changing headlight on 1999 Grand Am GT

BABS46 · 02-19-2004, 08:10 PM

I apologize if this has already been asked. I bought my Grand Am used and only now realized that I did not have a owners manual. My headlight has gone out and I cannot figure out how to change. I read a few of the answers to other model years and tried them but so far have had no luck. I do not want to go to the dealer to have this changed. Can someone please help.

transman67 · 02-21-2004, 10:47 PM

if you look at teh head light where it is attached to the fram you will see two sort of like tabs you pull them out and it lets the headlamp be removed good luck

johnct43 · 03-06-2004, 10:07 AM

Open the hood. The black plastic shroud is held in place with black plastic push pins (flat round heads). These are (2) piece devices. There is a round headed pin (head is approx 5/16" dia). Life the locking pins out, and then remove the body of the push pin. You'll probably need to remove (4) of them - (2) above the headlamp and (2) more towards the center front of the car which also help secure the front bumper/grill cover. The shroud has a tab that is stuck under the fender (at least on the right side), so you'll have to pick it up about 6-8 inchs from the fender and lift it out, and then position it out of the way.

You'll then need to locate (2) retainer clips. These are kind of shaped like and upside down L. Mine had a white line painted across the top. They are about 3/4" wide, black in color. You'll need to lift them by gently pushing them toward the engine and lifting. Once these have been lifted then the headlight assembly will be able to come out. Do NOT try to pry the assembly out until you have lifted these as it's plastic and it will break. A new assembly is around $175!

Unfortunately, if you have the same problem as I do, and others on this forum, when you loosen the retainer ring that holds the bulb in place, the 'ears' on it will break. I went through this just this morning. Now I have to get to the dealer on Monday and get a new one...

Quote:

Originally Posted by BABS46

I apologize if this has already been asked. I bought my Grand Am used and only now realized that I did not have a owners manual. My headlight has gone out and I cannot figure out how to change. I read a few of the answers to other model years and tried them but so far have had no luck. I do not want to go to the dealer to have this changed. Can someone please help.

transman67 · 03-06-2004, 02:56 PM

yes it happened to mine also but it is under warenty lol should be a recall on it

GeeBee · 11-09-2004, 10:40 AM

I tried pulling those two L-clips, but they won't budge. I tried doing it on a 2000 GA SE, mind you, but it didn't sound any different from what was described here. Any suggestions?

GTP Dad · 11-09-2004, 11:14 AM

Put your fingers under the metal tabs and pull them out slightly from their location. There is an indent in them that holds them in place. You may need to use pliers to get them to pull out but they will come out. Once you have them out the light should come out easily.

GeeBee · 11-09-2004, 12:39 PM

I tried pushing them toward the engine slightly then pulling them up. Nothing works. The one tab looks like it's screwed down. On the top is a white block with a phillips-like screw in it (sorry for the non tech jargon).

graysky · 06-24-2006, 07:00 AM

I have just done this to both headlights on an 2001 and have a few pictures I can post along with some instructions to make things more clear. The question is: how or where can I upload the pictures (they are small).

Gir-_- · 06-24-2006, 11:26 AM

http://www.imagevenue.com/ for free image hosting

graysky · 06-24-2006, 01:24 PM

Here is a photo of the two clips...sorry about the poor image quality -- they were taken from an avi movie I made with a 640x480 medium quality camera. I'm using a free image host recommended by Gir-_- so please excuse any links or ads that may be present.

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnct43

You'll then need to locate (2) retainer clips. These are kind of shaped like and upside down L. Mine had a white line painted across the top. They are about 3/4" wide, black in color.

graysky · 09-09-2006, 03:41 PM

It'a been about 3 mo. since I posted these pics... anyone actually find this useful?

car_girl · 10-16-2006, 04:42 PM

I have a 2001 Grand Am... Im trying ot change my driverside headlight. Ive tried everythign that i have read on here to do for other modles but to no avail. I tried unscrewing, everything i can think of. I dont want to break the assembly so... anyone please? Im new trying to learn and save a buck..lol

graysky · 10-16-2006, 04:59 PM

Well, what were you able to do? Have you located the clips?

xeroinfinity · 10-16-2006, 05:52 PM

graysky, you really shouldnt bring up two year old threads.

Thier has been a few newer posts that could hav been looked up pertaining to this same subject that would help.

Car_girl, Welcome to AF !

here are a few threads you can look over.
I know the directions are in thier at least twice, I posted it.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=1704971
If you need further assistance please post a new thread.

Good Hunting !

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD