Maybe it's just me or there's some trick that I don't know, but removing a headlight from an 08 Sedan, per the owners manual instructions, is simply a lesson in frustration. And you have to completely remove the headlight to get to the bulbs. I now get the grille out of the way, a 5 minute job, and save myself a lot of grief.
To remove the grille, remove the four (4) plastic expansion plugs (blue circles). After removing the plugs pull up to release the alignment tabs (red circles).
While holding the top of the grille up look inside at the bottom, you will find one more expansion plug (blue circle) on each side, remove those. There is also a catch on the grille that hooks onto the bumper (red circle) on each side. Push in on the grill, push down on the bumper close to the grille catch and release the grille. If you did it right the catch should be released. You might have to try a couple times to get the hang of it. Also note the four alignment slots for re-installation, two on each side (yellow circles).
That's it, once those catches are released the grille should slid right out.
Now you can remove all three bolts from the headlight (blue circles), pull it clear of the fender and up to release that enormous tab on the bottom of it. And you can do it all without swearing or a cutting torch!
All I know is that if I'm doing anything with a headlight, my grille comes off first!
To put the grille back in, start from the bottom and slide it into those four alignment slots, replace the lower expansion plugs, push the top in and get the two top alignment tabs in place then replace the four top expansion plugs. Your done. That is assuming you remembered to re-install the headlight first. Which according to the owners manual can be done with the grille in place, but hey - good luck with that.
Man you have good eyes. How did you see my grille work in those pics? If you're curious there's a pic of it in my gallery.
You know I didn't plan to paint it, but you are the second person to ask that question so I guess I'm going to look at doing that. Would you suggest painting just the center section or all of it?
Nope, no problems with the stock bulbs. I just replaced them with some that are supposedly brighter.
When you do get around to having to replace one though I highly recommend removing the grille first. Yeah, it seems like overkill, but it's just so much easier to get the headlight out. Personally, I'll never go after a headlight again without removing the grille first.
Hey, would you like brighter fog lights? I know this trick works. Replace the bulbs with H9's, they are 2200 lumens brighter than stock. You just need to shave off one tab on the inside of the H9 and it fits right in. I'm using them and they are turned on a lot, no problems from extra heat or anything else.
Replace the bulbs with H9's, they are 2200 lumens brighter than stock. You just need to shave off one tab on the inside of the H9 and it fits right in. I'm using them and they are turned on a lot, no problems from extra heat or anything else.
I'm thinking about it (grille paint). I've got good spray equipment, just need the paint and clear-coat. Maybe I'll check out the junk yards for a nicely re-ended 08' and play.
Yeah, taking the grille off and on is a snap. I guess the sedan's is locked in a little more than the coupe but it's still easy to get out of the way. I couldn't believe the fight I had the first time I tried to get a freek'n headlight out. Now way I'll ever do that again without taken the grille off first.
Man you guys see everything in these pics. Yep, that's an 07' Edge hiding in the background. Have yet to play with any mods on it. Having too much fun playing with the Focus for that (yet).
Yeah, try pushing down on the bumper directly in front of the catch as close as you can get to the grille while you are pulling the catch up on the inside. It helps to push in on the grille a little while you are pushing down. Mine comes off really easy now, but that could be because I've had it off 1,347 times. If worst comes to worst, stick a screwdriver under the side of the catch inside and pry it up a little.
Success! Oh man, it's tough for the first time, or maybe it's just my car, but FINALLY with help from FF forum (special thanks Bradwhite) and an extra helping hand from my brother, we managed! We installed Nokya Cosmic white bulbs and have some pictures to post up later, I'm tired haha. =)
Man, I finally took the time to check every single one of your How To's and this is gold for us 08/09 owners! I'm putting in an HID kit in the next couple of weeks and this information is awesome!
Thanks again Brad!
Yeah I am waiting for it to get warmer out to put my new grill in. Hope to purchase the headlights from a coupe before hand so I can take care of the front all at one time.
I am not that talented and I haven't found anyone close enough to me that has done it and can give me a hand. Because don't you have to take the headlights apart to do that and it really scares me to do that. Thats why I bought the coupe grill for my car so it was easier than messing up my factory chrome one trying to paint it.
I got a really good deal on the set of headlights. So they should be here next week and hopefully it will warm up here after I get the headlights and put them in I can't wait!!!
was just doing hte wire mesh mod.... and yah... taking out the grill is a pain in the butt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! took me forever it seemed... even had to take the laptop out to the car to do it... even tho ive had it out before and just couldn't remmeber how.
Holy crap I replaced my headlight bulbs with bright white ones and it was a pain in the arse!! I remember on my 93 Cougar you just reached in behind the housing and pulled the bulb out...was pretty easy. Everything is so packed in there with the Focus, so I guess it would be hard to leave an opening. Definitely not something I'm looking forward to doing again!
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