Chrysler Concorde & Eagle Vision Headlight Guide (1993-1997): Navigating the Three Different Designs

The Critical Difference: Three Headlight Designs in Five Years

If you're replacing a headlight assembly on a 1993-1997 Chrysler Concorde or Eagle Vision, the single most important thing to know is that there are three different, non-interchangeable designs used during this period. Choosing the wrong year range will result in a part that does not fit. These vehicles are mechanically similar as part of Chrysler's LH platform, but the front-end styling and headlight mounting points changed multiple times.

Here is the breakdown of the different headlight assemblies:

Symptoms of a Failing Headlight Assembly

Failure of the headlight assembly can manifest in several ways, impacting both safety and vehicle appearance.

• Dim or Yellowed Headlights: The most common issue is the clear plastic lens becoming cloudy, hazy, or yellow from years of UV sun exposure. This oxidation significantly reduces the amount of light that can pass through, making your headlights dangerously dim even with a brand new bulb.
• Moisture or Condensation Inside: If you see water droplets, fog, or a persistent haze on the *inside* of the lens, the factory seal has failed. This moisture will quickly corrode the reflective chrome surfaces inside the housing, further reducing light output and can cause bulbs to fail prematurely.
• Flickering or Intermittent Headlight: While often a bulb or wiring issue, a loose connection at the bulb socket within the assembly can cause flickering. Corrosion on the contacts from moisture can also lead to a poor connection.
• Physical Damage: Cracks in the lens from road debris or a minor impact can allow moisture in. Broken mounting tabs, often damaged during a previous repair or collision, will prevent the assembly from being secured, leading to a vibrating or misaligned headlight beam.

Buying a Used Headlight Assembly: What to Look For

Since new OEM parts for these vehicles are scarce, a quality used OEM assembly is often the best choice. Unlike cheap aftermarket replacements which can have poor fitment and incorrect beam patterns, a used original part was designed to fit perfectly. Here’s what to inspect:

1. Verify the Year Range: First and foremost, confirm the part comes from a vehicle in the correct year group (1993, 1994-95, or 1996-97).
2. Check All Mounting Tabs: Carefully inspect every mounting tab and bracket point. These are molded into the plastic housing and are the most common point of failure. If a tab is cracked or broken off, the headlight will not mount securely.
3. Inspect the Lens: Look for deep cracks or 'crazing' (a network of fine cracks). Light surface hazing or yellowing can often be polished out with a restoration kit, but deep damage cannot.
4. Look for Signs of Moisture: Turn the assembly over and look inside. Any signs of a 'water line', mineral deposits, or a chalky film on the chrome reflector mean the seal has failed and the unit has had water inside. Avoid these assemblies.
5. Examine the Seal: Check the rubber or butyl seal that runs around the perimeter where the lens meets the black housing. It should be pliable, not dry, brittle, or missing in sections.
6. Confirm the Part Number: If possible, find the original OEM part number molded into the plastic housing and match it to the list above to be absolutely certain of compatibility.

Lighting Technology: Simple and Reliable

The 1993-1997 Concorde and Vision use a straightforward halogen lighting system. There are no complex electronics like ballasts or LED driver modules to worry about.

• Bulb Type: A single 9007 (HB5) dual-filament halogen bulb is used for both the low and high beams.
• Interchangeability: These vehicles were not offered with HID/Xenon or LED headlights from the factory. While aftermarket LED conversion bulbs exist, they are not a direct equivalent. Installing them in a housing designed for a halogen bulb can create a poor beam pattern, causing glare for other drivers and reducing effective illumination.
• Modules: No external ballasts, igniters, or drivers are required. The system is powered directly by the vehicle's standard 12V electrical system.

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

As of this writing, there are no specific NHTSA recalls or widespread TSBs issued for failures of the headlight *assemblies* themselves on the 1993-1997 Chrysler Concorde or Eagle Vision. Some other Chrysler vehicles of the era had recalls for the headlight *switch* wiring, but not the housing. Always check your vehicle's specific VIN with a dealer or on the NHTSA website for any open recalls that may apply to other vehicle systems.

Installation and Aiming

Replacing the entire headlight assembly on these models is a relatively simple job that is feasible for a DIY mechanic. Unlike many modern cars, it does not typically require removing the front bumper.

1. Open the hood to access the top of the headlight assembly.
2. Locate and remove the bolts securing the top of the assembly to the radiator support.
3. Carefully slide the assembly forward to disengage it from any lower tabs or clips.
4. Reach behind the assembly, disconnect the main wiring harness, and remove the unit from the vehicle.
5. Installation is the reverse of removal.

After installation, the headlight MUST be aimed. A misaligned headlight can be ineffective and blind oncoming traffic. The basic procedure involves parking the car on a level surface facing a wall, measuring the height of the headlights, and adjusting the beam cutoff to the correct height on the wall using the adjustment screws on the back of the assembly.

Cost of Replacement

Pricing can vary significantly based on condition, source, and type of part.

Frequently Asked Questions