How To: Change your headlamps

[iceman]

Here's a step by step on how to change your headlamps or any bulb in the front assemblies, since the manual isn't very helpful and it confuses most of us the first time...

Things needed:

Flat head screwdriver
New bulbs (unless you are just taking these out for fun)



First step.. There are 9 clips that hold in the ram air shroud, to remove these, insert a flathead screwdriver in between the center piece and the outer piece, and pry up. The clips look like this when they are opened.

http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72436

[iceman]

Clip locations...
http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72438

[iceman]

more..http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72442

[iceman]

Last onehttp://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72443

[iceman]

Once you remove the ram air shroud, you will see the 4 clips, 2 hold each side in. Here are the clip locations.


Passenger side
http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72444

[iceman]

Drivers side

http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72445

[iceman]

To get the clips up and off, pry with a screwdriver like pictured.

The outer clip will not come loose, but the inside clip may.http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72446

[iceman]

The whole housing will slide out now. Rotate the ring holding in the headlamp counter clock wise to get it loose. BE CAREFUL, they break real easy.

Once the ring is loose, move it out of the way, pull back the lamp out of the housing and disconnect the blue connector from the lamp. Connect your new bulb, place it in the housing (flat side of the connector UP), and put the headlight retainer ring back. Again, be careful, they snap real easy.

http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72449

[iceman]

When you are putting the housing back in, you have to line up THREE aimers. Two are adjustable (see below) and one is stationary (it is black). Circled here are the aimers.

(also take a sip of beer like Tony is, because you are almost done)


http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72450

[iceman]

And these are the spots where those aimers go... Again when re-inserting the housing, make sure they line up. You can tell real fast if you messed this up because the light will be in a different spot than it was before you started.http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72451

[iceman]

That is pretty much it... When putting the clips for the assembly back on, make sure the assemblies are in all of the way. If they are not, the clip probably won't close and the headlight will be hanging out all weird.

As far as aiming goes.. Here is a pic of the housing. The aiming adjusters are circled. The outer one is more vertical, and the inner aimer is more horizontal. It is tricky to describe how to aim, but that's how you do it, just play with it.

If you want to make aiming easy, a bit holder for your cordless drill is the right size to fit on those torx adjusters.
http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72452

[spydave00]

I also had trouble replacing the headlamps but with your pictures and instructions it was easy. Thank you so much!

Although when I was removing the right black clip on the drivers side headlamp I heard something brake and when I put the headlight back in I couldn't get that clip to push back down all the way. I gave up and just left it. I hope it will be ok..


Thanks Again

[bucky1]

Iceman you make it look easy,I got the splash gaurd off as you described thanks a lot, but do use use two screwdrivers at the same time for the clips,tried one side at a time and still was unable to free lamp housing.Parts look easy to break and I was'nt sure how hard to push on clamp.

[Phantom Phoenix]

i lost some of my clips anyone know where i can get some more

[5-lO]

Autozone/NAPA

[Draug]

Hey Iceman,

Thanks for the very detailed and informative description on changing the headlights.

I had to change them for the first time tonight. Popped off the ram air cover, and was amazed you couldnt just get to the bulbs. I then came in, loaded up the forum, performed a search, and found this thread. It was just what I needed.

Lots of time was saved, and probably countless plastic pieces as I did not have to tug and pry at all of them trying to figure out what to do.

Thanks!!!

[GAGTSCTGuy]

Thanks Seth, did mine on Saturday. I installed SilverStars, and they are great! I have to say our manual had the worse instructions I have even seen. The hands they showed pulling on the clips were not even by the clips....

Yours were very helpful, thank you.

BTW those clips are a PITA to pull up.

[Vintalage]

BTW those clips are a PITA to pull up.

Use a flathead screwdriver to pry them up.

[iceman]

Glad this thread is helpful :cheers:

[GAGTSCTGuy]

Use a flathead screwdriver to pry them up.

Yeah thats what Seth suggested. I tried for a second or two, but then just used two hands, one pull up, and on to push it backwards.... After the first one came out it took no time to get the rest of them...

[Guga2495]

Yea your help helped me ..... one thing though i went to get the inside lever you pull up the outside ones came out fine but the inside ones woulndt budge got any tips?

[Bayou Boy]

Thanks for this thread!!! :thumbs:

My fiance & brother both have GA's her's is an '03 and his is an '01
Yesterday I had to change the Blower motor Resistor and the Driver side headlight.
The resistor was easy enuff to figure out. I just had to rig up some kinda tool to access the back screw on it with the 5.5mm socket.
But with only the owners manual I had no idea how to change the head lightbulb.
I tried from front top bottom...
Hell I took out the batter, the plastic pice the batter sits on, the dust covers from underneath and the windshield wiper washer jug, and all I was able to do at that point was unscrew the Black Ring for the bulb. :scream:

So I came inside did a quick searh on Google and found this thread.
Very well written and the pix of the clips is what did it for me.

Again many THANKS for an informative thread :cheers:

[Justin e36]

thanks for the write-up.. going to print this up and change the bulbs tomorrow! :)

[colmeiro]

Thanks Seth,

I thought I was going nuts, until I read your instructions. It didnt take long at all to do!

[sabletaz]

I just wanted to say thank you for 'how to' install the headlight bulb on the Grand Am. you saved my sanity. It's so easy when you have good instructions and pics to go by.

[Inferno]

Thanks Seth once again your info helped me out

[Breadfan]

Thanks, great thread! I'm gonna probably do mine soon then.

Question -- is it a must taht you re-aim the lights upon reinstallation? If you don't touch the aimers and put it back will it be aligned correctly?

Seems like a bad design to me if you have to reaim the lights after a bulb change...

[03 Cav Fire]

Would it be ok to use this text and pics in a HOW TO thread on GMSCO?

[mightypan42]

Thanks, great thread! I'm gonna probably do mine soon then.

Question -- is it a must taht you re-aim the lights upon reinstallation? If you don't touch the aimers and put it back will it be aligned correctly?

Seems like a bad design to me if you have to reaim the lights after a bulb change...

I just replaced both of my headlight assemblies. The position that the aimers were already in were close enough to where they should be, so I left mine alone. As far as taking an assembly out, changing a bulb, and putting the same assembly back in... I don't see why it would need to be re-adjusted. It'd probly be a good idea to check it anyway, but they shouldn't be off too much.

[Subtle_Cynicism]

Good lord I wish I would have had this when I changed my headlights to SilverStars.

The manual has the worst directions I've ever seen. In fact, I'm pretty sure they did that just so you would break things and have to bring it to them to fix for more than it's worth.

I did break my black "o" ring by the headlight bulb. How? No one knows, but it was most unpleasent, and for a little plastic piece, expensive. $10 bucks was the cheapest, and my Pontiac dealership offered it for $17 and I told them to shove an Aveo up their tailpipes.

[nascargirly]

WOW, THIS WAS AWESOME!! tHANKS FOR EDUMACATING US IGNORANT UNEMEDUCATED PEOPLE!!!
One more question for you: I broke the plastic rings last time i replaced my bulbs (your pictures weren't up yet).. so I wwent and bought them at the dealership. here's my problem: they're narrower!! same size around, but narrower. same part # but the old ones were rev. 3 and the new ones were rev 5 (or backwards??) anyway I called the dealer and they said the narrower ones replaced the new ones and he didn't know of anyone having problems with them. Is he right? i can't get them to fit onto the housing..
HELP!!!

:violin

[Nirbush]

/me bows down to the headlight god. Thanks!

[stanjk3]

I did break my black "o" ring by the headlight bulb. How? No one knows, but it was most unpleasent, and for a little plastic piece, expensive. $10 bucks was the cheapest, and my Pontiac dealership offered it for $17 and I told them to shove an Aveo up their tailpipes.

Besides the dealer, where can I find one of those black plastic O rings?? Broke one of mine yesterday. Odd thing is the one I broke (passenger's side) looks different than the one from the driver's side. Somehow I also got a SVS light, and my code reader can't clear it.

You might want to add a pair of plyers to the list of required tools - for pulling up those metal clips. Will I break anything if I use a hammer to get them back down??

After seeing how much of a PITA it is to change the headlight bulbs, it makes you wonder if GM engineers sit around and think - hmmmm, what could we possibly do to make this car even more difficult to work on??? <evil laugh>

[nikerange54]

Thanks Seth for the great detail on this "how-to". Will be installing my Silverstars today...if the weather holds up! ;)

[MTLINFO]

The whole housing will slide out now. Rotate the ring holding in the headlamp counter clock wise to get it loose. BE CAREFUL, they break real easy.

Once the ring is loose, move it out of the way, pull back the lamp out of the housing and disconnect the blue connector from the lamp. Connect your new bulb, place it in the housing (flat side of the connector UP), and put the headlight retainer ring back. Again, be careful, they snap real easy.

http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=72449

I will find out pretty soon when I install my Xenon lights but do we really have to dismantle almost all the front of the car just to change a stupid light bulb?

I mean don't we have access to the bulb socket once we removed the ram air shroud? Reach out for the bulb socket and replace it with a new one?

Also, what do you think of this guy's technique on changing the bulb without breaking the ring that is located between the housing and the bulb's socket.

As some have already figured out, those black plastic clips that hold the light bulb in place are extremely brittle!

I have found the perfect solution! When you have the headlight assembly out, leave the bulb in the housing and remove the blue plug from the back of the light bulb. Since it's already stable in it's housing it shouldn't break off unless you pull too hard and don't wiggle the end off! Once you have the plug off the light bulb go ahead and swap the bulb. This really helped me out a lot and I find it to be 10x easier. I hope it works for you guys as well.

So, basically, what I am saying is do not remove the bulb until you have unplugged it!

It looks promising but I can't visualize how he can remove the bulb without moving the fragile plastic ring even if you take the socket apart of the bulb.

[iceman]

No, you don't have access to the bulb socket once the ram air shroud is off.. aren't the pictures clear? As for the rest, this is how you change your headlights. Dismantling the whole front of the car :iconfused




It looks promising but I can't visualize how he can remove the bulb without moving the fragile plastic ring even if you take the socket apart of the bulb.


That's not what he said, read again.

[MTLINFO]

Dismantling the whole front of the car :iconfused


That's not what he said, read again.

Well, alright, maybe I exaggerated a bit here :-)

What I should have asked is can you really remove the blue socket (and then the lightbulb) without moving the fragile black ring like he said?

Here's the link to his thread, he seems to do just that.

http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274&highlight=headlights

Also can you take off the bulb without having to take the headlight housing off the car (basically not remove it off the 3 aimers)?

[Mike Jung]

...What I should have asked is can you really remove the blue socket (and then the lightbulb) without moving the fragile black ring like he said?

Here's the link to his thread, he seems to do just that.

http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274&highlight=headlights

Also can you take off the bulb without having to take the headlight housing off the car (basically not remove it off the 3 aimers)?
Remove headlight socket, then headlight bulb ring, & then take out light bulb.
So no, you have to take the ring off to take the light bulb out of the housing.

You need the headlight housing off of the car, to be able to reach behind the headlight housing (to change the bulbs).


It would be a good idea to place some soft towels on your bumper, before removing the headlight housing; if you don't want to scratch-up your bump.

It might be a good idea to change the little 194NA light bulbs, since you have the headlight housing out to change the headlight.
The 194NA light bulbs burn-out easily.

[MTLINFO]

Thanks Mike :D

It would be a good idea to place some soft towels on your bumper, before removing the headlight housing; if you don't want to scratch-up your bump.

Yeah I know what you mean, it would be sad to scratch such a nice bumper right lol

http://www.the-agent-link.com/nicebumper.jpg

Btw, those 194NA bulbs are for the yellow turn lights I guess?

[White00GAGT]

yeah what exactly do those bulbs do? i mean the 3157's are the turns right? what are these for in case one of those burns out? or just to fill in the space?

[Mike Jung]

...Btw, those 194NA bulbs are for the yellow turn lights I guess?
Yup, the 194NA bulbs are the amber/yellow corner turn signals & the little bulb between the 9007 headlight bulb & the 3157NA (big) turn signal bulb.

[Young buck]

Is anybody having troubles with the aimers?? they wont go back in on mine there stcuk out?

[stanjk3]

Is anybody having troubles with the aimers?? they wont go back in on mine there stcuk out?

You probably have the non-adjustable aimer not lined up correctly. Or the outer clip isn't up far enough and might prevent the outer aimer from lining up.

[GM_MAN]

DOH!! I snapped my retainer ring!! Oh well. Thanks very much for these instructions. This sure made it much easier!!

[Blight]

I like the IC Light out in Jersey ;)

For me its easiest to undo the outmost latch and just swing it out without taking the whoile thing out. Just watch the rubber seal you dont want to get it caught and rip where it connects to the inside tabs.

[traingeek087]

ok the stupid thing you twist to make the light aim right isn't working for me. one of them moves when I twist it, but the other one doesn't. What do i do? I was almost in tears today because something is wrong with it and it won't screw. Does anyone know the part number, or has anyone else had this probem before with their headlights? I don't know what to do i'm all shook up about it..........I am starting to hate my GA!!!!!!!!

[Rebelboy1987]

I wish this was up b4 i had to change mine, cuz it was a b*tch

[2smoovedaddy]

One of the best tutorials i've ever seen. Replacent took 10 minutes. Thankz! Peace! :metal: :jackson

[Panacea]

One thing I found out is if you take the plug off the back of the bulb before taking off the ring you are less likely to break one (a ring that is). I know, before I did that I went through 3 rings.

[Graxall]

see, iceman made it so easy that even a retard like me can do it! just installed my luminics bulbs right now 10min

[roussj01]

Thanks so much for your step-by-step instructions.

An extra word of caution about those darn retaining clips.

MAKE SURE you remove the bulb from the socket before trying to take off the retaining clip. I ended up breaking the first one. The second one just seemed to fall apart as soon as I started handling it.

The guy at the Pontiac dealership said they sell a lot of those (I wonder why) because over time they get brittle from exposure.

$17.00 each is highway robbery. Had to pay. They have you by the nads.

Thanks again.

[Panacea]

Thanks so much for your step-by-step instructions.

An extra word of caution about those darn retaining clips.

MAKE SURE you remove the bulb from the socket before trying to take off the retaining clip. I ended up breaking the first one. The second one just seemed to fall apart as soon as I started handling it.

The guy at the Pontiac dealership said they sell a lot of those (I wonder why) because over time they get brittle from exposure.

$17.00 each is highway robbery. Had to pay. They have you by the nads.

Thanks again.

You got royally screwed! They're $6 a piece.

[windwin]

You got royally screwed! They're $6 a piece.
I also got a broken "black O ring" on my car?
why did you get this $6 per piece? what is the exaxt name or part number for this?
Thanks

[dahvaio]

I'm looking for the same part... my black rings were so brittle they just fell apart. I need to purchase 2 of them. If I can get them cheaper than $17 that would be great, otherwise I will have to fork over the money.

Thanks,
David

[pontiacman99]

Yeah the whole $17 apiece thing is bull but I had to pay it before the first time I replaced my headlights i broke both of them they just fell apart as soon as I touched them

[Grand_Damn]

i want to ask...am i doing it right:

to make it even with the driver's side light, the passenger side is sticking way out...WTF....i know it shouldn't be out that much..........maybe the bulb aint in right or something...

i can do my Dad's Sierra, my Mom's Quest, my brother's Mustang, my girlfriend's Accord with ease...but the GA, it always gives me problems...

at least with the old headlights, there's the line where i can line it back up but this is installing a new headlight...grrr

[Grand_Damn]

i think i found my answer, i gotta fool around with the 3rd guide...grrr, kinda sucks with no wall anywhere near me to use

[dahvaio]

Yeah the whole $17 apiece thing is bull but I had to pay it before the first time I replaced my headlights i broke both of them they just fell apart as soon as I touched them

I am going to have to purchase them today at the same price because when I installed the lightbulbs over the weekend, the 3 tabs just fell off... I think the wind got to them...

