electrical

Headlight Assembly - Pair

for 2020 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD

Difficulty

Easy

Time

2.3 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the removal and installation of both left and right headlight assemblies on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

⚠Headlight bulbs may be hot if vehicle was recently operated. Allow to cool before handling.

ℹ️New headlight assemblies typically come without bulbs. Verify bulb compatibility before starting work.

⚠Do not touch halogen bulb glass with bare hands. Use clean gloves or tissue to prevent premature bulb failure.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

1/4 inch ratchet with extensionEssential

Flat blade screwdriver

Trim panel removal tool

Torque wrenchEssential

Parts

Left headlight assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
Right headlight assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Turn off all lights and remove key from ignition
Open hood and prop securely
Allow headlight assemblies to cool if vehicle was recently operated
Verify new headlight assemblies match originals and are for correct trim level (halogen, HID, or LED)

Procedure

1
Disconnect battery negative terminal
Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable from the battery and secure it away from the terminal to prevent accidental reconnection during the repair.
Torque spec
Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2
Remove driver side headlight assembly
Locate the two 10mm mounting bolts securing the headlight assembly from above. Remove both bolts completely. Gently pull the headlight assembly forward from the vehicle while simultaneously pressing the release tab on the main electrical connector. Disconnect the connector and remove the assembly. If equipped with additional bulb connectors, twist counterclockwise and remove.
3
Transfer components from old driver side assembly
If the new headlight assembly does not include bulbs, remove all bulbs from the old assembly by twisting counterclockwise and pulling straight out. Note the position of each bulb type (high beam, low beam, turn signal). Transfer to the new assembly in the same positions. Avoid touching halogen bulb glass with bare hands.
4
Install new driver side headlight assembly
Connect the main electrical connector to the new headlight assembly until it clicks into place. If equipped with separate bulb connectors, twist clockwise to lock. Align the headlight assembly mounting tabs with the vehicle body slots and slide into position. Install the two 10mm mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification.
Torque spec
Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5
Remove passenger side headlight assembly
Locate the two 10mm mounting bolts securing the passenger side headlight assembly from above. Remove both bolts completely. Gently pull the headlight assembly forward from the vehicle while simultaneously pressing the release tab on the main electrical connector. Disconnect the connector and remove the assembly. If equipped with additional bulb connectors, twist counterclockwise and remove.
6
Transfer components from old passenger side assembly
If the new headlight assembly does not include bulbs, remove all bulbs from the old assembly by twisting counterclockwise and pulling straight out. Note the position of each bulb type (high beam, low beam, turn signal). Transfer to the new assembly in the same positions. Avoid touching halogen bulb glass with bare hands.
7
Install new passenger side headlight assembly
Connect the main electrical connector to the new headlight assembly until it clicks into place. If equipped with separate bulb connectors, twist clockwise to lock. Align the headlight assembly mounting tabs with the vehicle body slots and slide into position. Install the two 10mm mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification.
Torque spec
Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8
Reconnect battery negative terminal
Clean the battery terminal and cable end with a wire brush if corrosion is present. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative terminal. Torque the terminal bolt to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the battery terminal.
⚠Battery terminal bolts must not be overtightened. Use torque wrench to prevent damage to battery posts.
Torque spec
Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
Ensure headlight assemblies are flush with body panels and properly aligned
Check that all mounting bolts are torqued to specification

Verification

Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Verify daytime running lights illuminate if equipped
Turn on headlights and verify both low beams illuminate properly
Switch to high beams and verify both high beams illuminate properly
Test turn signals on both sides and verify proper operation
Visually inspect headlight aim. Professional headlight aiming may be required for proper beam pattern
Check for any warning lights on instrument cluster related to lighting system