How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

By | January 6, 2023

How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

If you need to replace the headlight bulb in a 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it falls in the DIY category.

Replacing a bad bulb in a 2011-2021 Cherokee is a bit more difficult compared to many other vehicles, but owners commonly replace them.

Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your vehicle to a professional.

There are three ways to replace the bulb, with some methods seeming easier but actually harder, at least in my opinion.

3 Ways to Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

  • Inside Fender Well
  • Remove Front Bumper Clips
  • Under the Hood

Jeep added a hole to the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee fender well, which seems to be a good idea but is not.
3 Ways to Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Wheel Well
I would not suggest this method unless you have very small hands.

Trying to replace the bulb from the hole in the fender well will cut up your hands and is more difficult than it seems.
3 Ways to Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
This method may work for you but has not for me; if you try this method, you have been warned.

If this method is used, the bulb is behind the cover and is removed by twisting a quarter-turn counterclockwise.
3 Ways to Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Assembly
A wiring harness is also on the bulb and will need to be removed.

The next method is to remove the front bumper, which is held in place with clips.

Removing the front bumper is not too difficult once the clips are understood.

Still, it can be more involved than going under the hood.

The third method is to open the hood and remove any components in the way, such as the air-box.

Going under the hood is the best method, at least in my opinion.

Headlight Bulb Types 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Type of Headlight Bulb

  • 2011-2016 Headlight Bulb High Beam 9005
  • 2017-2021 Headlight Bulb High Beam H9
  • 2011-2021 Headlight Bulb Low Beam H11

The 2011-2016 Grand Cherokee use a high beam bulb 9005, while 2011-2021 uses the H9.

From 2011 to 2021, the low beam bulb is an H11.

Bulbs can be bought an auto parts stores or online on Amazon or eBay.

Always double-check the bulb type is correct by entering the year of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

*This site contains affiliate links for which a commission earned.

Example H11 Low Beam Bulb on Amazon
Safego H11 Halogen Headlight Bulb 2Pcs 55W Halogen Bulbs Replacement for Car Headlight Bulb 12V Xenon White,1 Year Warranty

Example H9 High Beam Bulb on Amazon
Mega Racer H9 Halogen Headlight Bulbs – 5000K Super White, 12V 100W, Xenon, PGJ16-5 Base, Automotive High Beam Bulb Replacement, IP68 Waterproof Rating, Pack of 2

Note: Bulbs can be hard to remove at times and take a bit of work to get them to twist out.

How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Passenger Side)

  1. Open the hood.
  2. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Passenger Side Step 1

  3. Unclip the ECU board.
  4. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Passenger Side Step 2

  5. Move it to the side.
  6. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Passenger Side Step 3

  7. Reach behind the headlight assembly and remove the cover cap.
  8. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Passenger Side Step 4

  9. Behind the headlight assembly, turn the bulb counterclockwise.
  10. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Passenger Side Step 7

  11. Remove the wiring harness and remove the bulb.
  12. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Passenger Side Step 5

  13. Insert the new bulb and reassemble all the components.

How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Driver Side)

  1. Open the hood.
  2. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Driver Side Step 1

  3. Loosen the clamp and remove the air intake hose.
  4. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Driver Side Step 2

  5. Unclip two clips on the air-box and remove it.
  6. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Driver Side Step 3

  7. Pull out the bottom of the air filter box, which is held in place with rubber boots.
  8. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Driver Side Step 4

  9. Once the air-box is out of the way, the bad bulb can be replaced.
  10. How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Driver Side Step 5

Replacing a bad headlight bulb on a 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee can be hard the first time but usually easier once understood.

Some use the wheel-well hole to replace bad bulbs but, in my opinion, it is too hard to use.

The front bumper can be removed with many owners using this method.

There are clips that hold the bumper in place, which seems to be involved to me but is an option.

The best method for me is to open the hood, remove any components in the way, and replace the bad bulb.

If a bulb is stuck in place, it can sometimes take a bit of patience to get it out.

Which method do you prefer? Have you had any issues replacing the bulb on a 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Let us know in the comments below.

Category: Head Light Bulbs Jeep

About Bob Thomas

Bob Thomas is an automotive mechanic with 30 plus years experience. He is a contributor to several publications and has written many articles on automotive maintenance and repairs. He also has created many auto repair videos on YouTube.

One thought on “How To Replace Headlight Bulb 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

  1. Charles Schulze

    Of the many engineering failures I have seen in automabiles this one rises to the top 10. I was successful eventually with the left side air box removal method. The right side ECU board method was a no go. Chrysler has done it again with failed product design. Chysler? Never again!

    Reply

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