Mazda Mazda3 Headlight Bulbs Replacement Guide
How to change a burnt out low beam, high beam or turn signal bulb in the headlights of a 2010 to 2013 Mazda3.
2012 Mazda3 Headlight
Low Beam - Resembles Eye
Black/Green Low Beam Base
This automotive "how-to" guide was specifically written to assist owners of the second generation (2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013) Mazda 3 in changing a burnt out low beam, high beam or front turn signal light bulb in the headlight assemblies.
Owners of other Mazda vehicles such as the Mazda2, Mazda5, Mazda6, MX-5 Miata, Mazdaspeed3, CX-5, CX-7, CX-9, MPV, Tribute, RX-8, Axela, Demio, Verisa, Premacy, and Atenza may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.
Replacement headlight bulbs with their part numbers are as follows: Low Beam # H11, High Beam # 9005, and Front Turn Signal # 7444NA.
No tools are needed to replace the low or high beam bulbs.
To access the front turn signal bulb, you'll need a Phillips head screwdriver and a small flathead screwdriver.
1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise
Press Button - Remove Plug
Old Low Beam Bulb Removed The Low Beam bulb is located at the center of the headlight assembly and it resembles a robot eye.
Reach in behind the headlight housing and rotate the black/green base of the low beam bulb 1/4 turn counter clockwise before pulling it straight out of the socket.
Press the black plastic release tab on the power connector and slide it straight off the base of the old low beam bulb.
Philips H11 LL 12V 55W
Low Beam Bulb Socket
Insert New H11 Low Beam Try to avoid touching the glass part of the new H11 halogen bulb with your fingers or anything greasy in the engine bay. If you do happen to get the new bulb dirty, wipe it clean with an alcohol moistened paper towel.
Insert the new H11bulb in to the socket and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it in place.
1/4 Turn Clockwise - Lock
High Beam Headlight
Black High Beam Bulb Base The High Beam bulb is located at the inner edge of the headlight assembly.
Reach in behind the headlight housing and locate the black/grey base of the old bulb.
Press Button - Slide Off Plug
Power Connector Removed
1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise Press the release button on the electrical connector and slide it straight off the base of the old bulb.
Rotate the base of the bulb 1/4 turn counter clockwise and pull it straight out of the socket.
High Beam Bulb Removed
Sylvania 9005 12V 60W
High Beam Bulb Socket Try to avoid touching the glass part of the new 9005high beam halogen bulb with your fingers or anything greasy in the engine bay.
If you do get the new bulb dirty, wipe it clean with an alcohol moistened paper towel.
Insert New 9005 Bulb
1/4 Turn Clockwise
Push On Power Plug Insert the new # 9005 high beam bulb in to the socket and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to lock it in place.
Slide the power plug on to the base of the new high beam bulb until it clicks securely in place.
Turn Signal At Outer Edge
Turn Steering Wheel
Unscrew Center of Fastener The Turn Signal bulb is located at the outer edge of the headlight assembly.
To access the bulb, you'll need to go in through the wheel well liner.
The first step is to turn the steering wheel all the way in the opposite direction of the burnt out turn signal bulb.
Pull Out Plastic Fastener
Loosen Black Plastic Screw
Pry Out Fastener The wheel well liner or "splash guard" is held in place by three black plastic fasteners.
Loosen the black plastic screw at the center of each fastener with a Phillips head screwdriver.
Unscrew Third Fastener
Three Fasteners Removed
Pull Back Wheel Well Liner Remove the black plastic screw first and then gently pry out the outer piece of each fastener.
Once all three fasteners have been removed, pull back the black plastic wheel well liner.
Look Up To - Turn Signal
Light Grey Turn Signal Socket
1/4 Turn Counter Clockwise Look up past the wheel well liner and locate the light grey turn signal light bulb socket.
Rotate the socket 1/4 turn counter clockwise and pull it straight out of the headlight housing.
Pull Out Old 7444NA Bulb
Turn Signal Bulb Socket
1/4 Turn Clockwise Pull the old turn signal bulb straight out of the socket and push in a new amber colored # 7444NAbulb.
Re-insert the socket back in to the headlight housing and rotate it 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it in place.
Replace Wheel Splash Guard
Insert Larger Outer Piece
Push In Black Plastic Screws Push the wheel well liner back in to place and insert the larger outer pieces of each fastener.
Then pop in the black plastic screws in to the center of each fastener to lock them in place.
Wheel Well Liner Replaced
Test New Low Beam Bulb
Testing Headlight Bulbs Test the new bulbs by turning on the headlights, activating the hazard signals and flashing the high beams.
For more, check out my other 2010-2013 Mazda Mazda3 Repair & Maintenance Guides.