Jeep Cherokee Headlight Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out low and high beam headlight bulb in a 5th generation 2014 to 2018 Jeep Cherokee.
2015 Cherokee Headlights
Low / High Beam
Housing
Turn Front
Wheels
This automotive maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the fifth generation (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and probably also the revised 2018 model year) Jeep Cherokee in changing a burnt out combination low beam and high beam headlight bulb. (One bulb acts as both the low and high beam with the help of a mechanical shutter mechanism.)
Owners of other Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat and RAM vehicles such as the Compass, Renegade, Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, 500, Town & Country, 200, 300, Pacifica, Challenger, Charger, Dart, Durango, Journey, Grand Caravan, RAM 1500, C/V Tradesman and ProMaster Van may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.
The compatible replacement combination low and high beam halogen headlight bulb part number is 9012.
The tools needed to access and replace the headlight bulbs include an 8mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet.
Edit - Another Cherokee owner informed me that you can simply pry open the plastic access cover in front of the tire.
Plastic Wheel Well Liner
Loosen Counterclockwise
Remove 8mm Screw The combination low and high beam headlight bulb is located in a separate housing in the middle of the front bumper cover.
(The headlight is equipped with an electro-mechanical shutter that shifts the light when you switch from low beam to the high beam. You may hear a "thump" noise when switching the high beams on and off as the shutter moves.)
An uninformed outside observer might believe that the headlight bulb is in the larger housing at the top of the bumper cover which contains the front turn signal and side marker light bulbs.
The housing at the bottom of the bumper cover contains the fog light bulb.
To access the headlight bulb, the first step is to turn the steering wheel all the way in the opposite direction of the burnt out bulb.
Turning the front wheels will create more working room in the wheel well liner.
Edit - Another Cherokee owner informed me that you can simply pry open the plastic access covers on the black plastic wheel well liner in front of the tire for either the headlight bulb or the fog light bulb.
Remove the upper and middle screws along the outer edge of the black plastic wheel well liner (A.K.A. "splash guard') by turning them counterclockwise with the 8mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet.
Remove 2nd 8mm Screw
Two 8mm Screws Removed
Pull Back Splash Guard (If you plan on replacing the fog light bulb, go ahead and remove the third screw at the bottom of the wheel well liner. If not, you can leave it in place and still easily access the headlight bulb.)
Set the two 8mm screws aside in a safe place.
Gently pull back the wheel well liner to access the headlight bulb housing.
Round Black Plastic Cover
Twist Off Counterclockwise
Dust Cap Removed Remove the round black plastic dust cover by turning it 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
Set the dust cap aside in a safe place.
Low / High Beam Bulb
1/4 Turn Counterclockwise
Remove Old Light Bulb Rotate the base of the old low/high beam bulb 1/4 turn counterclockwise before pulling it straight out of the housing.
Lift Up Retaining Clips
Pull Off Power Plug
Philips 9012 Halogen Gently lift up the plastic retaining clip on the electrical connector before pulling it straight off the base of the old bulb.
Try to avoid touching the glass part of the new 9012 halogen bulb with your fingers or anything greasy in the engine bay.
If you do get the new bulb dirty, clean it with a paper towel and some rubbing alcohol.
Electrical Connector
Empty Bulb Housing
Insert New 9012 Bulb Push the power plug straight on to the base of the new 9012light bulb until it clicks securely in to place.
Insert the new bulb in to the housing.
New Bulb In Place
1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock
Replace Plastic Cap Rotate the new bulb 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.
Replace the round black plastic dust cover by turning it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.
1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock
Replace Wheel Well Liner
Tighten 8mm Clockwise Push the wheel well liner back in to place.
Re-insert the two 8mm screws and tighten them in the clockwise direction until they are snug.
Replace 2nd Screw
Test New Headlight Bulb
Testing High Beam Test the new light bulb by turning on the headlights and flashing the high beams.
As I mentioned previously, the "thump", "thud" or "clank" sound you hear is the normal noise the mechanical shutter makes when shifting the headlight from low beam to high beam and back.
It would be a good idea to park your SUV in front of a brick wall or a garage door with lines on it to make sure the headlights are aimed properly. If you need to just the aim, locate the aiming adjustment screw accessible on the top of the headlight housing. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw clockwise or counterclockwise.
Be sure to record the headlight bulb change in your SUV's service records.
For more, check out all of my
Jeep Cherokee DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.