Gen I Headlight Install

[JRA2000TL]

I got the top 2 clips out for each headlight thanks to buying snap ring pliers and having some patience, but I can't figure out how to get to that bottom clip that holds each one in. The shop manual says to turn the adjuster. There are 2 screws at the top of each headlight where the clips go and some white plastic thingys that look like the turn. I tried turning them with needle nose pliers but they started to get boogered up, so I left them alone.

How do I get those bottom clips out? I removed the grille--not sure that I needed to do that. I may need to remove the battery to unplug the connector for the pass. side.

 

[zblackbeast]

the easiest way is to pull the header panel.. Its a few more bolts but saves you a TON of time and head ache. It also gives you a chance to clean up the front area a little but with some soap and water!

 

[JRA2000TL]

the easiest way is to pull the header panel.. Its a few more bolts but saves you a TON of time and head ache. It also gives you a chance to clean up the front area a little but with some soap and water!

This is what I was thinking also, just wanted to get another opinion.

 

[zblackbeast]

Swhat were here for!!

 

[JRA2000TL]

Holy freaking ****, what a PITA this was. Why does every little job on this car wind up turning into a 4 hour ordeal? I pulled all the bolts out of the header panel but it didn't want to come out; plus there's a body colored trim piece under the headlights that I thought was going to break.

I pulled out the factory manual again to try to figure out what this vertical adjustment screw did and how it worked. Finally figured out you take a tiny socket and turn it and this pulls the headlight out. Wow, I guess not only do I need to RTFM I need to study it.

Got the headlights out, guess what...new ones don't have adjuster screws--gotta reuse the old, well that's nice. Spent another half hour wedging screwdrivers under the tabs to lift them up so I could turn them 180 degrees and remove them...broke a couple but they still worked. Put it back together, left out 4 bolts in the header panel where the cornering light goes because I couldn't get the tiny metal plate back there that the screw went into (hands couldln't fit). They're not needed anyway; still held together fine. I'm sure I will have to aim these later on tonight.

Geez.....I'm really a louzy mechanic. I'll take pics and post later...wow new headlights really make a difference. I'm done working on the car for today. Here are some pics...same car, just took the old TX plate off and put my novelty personalized plate on. They are out of adjustment---still need to get them aligned/aimed correctly.

Before:



After:

 

[ycode90]

Muchos betta !

 

[oldyak]

your not a lousy mechanic as much as the aftermarket oem(laugh) headlights don't fit worth a shit....
I found that out when I replaced mine 4 years ago..and the oem(laugh again) lights are probably worse now!