Headlight Bulbs - Pair

Replace the left and right headlight bulbs on a 2009 Aston Martin DB9, requiring removal of the front wheel arch liners and access through the wheel well.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• H7 halogen headlight bulb (low beam) × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• H1 halogen headlight bulb (high beam) × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Turn ignition off and remove key.
4. Allow headlights to cool completely if recently used.
5. Gather all tools and new bulbs. Verify bulb types match specifications (H7 for low beam, H1 for high beam).

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and secure vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle using a jack at the designated jacking point. Secure with jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Remove the front wheel on the side where the bulb is being replaced (lug nut/bolt size per manufacturer specification). Repeat for opposite side if replacing both bulbs. Note: Remove the front wheel on the side where the bulb is being replaced (wheel bolts — verify socket size against OEM specification).
2. 2

   Remove front wheel arch liner fasteners
   Locate the wheel arch liner (inner fender liner) fasteners. Remove the Torx fasteners securing the front portion of the liner to the bumper and wheel arch. The DB9 may use a combination of Torx fasteners and plastic push-pin clips along the front edge and upper arch; verify the exact fastener types and sizes before removal. Note the location of each fastener type for reinstallation. Note: The DB9 liner is typically secured with a combination of Torx fasteners and/or plastic push-rivets along the front edge and upper arch; verify the exact fastener types and locations against manufacturer documentation. Note: The DB9 liner is secured by a combination of Torx fasteners and plastic clips/rivets; verify the exact fastener types and locations against OEM documentation before removal.
3. 3

   Pull back wheel arch liner
   Carefully pull the front section of the wheel arch liner away from the body to expose the rear of the headlight assembly. You do not need to fully remove the liner—folding it back approximately 12-18 inches provides sufficient access. Use care not to tear the liner material.
4. 4

   Locate headlight bulb access covers
   With the liner pulled back, identify the rear of the headlight assembly. You will see rubber dust covers at the rear of the headlight assembly. Identify which cover accesses the low beam bulb and which accesses the high beam bulb, and confirm bulb type and position against the OEM specification for this vehicle before proceeding. Determine which bulb requires replacement.
5. 5

   Remove bulb access cover
   Rotate the appropriate rubber dust cover counterclockwise and pull it off the back of the headlight housing. Set the cover aside in a clean location where it will not collect debris.
6. 6

   Disconnect bulb electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector attached to the base of the bulb. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off the bulb terminals. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
7. 7

   Release bulb retaining clip
   The bulb is held in place by a wire spring clip. Press the clip inward toward the bulb and unhook it from the retaining bracket, then swing it to the side. The clip remains attached to the housing.
8. 8

   Remove failed bulb
   Carefully pull the bulb straight out of the headlight reflector housing. Avoid touching the reflector surface inside the housing. Inspect the bulb socket for any signs of corrosion or heat damage.
9. 9

   Install new bulb
   Put on clean nitrile gloves. Remove the new bulb from its packaging, handling only the base. Align the bulb tabs with the slots in the reflector housing and insert the bulb fully until it seats against the housing. Ensure the bulb is oriented correctly—there is only one correct position.
10. 10

    Secure bulb retaining clip
    Swing the wire retaining clip back over the bulb base and hook it onto the retaining bracket. Ensure the clip is fully engaged and holding the bulb firmly in place.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the bulb terminals until it clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector body (not the wires).
12. 12

    Reinstall bulb access cover
    Place the rubber dust cover back onto the headlight housing, aligning the tabs. Rotate clockwise until fully seated to ensure a weather-tight seal.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel arch liner
    Position the wheel arch liner back into place against the body. Reinstall all Torx fasteners in their original locations, ensuring the liner is properly aligned and seated before tightening. Start fasteners by hand to avoid cross-threading.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel, hand-tightening the wheel bolts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and remove stands. With the vehicle on the ground, torque the wheel bolts to the OEM-specified value in a star pattern. Repeat for opposite side if both bulbs were replaced. Note: With the vehicle on the ground, torque the wheel bolts to the OEM specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wheel arch liner fasteners are reinstalled and properly tightened.
2. Verify rubber dust covers are fully seated and weather-sealed.
3. Double-check all electrical connections are secure before testing.

Verification

• Turn ignition to accessory or run position without starting engine.
• Turn on headlights and verify low beam function on replaced bulb(s).
• Activate high beams and verify high beam function.
• Visually inspect that both headlights are producing even light output and proper beam pattern.
• Check for any warning lights on the instrument cluster indicating headlight failure.
• Verify wheel arch liner is secure and properly fitted with no loose fasteners or gaps.

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