Need help replacing headlamps and dome light lamp on '98 Escort Sport

[ChaplinXIV]

I went through the user manual and found the areas where they have instructions on how to do this. My problem is with the first step. It says to disconnect the wire to more easily access the headlamp cover. I can't for the life of me figure out how to disconnect it. If someone could do a step by step process it would be greatly appreciated.

My other problem is with the dome lamp. How on earth do I get the cover off so that I can replace the lamp. The instructions as to how to do that, found in the owner's manual, were useless as the picture didn't match what was in my car anyway.

To make sure I have the right lamps, here is what I have:

Headlamps: xenon headlamps by APC - 9007
Dome Lamp: DE3175 12W

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You!

[Markgase2000]

I can help with the dome light , first get a fine small flat head screw driver. Put the end of the screw driver in the crease along the edge of the clear part straight in , then pop it out by pushing to the side and pull gently , reverse those steps without the screw driver and its back in.

[ChaplinXIV]

I was thinking of doing that, just hadn't gotten around to doing it. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a try when I get home. My main problem is with the headlights though. I sorta figured out how to do it, I now just need to know if Xenon bulbs will cause a problem. I know it can take the SB (Super Blue) and HO (High Output) bulbs, bit it didn't say anything about Xenon bulbs.

[yotatechie04]

The way to access the headlights that I've found easier to do if you don't have the smallest hands in the world to disconnect the bulbs is to do this:

Remove the fender well aprons on both sides, drop the front bumper cover, and undo all four bolts on each lamp housing and pull them out, and disconnect and remove bulbs as needed.

That's the way I did it. I couldn't have figured out a way to actually get my hands down in there and actually be able to work with the car.

[Markgase2000]

You may need to realighn the head lamps after putting them back in doing it the way yota suggested also make sure everything you took off is put back properly cus the apron in the wheel wells could wobble or flex toward a wheel thats turning and wear holes in the center of them , ive seen this happen a hundred times at least.

[yotatechie04]

Yeah, you'll have to take extreme care when removing and reinstalling those inner wheel well covers. Make sure you don't break any of those little retainer clips. You don't want that thing coming down on your tires while going down the road.