Buy Dodge Avenger Headlight Assembly

Key Points

Key Points

The Dodge Avenger headlight-also called a headlamp, head-light assembly, or front lamp-houses the bulbs, reflector, and lens that let you see the road and be seen at night. Avenger models from 2008-2014 use a dual-bulb setup: 9005 high-beam and H11 low-beam bulbs (LightBulbs.com). This front-lighting unit must meet U.S. safety rule FMVSS 108 (eCFR), be aimed correctly (Family Handyman), and can be upgraded to modern LED or HID sources only if the assembly still passes every part of that safety rule . Common issues include burned wiring and water condensation (NHTSA). Regular cleaning and lens care help keep light output strong , while proper disposal or recycling of old units cuts down on landfill waste (US EPA).

Compatibility

Vehicle Fit

• 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger sedans share the same head-light housing shape and mounting points.
• Bulb chart: low beam H11, high beam 9005, front turn 3157, side marker 194 (LightBulbs.com).
• Check your trim (SE, SXT, R/T) to confirm if the car left the factory with projector or reflector optics; they accept the same bulb types but the beam pattern differs.

Construction

What's Inside

• Housing: molded polycarbonate lens bonded to a composite shell. UV-hard-coat slows yellowing but still needs cleaning over time .
• Reflector or projector bowl: vacuum-deposited aluminum for maximum shine. Over-heating or moisture dulls it.
• Seal: butyl rubber bead; if it relaxes, water fogs the lens (NHTSA).
• Adjusters: vertical and horizontal screws let you aim the beam.

Common Problems

Trouble Signs

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Maintenance

Easy Care Steps

1. Clean lens with mild soap weekly to keep glare low and light high .
2. Polish haze with a plastic-lens kit if yellowing starts .
3. Aim yearly: park 25 ft from a wall, level ground, center beam at or just below head-lamp height (Family Handyman).
4. Use gloves when handling halogen bulbs; oils shorten life.

Installation

DIY Swap

Removing the Avenger lamp takes about 30 minutes: pop clips, loosen bumper fascia, then slide the assembly forward (YouTube). A step-by-step photo guide from Avenger owners shows each fastener spot (Avenger Forumz). Always disconnect the battery before unplugging the harness.

Upgrade Paths

Better Light Choices

• Halogen long-life: direct fit, no wiring change; output similar to stock.
• LED retrofit: cooler and draws less power but must be in an FMVSS-approved housing to stay street-legal .
• Projector swap: aftermarket projector housings can sharpen cutoff lines and improve IIHS glare scores .
• Smart aim kits: allow tool-free vertical adjustment from the cabin in some 2013-2014 export models.

Safety & Law

Rules to Know

• U.S. code 49 CFR 571.108 sets beam brightness, color, and pattern for every replacement lamp (eCFR).
• Lamp cleaners are not required by FMVSS but are by UN Reg 48 for very bright lights .
• Recalls: No open head-lamp recall for 2008-2014 Avenger, but wiring harness issues noted in owner reports .

Environment

Recycling

Auto lighting assemblies are mostly plastic and metal; 75 % of vehicle material is recycled each year in the U.S. (US EPA). Separate the halogen bulb (glass) from the plastic shell before disposal. Some counties accept them with e-waste because of the small tungsten content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulbs fit a 2012 Avenger low beam?
A: Use an H11 bulb; the high beam uses a 9005 (LightBulbs.com).

Q: My head-lamp has fog inside. Is that normal?
A: A thin mist right after a cold wash is normal, but water droplets or pooling mean the seal is leaking and the lamp should be resealed or replaced (NHTSA).

Q: Can I put LED bulbs in the stock housing?
A: Only if the finished assembly still meets every FMVSS 108 test; otherwise it is for off-road use only .

Q: How do I aim the lights at home?
A: Park 25 ft (7.6 m) from a flat wall, mark the bulb centers with tape, and turn the adjust screw until the top cutoff is just under the marks (Family Handyman).

Q: Why does my driver-side lamp keep burning out?
A: Damaged wiring in the harness near the lamp connector is a known issue; repair or replace the pigtail .

Q: Where is the head-light fuse?
A: In the engine-bay TIPM; see cavity F10 (40 A) in the 2008-2014 fuse diagram (YouTube).

Q: How long should a halogen bulb last?
A: About 350-500 hours of on-time under normal voltage .

Q: Is lens yellowing dangerous?
A: Yes-cloudy lenses can cut light output by over 60 %, reducing night visibility .

Q: Does the Avenger have any crash-test notes on lights?
A: IIHS tests list Avenger headlights as conventional halogen units with no advanced adaptive features .

Q: Can condensation short out the wiring?
A: Persistent moisture may corrode the bulb socket or ground wire, causing intermittent outages .

Q: How do I recycle an old lamp?
A: Remove the bulb, then drop the plastic housing at a local auto-parts recycling center or scrap yard (US EPA).

Final Tips

Quick Checklist

• Keep spare H11 and 9005 bulbs in the trunk.
• Clean and polish lenses twice a year.
• Re-aim lights after any front-end work.
• Check wiring if any bulb fails early.
• Follow FMVSS 108 rules for any lighting change.

Following these steps will help every Dodge Avenger driver keep their head-lights bright, safe, and legal for the road.