Replacing the headlights on the 2021 Ford Ranger Wildtrack requires the front bumper to be removed first to access the lower headlight mounting bolt. While this sounds involved it is a very systematic process — follow the correct sequence and the bumper comes off cleanly.
This guide covers the full procedure: bumper removal, headlight replacement and full refitting. Always test the headlights before refitting the bumper.
When You Need This Job
- Headlight unit cracked or damaged
- Failed headlight requiring full unit replacement
- Upgrading to LED headlights
- Headlight misalignment after accident damage
Tools You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
Remove the top air intake panel
The plastic top panel is held by push clips and two T30 Torx bolts. Remove and lift off.
Remove the grille
Two 10mm bolts hold the top of the grille. Remove these. The grille is on push clips — squeeze each clip from behind to release. The grille has LEDs so do not pull it away — rest it on the bonnet.
Remove the plastic headlight surrounds
One 8mm bolt per side. Remove these — the surrounds will be loose enough to work behind for the bumper bolts.
Remove both inner wheel arch liners
Each liner has three push clips, one T30 Torx and one 8mm bolt in the upper corner. Remove all and pull the liner back.
Remove the 8mm corner bumper bolts
With each liner pulled back there is an 8mm bolt in the upper corner where bumper meets wing. Remove both sides.
Remove the four 10mm bolts under the bumper
Four 10mm bolts support the lower bumper section underneath. Remove all four.
Remove extra push clips and top bumper bolts
One more push clip per side under the surround area. Then use a 10mm on a long extension to reach the two top bumper bolts behind each headlight.
Pull the bumper free
Put your hand behind the bumper and pull firmly — you are popping the side clips. Do one side then the other. Remove the two final front centre push clips last so the bumper does not fall.
Disconnect fog lights and parking sensors
Unplug the fog light connectors each side and the large parking sensor connector. Rest the bumper nearby if LED cables are present.
Remove the headlight
T30 Torx on a long extension for the lower bolt. Two 10mm bolts and a push clip at the top. With all fixings out pull the headlight forward enough to reach the connectors. Disconnect all and remove.
Fit the new headlight
Plug in all connectors — listen for the click. Push the headlight into position ensuring the plastic locating dowel on the wing side locates before tightening any bolts. Refit all bolts.
Test both headlights
Press lock/unlock on the key fob to check both headlights illuminate before fitting the bumper.
Refit bumper and all trim
Plug in fog lights and parking sensors first. Line up the bumper locating tabs, push clips in and tap the sides into position. Refit all bolts in reverse order — top bolts, under bolts, corner bolts, arch liners, surrounds, grille, top panel.
Keep arch liner bolts, bumper bolts and headlight bolts in separate piles as you remove them — saves confusion when refitting.
The headlight has a plastic dowel on the wing side. Ensure this locates in its hole before tightening any bolts or the headlight will not sit flush with the wing.
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