Fog Light Bulb

Replacement of the front fog light bulb on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, requiring partial front bumper/grille disassembly to access the fog light housing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• H11 fog light bulb × 1 — H11 55W halogen or OEM Aston Martin fog light bulb

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off ignition and remove key
3. Allow fog lights and engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Turn steering wheel to full lock opposite the side being serviced for improved access

Procedure

1. 1

   Access lower grille section
   Open the hood. The fog lights on the DB9 are located in the outboard sections of the front fascia. The correct access path (either through the lower grille mesh or by removing a portion of the front wheel arch liner on the affected side) is unverified for this vehicle. Confirm the actual access route against Aston Martin service documentation before any disassembly, and follow the corresponding steps below only after verifying. Verify the correct access path against Aston Martin service documentation before disassembly. The mesh is retained by plastic clips or Torx fasteners along the perimeter. Check for fasteners behind the mesh at the top edge and along the sides where it meets the bumper structure.
2. 2

   Remove lower grille mesh fasteners
   Remove the Torx fasteners securing the lower grille mesh section. Start with visible fasteners along the top edge accessible from the engine bay side, then remove any side or bottom fasteners accessible from below. The number and type of fasteners securing the access panel/liner is unverified for this vehicle; inspect and count the actual fasteners (which may be Torx screws, plastic push-rivets, or a mix) before removal. Note: Fastener count and size unverified — inspect and count the actual fasteners (Torx, plastic push-rivets, or a mix) on this specific vehicle before removal.
3. 3

   Release grille mesh clips
   Once fasteners are removed, gently pull the grille mesh section forward while checking for any remaining clips. The mesh may have push-clips at the rear edge that require careful prying with a trim tool. Work slowly to avoid breaking the clips or mesh mounting tabs.
4. 4

   Access fog light housing
   With the grille mesh removed, locate the fog light housing behind the opening. The housing is visible from the front and accessible from the wheel arch side or from below, depending on front suspension clearance. Use a work light to inspect the rear of the housing for the bulb socket.
5. 5

   Disconnect fog light connector
   Reach behind the fog light housing and locate the electrical connector on the back of the bulb socket. Press the release tab on the connector and pull it straight off the bulb socket. Note the connector orientation for reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove bulb retaining mechanism
   The H11 bulb is retained by a twist-lock socket or a spring wire clip. If twist-lock, rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull it out of the housing. If wire clip style, press and unhook the wire clip, then pull the bulb and socket assembly out.
7. 7

   Remove old bulb
   Pull the old H11 bulb straight out of the socket. If the bulb is stuck, gently rock it side to side while pulling. Inspect the socket for any corrosion or damage to the terminals.
8. 8

   Install new bulb
   Wearing nitrile gloves or using a clean cloth, remove the new H11 bulb from its package without touching the glass. Insert the bulb into the socket, aligning the tabs on the bulb base with the slots in the socket. Push until the bulb seats completely.
9. 9

   Reinstall bulb socket assembly
   Insert the bulb socket assembly back into the fog light housing, aligning the tabs. If twist-lock style, rotate clockwise until it locks into place. If wire clip style, ensure the bulb is seated and hook the wire clip back into position to secure the assembly.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the bulb socket until it clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked.
11. 11

    Test fog light operation
    Before reinstalling any removed panels, switch the vehicle to the ignition-on state (insert the ECU key/fob and enter accessory/on mode per the DB9's procedure) and activate the fog lights to verify the new bulb illuminates properly. If the bulb does not light, check the connector seating and bulb installation. Note: Before reinstalling the grille mesh, place the vehicle in the ignition-on (position II) power mode without starting the engine, then activate the fog lights to verify the new bulb illuminates properly.
12. 12

    Reinstall lower grille mesh
    Position the lower grille mesh back into the bumper opening, aligning any locating tabs or clips with their receptacles. Press the mesh into place to engage the push-clips, then reinstall all Torx fasteners in reverse order of removal. Ensure the mesh sits flush with surrounding bumper surfaces.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all grille mesh fasteners and clips in reverse order of removal
2. Verify grille mesh is seated properly and flush with bumper contours before final tightening
3. Return steering wheel to center position

Verification

• Turn on fog lights and verify both sides illuminate with equal brightness
• Walk around vehicle and inspect for any grille mesh gaps or misalignment
• Check that all Torx fasteners are tight and no loose clips remain

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