2012–2019 Fiat 500
By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026
Save $185 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $200
Quick answer: Replace Headlight Bulb on a 2012–2019 Fiat 500 is rated Moderate and takes about 20–45 minutes (longer on the passenger side). You'll need 2 tools for this job, and parts cost about $15. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| H7 Halogen Headlight Bulb | H7-55W | $15.00 | |
| H7 LED Headlight Bulb Optional | H7-LED | $50.00 | |
| H7 Xenon HID Headlight Bulb Optional | H7-HID | $100.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
The two sides differ greatly on the 2012–2019 500. The driver's-side bulb is reachable from the engine bay; the passenger side is blocked by the coolant expansion tank — move it first. Park level, lights off, engine cool, hood up.
Behind the headlight housing, pull the round plastic rear cap off by its tab — it lifts straight out. Note its orientation for reassembly. With the cap off, the bulb sits in its plastic holder, wiring attached.
For the passenger side, unbolt the coolant expansion tank and swing it aside — no need to disconnect hoses or drain anything. Support it so it doesn't hang by its hoses; the rear cap then comes off like the driver's side.
I know that passenger-side tank is the trap — guys try to reach around it and end up cracking the headlight cap. Two bolts, swing it aside, and the job goes from nightmare to ten minutes.
Pinch the bulb holder by its release tab and draw it — bulb and all — straight out of the housing. Go slowly and note the position for reassembly. Unplug the wiring connector if it makes handling easier.
Work the old bulb out of the holder, rocking. Fit the new bulb the same way, seating it fully. Never touch the new bulb's glass — skin oil can crack it; if touched, clean with isopropyl alcohol.
Slide the holder back into the housing until it seats, and reconnect the wiring plug. Press the rear cap back in the same orientation — an uneven cap lets moisture in. Bolt the coolant tank back if you moved it.
Headlights on — confirm the new bulb lights steadily. If it flickers, the 500's connector is a known weak spot: pull the plug and check the terminals for corrosion or heat discoloration. Clean them and add dielectric grease.
Flickering on a 500 is the connector nine times out of ten, not the bulb. I've replaced 'dead' bulbs that were fine — check the terminals for heat discoloration before you buy anything.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
