changing headlamp bulb

[dm6156]

This might be an easy one, but I can't figure out how to change the headlamp bulb in our 01 grand am. The owners manual says to pull the two retainer clips out and then pull the lamp assembly out and remove the bulb. I got the clips out, but can't get the headlamp assembly out of the frame. I can't find a haynes manual for the car and the chilton manual i was able to find has nothing on the lights.

- DM

[AznGA]

The clip closer to the center of the car should come out totally. However the other one does not come out. You just need to lift it. You should be able to pull the assembly out if those clips are raised.

[dm6156]

I took the center pieces of the clips out and removed the outer clip piece from the car. I still can't get the headlamp assembly to come out of the car. I even took a 3rd clip out of the center of the vehicle with no luck.

- DM

[2K SE]

try this...http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101. by the way they come out the front (the whole unit. the bulb comes out the back) be careful you don't break the little retainer ring

[dm6156]

I got the speed clips removed. Maybe I coudln't get it because i wasn't lifting the headlamp assembly out from behind?

- DM

[dm6156]

There's no way to push the light out from behind. I still can't get the headlamp assembly out. My wife stopped by a pontiac dealer service center and the guy there could not figure it out either.

- DM

[AznGA]

If the tech couldn't figure out, then there is really something wrong with your headlights. I hope they are not glued together.

[teamturch]

Is it very hard to lift up on those clips? I have to replace my turn signal bulb and I could not lift up on those clips.

Are they just the L shaped metal pieces, or is there something else I should be lifting up on. It almost looks like there is a bolt going thru the darn things.

This is on a 04 Grand AM GT with the Ram Air. I have removed the splash guard, but just can't get the clips to do anything.

[Colin]

Don't you have a warranty , on a 04 the dealer should replace the bulb :???:

[tenspeed]

Originally posted by teamturch
Is it very hard to lift up on those clips? I have to replace my turn signal bulb and I could not lift up on those clips.

The "L" shaped clips have a protrusion that sticks out of the back. You have to take a screwdriver and pry the clip toward the center of the car while pulling it up. I bent the snot out of mine before I found what was holding it in place.

The bolt you see is the leg attached to the headlight housing. You will want that leg back in there when you replace the unit. There are three legs, make sure the bottom leg is in it's slot or the headlight will point up and you'll be asking about adjusting it down. After you've mastered the procedure, it's easy. Everyone has hassles the first time they try to change a bulb.

Another thing to be careful of is the black retainer ring that holds the headlight bulb in place. It's easy to overtighten and break it. Replacements are around $15 so be gentle with it.

[RocketFast321]

when i change my lights i gonna post a how to

[Gimli]

Originally posted by RocketFast321
when i change my lights i gonna post a how to

I'm pretty sure there's already 3 or 4 around on this site alone...

[teamturch]

Success!!

thanks tenspeed, the step I was missing was the protrusion, once I knew to push the L shaped speed clips. Once I got that part under control it was very easy to do.

The bad part was that I had already bought the turn signal bulb I was trying to replace and it turned out that it was just a little loose or something, because I took the old one out, put it back in, and everything was working. Oh well, it was only like 2 bucks for a new one.