Hello All, well here is what happened, I bought some replacement headlight bulbs H1-55W stock bulbs to replace my passenger side low beam that burnt out. I have changed a million headlights on my previous vehicles and this one was the biggest PITA!! I have never had to perform a change out on a car with with this bulb type. Needless to say, it was a struggle. I unplugged the power connector to the head lamp assembly, unclamped and removed the black cap protecting the bulb connectors, disconnected the bulb connectors, then as I was working on removing the wires that hold the bulb into the socket, I felt the projector move.

Now, I am figuring "oh, great I just broke the damn thing."I felt around and the whole interior of the assembly was moving, the low and high beams. My question is now, is there a clip or screw that would hold the interior of the housing into place? Not that Icould fit my hands in there to feelfor anything but figuredI would ask.Ordo I now need to replace thewhole assembly (whichI hope Idont since that looks like its going to be a bigger pain in the *** than replacing the bulb.)I was able to some what angle itso that it doesn't blind anyone and thenre connected the black cap that appeared to hold it in place. However, every time I hit a pot hole or a bump in theroad my head lamp flutters due to it being loose. I realize that this is probably the worst description possible of what happened, but its the only way I can describe it. Any help or information on this subject would be appreciated.

 

you have a common problem. i put a post up about this a few months ago. click here

 

JVEGAS thanks for the reply, I will try the method you posted. However, how do you remove the headlight assembly? It lookes like I would either have to remove the front bumper or the lower fan assembly to get my hands in there. Unfortunalty, I cant really see what plastic piece is broken due to it still being on the car. Thanks again.

 

you have to drop the bumper to get the headlight out. there is a sheild on the bottom of the car you must remove and the shields behind the wheels.

 

Ok thank you, thats what i figured. Will the dealer be able to repair the broken tab or will they most likely replace the whole assembly? I am just trying to figure out if its worth it to try and have it repaired or buy a used assembly on ebay and have the dealer toss it in.

Unfortunately, this is my only vehicle and I have limited space so I would not have the time to remove the front bumper and then fiddle around with headlight.

 

well the problem with the one's on ebay is the tabs are broke already. this is a very common problem! I have heard of brand new one's break during shipping... they are just weak. The whole hpusing cost around $500 new if i remember correctly. do you have a rental car through your insurance? if so maybe tell them the car broke down and is in the shop and you need a rental car or something. then you will have time to fix your car. Or you can buy one off ebay and fix it, then take your bumber out and swap the light housings. should not take more then 1-2 hours.

 

Thanks for the reply. No I unfortunately, dont have rental on my insurance. I was just thinking that maybe if I bought the busted one on ebay I could repair it then take it to the dealer have them install the repaired one and then keep my original one as a spair or try and sell it on ebay as well to try and recoupe some of the money spent. 500 bucks for a new housing is too much $$, plus it will probably break in a few years anyway. Thanks for the advice. I only hope the dealer doesnt charge an arm and a leg.

 

the dealer charge an arm and a leg..... naaaa. LOL

 

arm and a leg...naaa....arm, leg and other leg maybe! LOL!

Just do it yourself! You can get a copy of the JTIS for bumper and headlight removal form a few people on here. I'm sure the front bumper isn't too much harder than the rear.

 

heck i have the bumber JTIS at home. if you need it I can send it to you...

 

Yeah I was figuring the dealer would screw me. However, I dont have much of an alternative. If you could jvegas please send me that manual so I could review it. I would greatly appreciate it.

 

PM me your email address.

 

The only hard part is getting everything to line up perfectly. It helps to have someone that can help by pushing up on the bumper when you need it...

 

bump