Replace Headlight Assembly on Dodge Dakota or Durango

How to remove and replace the headlight assembly on a Dodge Dakota or Durango. Video recorded on a 2005 Dodge Dakota.

[raysanders]

Thank you for the video I was a little skeptical about doing it myself I'm not a very Hands-On kind of person but after watching your video if self-explanatory and it was awesome saved myself several dollars by not taking it into a mechanic shop and I thank you

[topherbec]

Changing the headlight assemblies on my dad's truck. This really helps.

[eriKrypto]

Excellent pre-job video that doubtlessly saved me time for this task. Two points: it's a 10mm socket for the 3 bolts, you do say it, but quickly and only once, I had to back up to catch it. So yeah, as you say in your comment below, a little rude to that one poster Phillip Gibson. And maybe a bit more detail on releasing the 2 clips to hold the turn signal bulb, since that was the only holdup I had as I had to pry the red one a bit. You struggle with it a little as well, and it's clear to see what you do (two tries), you just don't say it, but tip is to push red clip up to release, and then push green clip down to completely free the turn bulb. And it took another poster's question to reveal we can also use Torx for the same bolt. You do say in the video you have another on changing the bulbs specifically, but I didn't find your link. Kudos for the detail on using a flat blade or other to release the upper white plastic ball/socket clip on the headlight housing "straight out" with some force! And for those watching that are not just doing the simple headlight assembly but doing a conversion to HID or LED bulbs from the stock halogen, Dodge only started using the CAN Bus system on the 2005 Dakota SLT V8 version. So check a site like Auterra for your year and model to see if it is equipped with the CAN Bus, otherwise you will need the harness / relay CAN Bus wiring decoder such as the one I used (
SIRIUSLED H13 LED Canbus Decoder - Amazon Next-Day less than $30 for pair). I did not need it for my 2005 V8 Magnum SLT, but did need a set for my 2008 V6 SXT. I went with a set of Fahren HID Bi-Xenon 55w slim-ballast for each, lumens, 6500K color ($60 Amazon). The resulting difference between those and the stock halogen was astounding. I just turned 60 years on my personal odometer, and noticed my night vision declining, and this conversion made a HUGE difference for my country-road night driving. Good luck to all on this fairly simple but impactful project, whether you're doing cosmetic replacement for looks or damage on just the assembly as Clint is detailing here, or an improvement project on what the factory gave us. Yes, Clint, I subscribed, let's see what else you do to that Dakota!

[foxbrow]

Just used this video to change out a headlight on my '06 Dakota. Absolute perfect instructions/guide. Previous to watching this video, I was "How in the world After watching this, it became so easy. Thank you so

[davidlachniet]

Thanks; easy job with your video. Did however break 3 of the 4 red safety clips. But considering it’s 16 years old, can’t complain. 2005 dodge Dakota.

[joshmoore]

Thank you. Was done in 15 minutes with both due to this video.
Did break one of the points off the assembly though, but they'll be whole new assembly soon.

[carlrogers]

Thanks Clint, Great Video, you make it look so clear and easy. Much appreciated.

[creatingtogetherwithsandra]

Ty! Trying this out tomorrow. Don’t want to pay for it if I can do it myself.

[danieldyer]

Thx brother...got mine done in mins. Your video is a huge help

[vivenferello]

Thanks man best video for this on YouTube

[MikaTennessee]

Hi, great video. Hope yoy can answer this -- I replaced the light bulb for the headlamp. It worked for awhile then it did not work. Took it to my friend who's a part time mechanic. He said he just tightened the bulb in the socket. Again it worked and then stopped working.
So i'm thinking it is the socket/wiring bit?? which I dont know what to call properly .
Or loose wiring somewhere?
Do you have any suggestions?
TIA

[troyfuerst]

My seem to be pointing to low. Any sugestions? there seems to be no adjustment screw in height adjustment

[agent-htri]

What’s that plastic ball socket piece called? I broke mine…..

[seanmccabe]

What if the clip is missing? Is there a way to replace it? I have an 05 Dakota

[magneto]

Thanks for this vid. Short and to the point, exactly what I was looking for 👍

[g]

Can you make a video on how to replace the fog light assembly on the Dakota????

[phillipgibson]

What size socket do you need and how long does your extension need to be?

[welovepets]

I did my driver side a few years ago but needed a review of how to do it. But somehow I remember needing a Torx. Is it 10 mm or torx for the 05 Dakota? Some other videos say torx.

[kaseybrigham]

I got a 2000 Dodge Durango and the headlight I got it broken inside but I'm getting ready to buy a whole headlight assembly so do I do the same thing you did

[williamkuhns]

Anyone have a source for one of the ball sockets I was supposed to NOT break... Cuz ... One broke