Head light buld

I'm going to have to change a headd light bulb in my 2003 Grand Am, how do I go about doing it, does the whole head light assembly have to come out or is there an easier way.......sounds like a dumb question but this ones new to me..............

The whole assembly comes out, but it's not that hard. Remove the plastic cover that runs the width of the car, just behind the grille and hides the headlight assemblies. Each assembly should have two "fast clips." They are L shaped pieces of metal that hold the assemblies in place. Pull them up to release the light, and the whole assemble will slide straight out.

I just throught I'd throw in: The L clips have to be rocked toward the engine first, and then pulled up, otherwise they'll be bitches and won't come out.

Hi friends.... Also, just to add.......... go easy when you unscrew those black plastic retainer rings that hold the bulb socket in place; they have a tendency to break very easily. Not positive, but I think you only have to turn the ring one-quarter of a turn counter-clockwise to allow the socket to pull out of the assembly.
Mine didn't break here for me, but I did read some posts by others and those rings are apparently quite fragile and brittle.
Just a "heads up"... Good luck!

Tommy; in Massachusetts

Ok thanks guys for the good info, going to change it out tomorrow........thanks again

Ok thanks guys for the good info, going to change it out tomorrow........thanks again

Got it changed ok OK, but I did break two of those clips on the ring that holds the bulb in, I think the heat from the bulb must cause the ring to become brittle as I was being very careful, as Tommy said above..

Oh man, that's too bad, Sam... I was fortunate and mine didn't break, but I saw many posts that mentioned that the rings become brittle and break so damn easily....
I'm not sure, but I think I remember saying that the rings are rather pricey too.... Maybe Pontiac should have used a much tougher plastic material or something... Glad you got it fixed up though....
Take care; have a nice holiday season!

Tommy