Replacing headlight bulbs

lopht · 10-29-2003, 09:20 AM

Hi!

I was wondering if anyone out there knew how to change the damn headlights in a 2002 Trailblazer. I don't know why, but Chevy sure didn't want people to change their own headlights - which seems stupid to me. There has to be a trick to it... a way around the plastic panel that is preventing people from doing anything themselves.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Bullethole · 10-29-2003, 05:08 PM

Just got my 2003 and there is nothing in the owner's manual. I fear it is a dealer item.

lopht · 10-30-2003, 08:35 AM

I know, there is stuff about the rear lights, but no headlights. And just looking under the hood it doesn't seem to be very user-friendly.

GMMerlin · 10-30-2003, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lopht

I know, there is stuff about the rear lights, but no headlights. And just looking under the hood it doesn't seem to be very user-friendly.

And its not!
To remove the headlamp assembly on a Trailblazer, remove the plastic panel that covers the hood latch assembly, remove the grill then release the retainers for the headlamp assemly.
The bottom retainers for the grill are tricky and difficult to release. you can break the grill if done incorrectly.

lopht · 10-30-2003, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

And its not!
To remove the headlamp assembly on a Trailblazer, remove the plastic panel that covers the hood latch assembly, remove the grill then release the retainers for the headlamp assemly.
The bottom retainers for the grill are tricky and difficult to release. you can break the grill if done incorrectly.

Remove the grill? Holy crap. I had a hell of a time just getting the plastic panel off, why would GM use plastic locking fake screws? Is it to spite me?

Thanks for your help, I guess I'll have to set aside a little longer than 10 minutes for the 'job'.

Bullethole · 10-30-2003, 02:34 PM

Is there a replaceable lamp? Or is it dealer only item?

lopht · 10-30-2003, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullethole

Is there a replaceable lamp? Or is it dealer only item?

I have xenon bulbs for the low beams that I want to put in, I have put them in my other vehicles in minutes... the Trailblazer is a different story...

dpetdog99 · 11-11-2003, 11:56 AM

I know the feeling, I just had to replace my driver side bulb on my LHS. Turns out the idiot that owned the car before me did something to the bolts holding the drivers side headlight assembly in.

I couldn't get them out no matter how hard I tried, (for at least 30 min). I ended up taking bolt cutters to the headlight housing so I could reach my hand down to the socket. What a pain in the butt.

I miss taking a couple torx screws out, and being able to change bulbs really easy. Dang, I guess this is progress!!

lopht · 11-11-2003, 01:47 PM

The first problem is the damn factory locking pins on the plastic cover under the hood. It is like they don't want you touching it, I would imagine a mechanic would just cut them off and replace them with new ones when done (they are plastic). When I have an hour or two I'm going to take it off, along with the grill and headlight assembly. I don't know how else it can be done.

dc3plt · 11-29-2003, 12:05 AM

HI ALL,

Just replaced the drivers side LB on a 2003 TB. All you have to do is find the "round rubber cover" on the back of the headlamp, pry it out with a flathead screwdriver and the lamp is right there.

You must be crazy to listen to someone telling you you have the grill assembly off!!!

lopht · 12-01-2003, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc3plt

HI ALL,

Just replaced the drivers side LB on a 2003 TB. All you have to do is find the "round rubber cover" on the back of the headlamp, pry it out with a flathead screwdriver and the lamp is right there.

You must be crazy to listen to someone telling you you have the grill assembly off!!!

My friend... if this is correct - then you rock. I imagine that you had to take off the plastic cover though...

Wolfpack · 12-17-2003, 04:38 PM

Thanks for the tip on the rubber covers inside the hood. I just replaced the low beam headlamp on the passenger side of the vehicle. On this one you have to take the cover for the air filter in order to get to the low beam cover. Take the 3 screws out of the air filter cover and remove. You will then be able to get to the back of the low beam lamp. The high beam is reachable without this hassle.

Wish they would design those things easier! :banghead:

bitstream72 · 12-23-2003, 09:43 PM

You saved the day dude (or dudet to be politically correct). I poped the rubber cap and there the bulb was! Before I found this thread I was fuming, ready to take a hammer to my windshield. Thanks again, 15 minutes start to finish.
JW

lopht · 01-06-2004, 08:11 AM

I also have to thank everyone for this... popping the grill off was much easier than I thought and right behind those rubber caps were the bulbs. The clips were also a nice idea just to the left and right of each headlamp assembly - just lift them up and pull the light out. Simple stupid.

jeremyhelling · 01-07-2004, 01:49 PM

Boy, I sure am glad someone suggested the easy way to do this. I was reading through this post and was afraid that nobody knew the correct way to change the bulbs in these. I buy and sell Silverstars on eBay and changed mine out several times with cheap-o bulbs that kep burning out before I came across these. I'm a bit of a pro now

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