Tools You'll Need:
* New headlights (ensure they are the correct type for your Durango)
* Phillips head screwdriver (possibly a flathead as well, depending on your model)
* Possibly a socket wrench and extension (again, depends on the model)
* Gloves (optional, but recommended to avoid getting grease on your hands)
Steps (General - Consult your owner's manual for specifics):
1. Disconnect the Battery: This is crucial to prevent electrical shocks. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first, then the positive (+).
2. Access the Headlight Assembly: This is the most variable step. On some 2000 Durangos, you might need to:
* Remove the grill: This often involves removing a few screws or clips holding the grill in place.
* Remove access panels: Some models have access panels behind the wheels or in the engine bay that need to be removed to access the headlight bolts.
* Remove a few screws or bolts: These are usually located on the back of the headlight assembly, securing it to the vehicle.
3. Disconnect the Electrical Connectors: Carefully unplug the electrical connectors from the back of the old headlight assembly. There's usually a small latch or clip you need to release. Take a picture or make a note of how the connectors are attached before disconnecting them. This will help during reassembly.
4. Remove the Headlight Assembly: Once the screws/bolts and connectors are disconnected, gently pull the headlight assembly out of its housing. There might be some resistance, but avoid using excessive force, as you might break something.
5. Install the New Headlight: Carefully connect the electrical connectors to the new headlight assembly, matching them to the positions you noted earlier. Then, align the new headlight assembly with its housing and secure it with the screws/bolts you removed earlier.
6. Reassemble Everything: Put back any access panels, the grill, etc., in the reverse order of how you removed them.
7. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the positive (+) terminal first, then the negative (-) terminal.
8. Test the Headlights: Turn on your headlights and check that both the low and high beams are working correctly.
Important Considerations:
* Different Trim Levels: The process might differ slightly depending on whether you have a base model, SLT, or other trim level. Your owner's manual will provide trim-specific information.
* Bulb Replacement vs. Assembly Replacement: You might only need to replace the bulbs inside the headlight assembly, which is a simpler process. If you're replacing the entire assembly, it's generally a more involved job.
* Year-Specific Variations: While this guide covers a 2000 Durango, minor variations may exist depending on the exact production date.
* YouTube Tutorials: Search YouTube for "2000 Dodge Durango headlight replacement" to find visual guides that can greatly assist you.
Remember safety first! If you're uncomfortable performing this task yourself, it's always best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
