabs. We wished it was that easy! After doing some research, we found that we had to remove the entire front bumper of the Mustang in order to remove the headlights.

Yes, you heard that right -the entire front bumper has to be removed! It shocked us too. So we thought it was another great opportunity for a how-to video, showing owners of the Ford Mustang GT (S197, years 2005-2009) how to do this. It probably applies to the newer 2010+ models as well, in addition to similar vehicles.

The process involves disconnecting the marker lights on the sides, pulling out the fender liner to get to some bolts, removing those, as well as a bunch of smaller ones along the front. Once all the lights are disconnected and the bolts are removed, the bumper pops right off. At that point, all that holds the headlights on are a couple of bolts. You can watch how to do it in this episode #27.

Watch the MOTORZ TV Video

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#1

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/13/2009 5:02 PM

Let me be the first to say "thank you", motorztv. As the new owner of a used 2007 Ford Mustang, I'm going to need this video.

Best,

Moose

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/13/2009 5:38 PM

Thanks Moose! Congrats on your '07 Mustang! We have been producing a lot of episodes lately for Mustangs, so be sure to check them all out at www.motorz.tv

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#3

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/13/2009 8:39 PM

"What?"

Because stealing headlights is very common thing and to thwart the thieves Ford has created many hoops to jump through.

Sadly, in one way your video simply tells thieves how to do it, but hopefully it is still more effort than its is worth.

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#5
In reply to #3

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/13/2009 9:31 PM

Ahh, good point! I didn't think about the fact that it can help prevent theft. I seriously doubt any thief will go through the amount of effort it takes to remove the headlights by watching this episode... it's far too much effort for a quick take!

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#9
In reply to #3

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/14/2009 8:45 AM

Seems to me that Ford made this operation difficult to benefit their dealer network, in the hope that the poor guy at home without time or tools will have to pay $60/hr labor rates.

Yeah, maybe it's an anti-theft feature, too, but most thieves would rather steal the Mustang - not the headlights.

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#4

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/13/2009 9:20 PM

Tried to watch vid, but loading was highly buffered and many audio drop outs.

Not surprised that the simple event of needing to change headlights on a Ford is an ordeal.

On my old Ford 150 Ranger? (1968) Changing the oil was even a nightmare since the drain plug opened above a chassis cross beam requiring a gooseneck swivel funnel.

-That's what I'm calling it now, anyway.

Gottah admit though that those old early Mustangs looked good, and handled well.

Back in the day I typically drove around at 100 miles an hour. Everybody doing 85 got tickets. At a 100 you were either in front of the cops, or behind them.

What is the best Taxicab car these days, overall?

Could a CNG, (Compressed Natural Gas) powered car, win a Nascar Race?{p] Welcome to the Forum.

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#6

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/14/2009 4:12 AM

Hi all,

here is the method for changing your Mustang Headlights.

Pretty involved!..............Of course you could always buy a house in a fenced enclosure guarded by a private army if you do not want your 'latest model Mustang' Headlight stolen!

On the other hand it will be cheaper to watch the video address below.

http://www.motorz.tv/play/mustang_headlight_upgrade_installation

Sorry to all Mustang Owners if I have 'let the cat out the bag' by publishing this address, but the video is brilliant!

I have a friend who has a '2009' Mustang in California and, his daughter broke the Left Headlamp, after two months. (When he had finished crying), I told him about your video, and he went to your site and viewed the video, by pausing it bit by bit as he done the job. Never had to remove anything he did not need to 30 minutes at most, later he was finished. He is very pleased with your videos, which made an otherwise difficult job, simple.

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#8
In reply to #6

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/14/2009 8:41 AM

??? Huh ??? What-on-earth do ya mean, "Sorry...if I have let the cat out the bag by publishing this address..."

Anyone with a PC can hold their mouse (cursor) over the link in the original post [above ; copied&pasted here below], and see the URL address in the browser's lower bar...

Watch the MOTORZ TV Video

"Of course" , the video is brilliant ... that's why it's here

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#11
In reply to #8

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/14/2009 6:50 PM

Hello Guest,

Sorry I did not 'word' and 'phrase' my sentence to suit you. If you were a member you would realise that is pretty much the way I phrase my posts.............. As a kind of 'joke!'

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#7

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/14/2009 7:47 AM

Same for the Honda Accord...............

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#12
In reply to #7

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

08/12/2009 11:52 PM

Hello ducky,

You say the fitting is the same for the Accord? At least the lights wont fall out!

Take care.

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#10

Re: Ford Mustang Headlights: You Have to Do WHAT to Remove Them?

07/14/2009 12:14 PM

I did not realize that headlight theft was a problem. WOW!

Seriously, I don't believe that auto manufactures design service profits into their products, but they do design in assembly cost savings wherever possible and that results in increased service times.

tommm

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