Mazda 6, 1st Generation – Headlight Removal and Replacement
Applies To:
2004 – 2008 Mazda 6
Vehicle In This Guide:
2006 Mazda 6 / 2.3L engine / 5 speed manual / 96,000 miles
Introduction
The good news is that changing the headlights on the Mazda 6 first generation (and maybe second? ) car is a piece of cake… Once you take off the bumper, that is. Yes, its true, in order to remove the headlights you will need to take off the front bumper first. More good news for you is that taking off the bumper is pretty easy.
Headlight Removal Process
1. Take the front bumper off, you can read the article on Removing The Front Bumper
2. Looking at the top of the headlight, you will need to remove the (2) two upper mounting bolts (these are 10mm) and then a (1) single clip which you pry the center up with a flat head screwdriver. 
3. Next you will need to remove the two lower 10mm mounting bolts. An extension comes in real handy here. 
4. You have one final bolt that is on the side of the headlight. Go ahead and take it out. You can leave the white piece as is. 
5. At this point you will be able to slide the headlight forward. But don’t forget that you will need to disconnect the electrical plug before you can fully remove the headlight. Press on the center tab of the connector and pull it back. 
There you have it. Not too bad right? 
If you want even more directions then check out this video to see the steps in action.
I hit a deer on drivers side and now there is not a head light at all. I have bought the head light assembly. Is there a headlamp socket needed for the headlamp? Or do you know of a book that will tell me everything I need to get it fixed?
No socket needed – everything is inside the headlight assembly. You will most likely need to install the bulbs. I would recommend making sure that the headlight works before re-installing the bumper back on.
You write: you will need to disconnect the electrical plug … Press on the center tab of the connector and pull it back. — —
The tab (black, on top) barely moves, if at all; connector does not pull off. Is there some sort of trick or tool required to release it? — or just more muscle? It looks like a screw driver could be slid in to release the tab. Would WD-40 help?
Yeah, it doesn’t move much – there may be dirt trapped under it, preventing it from being pressed down all the way. You can also use slip joint pliers to press down on the tab – screw driver works too.
What is a problem when after installing and mounting a head light assembly everything works except motorized heigh control of head light ?
Which pins in plug are used to control the height control motor of head light ?
Will this work on a 2010 Mazada 6???
That’s the second generation so the steps will be different (at least I think they are, I’ve never worked on a second gen).
Very useful. Thank you!!
I accidentally broke the bulb plug off in the socket while trying to remove the old bulb, how do i get the old bulbs prongs out of the socket?