2001 NB Headlight removal?

[s4play]

I did a search and the one link that had a DIY had broken links for pics.

This car sure does have a lot of issues since I always have my passenger headlight bulb go out!

This isn't the first time so trying to avoid paying the dealership as I have done in the past.

Can anyone help me by pointing me a to a DIY on 2001 NB?


thanks
rick

[KatieBug27]

all i know is my headlight kept going in and out and it was something wrong with the filament. i dont know what that means because i took it to the dealership because i really really struggled getting the head lights off! it cost about 200 to get fixed but i did it under warranty! so it might be something more than just the headlight its self!

[zeusenergy]

Originally Posted by s4play

I did a search and the one link that had a DIY had broken links for pics.

This car sure does have a lot of issues since I always have my passenger headlight bulb go out!

This isn't the first time so trying to avoid paying the dealership as I have done in the past.

Can anyone help me by pointing me a to a DIY on 2001 NB?


thanks
rick

There is a lever under the hood, and a small hatched square piece you have to push in before you can lift the handle up. If the handle breaks on you, then you have to replace the mechanism. It's difficult for me to do, and I was a technician at two dealerships in the past!!

[FootScoot]

I changed both of my bulbs, and it is somewhat of a PITA, but requires more finesse than brute force. I also installed a Euro light switch, so the lights are out during the day, this saves on bulbs.

[zeusenergy]

Originally Posted by FootScoot

I changed both of my bulbs, and it is somewhat of a PITA, but requires more finesse than brute force. I also installed a Euro light switch, so the lights are out during the day, this saves on bulbs.

So does pulling that dastardly relay!

[raemhild]

I own an 01... I can walk you through the process, as stated its more about finesse than brute force. They key is knowing when to apply the force.

Obviously pop the hood and find the little lever on either headlight. As zeus said, there is a little locking tab that is like waffled. Push that in and slide the lever up in a circular motion. Just rotating the lever will push the headlight out slightly, maybe a half of an inch. Once the ring won't go further, you can pull the headlight out. This is the easy part.

The 'hard' part is putting the light back in. First, make sure the ring is all the way 'open,' like it has to be to remove the light. Make sure the 3 sliders fit into the guide rails. This is where people usually make a mistake. Push it back, slightly, until you feel the headlight catch the retaining ring. Once it catches the light, apply slight pressure on the headlight towards the rear of the car(this is the most important part). As you apply pressure, slowly and firmly pull down on the lever. If you are straining, stop or you will break the lever. Trust me, I have done it.

Once the waffle tab locks, you're in and you should be flush with the headlight gasket and bumper.

Good Luck.

[HarlequinPixie]

So, got any tips on replacing the retaining clip? I'm going to have to work on that this week..

[00132936]

I hope this file will help you with the bulb replacement.
Good Luck.....
Eduardo

[ladytonya]

I printed off the instructions and still couldn't get the darn thing out! I finally just caved and got it replaced at the dealer. They told me that some clamp or clasp or something was broke and they replaced it (was only like $15 for the part). Anyway, it really didn't cost my much extra on the labor because I was having other things done. I was actually quite surprised! They replaced 4 coils, the headlight and clamp, a tail corner light, and the license plate lights and only charged for a half hour labor ($39)! I was psyched!