Disclaimer: Before starting any electrical work on your vehicle, make sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid any electrical shock.
1. Locate the Headlight Assembly: The headlight assemblies on the 1997 RAV4 are located in the front of the vehicle, behind the lens covers.
2. Remove the Lens Cover: Open the hood of the vehicle and locate the lens covers for the headlights. Remove the lens cover by turning the retaining screws counterclockwise with a screwdriver or using your hands.
3. Access the Headlight Bulb Housing: Once the lens cover is removed, you'll see the headlight bulb housing behind it.
4. Remove the Headlight Bulb Housing Cover: The headlight bulb housing has a rubber cover. Remove this cover by gently prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver.
5. Disconnect the Electrical Connector: Inside the bulb housing, you'll find the electrical connector for the headlight bulb. Gently press the release tab on the connector and pull it to disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb.
6. Remove the Old Headlight Bulb: The old headlight bulb is held in place by a metal clip. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the metal clip off carefully and remove the bulb from the housing.
7. Install the New Headlight Bulb: Take the new headlight bulb and insert it into the housing, aligning it with the socket. Make sure the bulb is seated correctly.
8. Secure the Metal Clip: Replace and secure the metal clip that holds the bulb in place, ensuring that it's clipped securely.
9. Reconnect the Electrical Connector: Reconnect the electrical connector by pushing it back into place until it clicks.
10. Replace the Headlight Bulb Housing Cover: Put the rubber cover back on the bulb housing.
11. Reinstall the Lens Cover: Replace the lens cover by aligning the tabs with the corresponding slots on the headlight assembly. Turn the retaining screws clockwise to secure the lens cover.
12. Test the Headlight: Once everything is back in place, close the hood and turn on the headlights to make sure the new bulb works properly.
Reconnect the battery's negative terminal once the bulb replacement is complete.
Remember to dispose of the old headlight bulb properly. Some recycling centers or auto parts stores may have facilities to recycle automotive bulbs.
