Replacing Headlight, Damn thing!!

[SHOntell]

I can't seem to get to my headlight to reaplace the bulb. I believe you have to un-screw the outer housing (grey color) to remove the bulb and unplug it.
But damnit, I can't get my hand in there to do it. There are wires and hoses etc. in the way. Not to mention the high temperature in the evenings here has been averaging about 0 degrees. F-in cold with no gloves!
Anyone else had probs and/or suggestions to give?

It is driving me crazy that I can;t get to it.

Thanks, Mike

 

[SHOntell]

BTW, it is on my 90

 

[fricker66]

If you are just replacing the headlight bulb, there's no need to take apart the headlight assembly. You can access the bulb from inside the engine bay by twisting out the bulb socket. Depending the side you are replacing, you might need to remove the battery or the airbox assembly to have better access. As for the cold weather, either run the engine to operating temp prior to working on the bulb or get a pair of mechanics gloves that allow for adequate grip. Hope this helps.

 

[SHOntell]

I am fully aware that I don't have to remove the headlight assembly, I just can;t get the damn bult to twist out. One, because there is no room and Two, I am not sure if I have to unscrew the grey color housing behing the light that the bulb is placed inside of.

Thanks for the reply, I am gonna give it more effort tonight!

 

[Xs SHO 1]

unscrew the gray housing....

 

[SHOntell]

That is exaclty what I thought. Now I have to figure out how.
shrug

 

[X-15 SHO]

My 89 is like that and my hands are not as big as most peoples are and I can reach in tight spots, but not this tight. My excuse to the cops if my bulb goes out is to look there self and tell me what they would do or think and if it they say it's easy and I have no excuse to have not replaced it, then I'll hand them the bulb and tell them, "show me what easy is."

 

[Detenator]

I know EXACTLY what you mean.
after 3 days and 15 bucks worth of broken pieces, i finally figured out how to fix headlamps on one of these cars.

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Detenator:
I know EXACTLY what you mean.
after 3 days and 15 bucks worth of broken pieces, i finally figured out how to fix headlamps on one of these cars.

Sheesh... it isnt that hard!

grab the connector... pull out.

grab the retaining ring... rotate counterclockwise and remove.

remove headlamp bulb.


The drivers side is cake. The passenger's side is a bit more difficult just because of the battery location. I have replaced the passenger side bulb with the battery in place... but if you can't do the same, just remove the battery!

 

[Detenator]

I know EXACTLY what you mean.
after 3 days and 15 bucks worth of broken pieces, i finally figured out how to fix headlamps on one of these cars.
I scraped my hand up pretty good trying to reach the ring that holds the bulb in place. Then i noticed this little rod sticking up with a 7mm socket on the end. I tried unscrewing it, and broke the lower headlamp mount.
This is what I do from now on.
Take the 2 mounts that are on top of the lamp assembly and unclip them by twisting them with pliers. They should then slide out forward. They are fairly durable, but they are breakable, so be careful. The lower one unclips the same way, problem is its impossible to get to, So put a 7mm socket on the little rod that sticks out, and twist clockwise, (not counterclockwise) to unscrew it. The bottom of the headlamp will slowly go forward until the screw is loose, then you can take the entire assembly out and easily replace the bulb. The only problem with this is, now you screwed up the adjustment of the lamp. Wait till it gets dark, and park the car in front of a wall, and adjust that lower mounting device until its about as high as the other lamp.
I know that there are other ways, and perhaps better ways to change a light bulb, but this is what works for me.
I hope this helps.