[Panacea]

Here is thread with the part number for the retainer pieces. http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2364&highlight=headlight

[HeyMelo27]

the best way to get those retainers is to go to a junk yard a jack them off a ford or pontiac with 9007. i know mustangs and escorts have em but try ur luck.

[stoogemanmoe]

That is really great help Iceman! Thanks!

[Y2KGA]

I had to change the drivers side and those instructions were great!!

It seems that aim is off now. The drivers side lamp seems to project the light higher. Do i need to try the aimers or should I take out the lamp and try to reseat it?

[iceman]

I'd try and reseat it first.. aim should not be different unless you installed the bulb or housing incorrectly

[tommy00gt1]

I know this is an old thread, so I don't know if anyone is still viewing it, but I had to thank Iceman very much for this info and photos. This helped me soooooooo much; many thanks!!!!!
I just replaced both of my assemblies because of that usual fading and hazing problem. These photos were so helpful to me.....

If anyone breaks their plastic retainer ring, the part number is G.M. 16524656; and they are available at GMPartsDirect.com for $7.47 each. The newer ones will be stamped REV.5; these are a bit more thicker and sturdier.

Thanks again Iceman, and all who replied here with helpful info...:applause:

Tommy

[Hurricane]

If anyone breaks their plastic retainer ring, the part number is G.M. 16524656; and they are available at GMPartsDirect.com for $7.47 each. The newer ones will be stamped REV.5; these are a bit more thicker and sturdier.


Bah! Those things break if you look at them funny.

I decided to just use some aluminum tape to keep the bulb in place. You know the stuff they use to seal duct work etc? You often find it auto shops as "muffler repair tape" for $4 for 3 ft. Or you can buy it at a home centre for $10 for 300 ft.

[99GAGTX]

I broke one of the three tabs on the retaining ring on my passenger side, and moisture got into the assembly. Even with a brand new bulb with a fresh, clean seal.

Not only was my lens messed up from yellowing, but the silver coating got all water damaged too. Could have buffed out the lens problem. But the water damage caused me to have to buy a new headlight assembly. Cost me $275 (Canadian) at the dealer, since no junkyards in the area had them.

Spend the $10, and just replace the retaining ring when it breaks.

[tommy00gt1]

Ya' know... you just might have a better weathertight seal with that silver tape stuff than what we have with the plastic rings, lol !!

My assemblies had that same yellowing too.... I couldn't see how the lens's come apart.... I think you would have no choice but to break that gray silicone seal. Think I recall someone saying that they warm up the assembly in the oven; I think if they get hot, the seal will break more easily...
Never tried it, so I don't know though....

[BlackAttackGA]

Replacing bulbs for a Grand Am is a pain, but this tutorial is a heck of a lot better than the owners manual. My dad broke one of the O-rings, and I broke the other one, so now we have electrical tape holding the headlights in place. Oh well. I'll have to order the part online soon I guess.

[Pontiac Ninja]

In the process right now of just the passenger side.

One of the 2 headlight housing clips is being a PITA to pry up so I can take it all out to replace the bulb. The left one by the yellow piece came up very easily!

[drakesrevenge]

good post, it absolutely helped me with my headlight change, it only took about 20 minutes to do both sides! thanks again!

[new_grandam_guy]

Hey all, this is an old thread but still very helpful. Thanks for the instructions.

[pilgrimpete]

Very helpful indeed - thanks Iceman.

The advice on the retaining rings was good too - I bit the bullet and picked one up from the stealership. Was able to remove the version 3 without any problems but then it broke when it went back on so the version 5 was needed.

[Iceberghater]

Bravo.. thanks so much for the very specific info and pics.. had the stupid SVS light coming on and knew it was the headlight.. well was hoping..lol and when I looked under my hood and then to the lovely diagram we get in owners manual I quickly rechecked to see it was the right manual.. and yeah. was.. could have been more vague for my car maybe..lol thanks tons..