How To Remove A 1997 Dodge Avenger Headlight???

[green_avenger]

Hi
I have a 1997 Dodge Avenger and want to change my headlights. How do I go about removing them? I have removed the 3 10mm bolts in the back of the headlamp itself but it looks like the headlamp extends down under the front bumper. How will I remove them? Will I have to remove the front bumper?
Any Help???

Thanks

Jesse

[fiberglasscivic]

They should just slide right out. I could be wrong but I think there are two bolts on top an two behind that you have to remove. Then unplug the lamps.

[avenger98es]

Any luck on removing the headlights? I'm having the same issue with my 98avenger.

[green_avenger]

Nope still having problems. The headlight looks like it goes down under the front bumper. Then it looks like 2 screws under the light and you cant get to then unless the headlights out makes sence. Your 98 Avenger should be the same as mine. If you find a way tell me>
Later
Jesse

[avenger98es]

If you're just interested in replacing the old light, a poster on another message board recommended the following:

"Wash the old headlights. Then, use 1500 grit sandpaper...rinse them...use 2000 grit...rinse them, and lastly polish and wax them...they will look like new."

I have tried this yet, but I will for kicks. If it works, then the question will be how to get my money out of the new lights I just bought.

[fiberglasscivic]

Alright, I just finished getting my car running so i figured before I put my headlight back in I would finish writing the tutorial on how to remove and replace the headlight. Your head light has 3 bolts holding it in. One on top, one on the top rear right (if you are facing the front), and one on the rear lower left (facing the front). If you remove the front bumper it makes removing the headlight easier although it isn't required. Remove those three bolts then remove the plug for the headlights and remove the socket for the turn signal. To remove the headlight if you did not remove the bumper, you will have to lift on the front of the headlight and pull forward, working the headlight out of place. It is difficult if it hasn't been done before. There is a lip about 1/2 in to 1 in high on the bottom of the headlight housing. That will cause the most problem with removing the housing. Ensure that it clears the bumper to remove the housing. Installation is reverse of removal.

EDIT: completely removing the bumper isn't possible without removing the headlight but if you remove the 5 top bolts and the side bolts the bumper is more flexible which helps in getting the lip over the bumper.

[green_avenger]

Hey
avenger98es the sand paper trick workes. I have done it to my headlights before.

Im wanting to replace mine with the new Dodge Avenger Diamond Chrome headlights to give it a better look. That why I wanted to know how to remove them. Thanks for the help! Got any questions ask might be able to help.

If anyone wants to see my car I have a site on cardomain.com
www.cardomain.com/id/green_avenger

Hey and too im only 16 so I have alot of time

Later
Jesse

[Hoagie]

Ok, I just replcaed my headlights. You dont have to remove the bumper. Undo all the bolts on the light, Then remove all the bolts that attach the fender under the hood. Theres like 5 of them. Then pull back/up on the fender enough to give you enough room to slide the headlight out most of the way. Now reach under the light and make sure that lip will clear the bumper cover. Thats how I did it 2 days ago and it worked Great! I now have my clear headlights and clear parking lights.

[green_avenger]

Thanks for the help everyone. If you guys have any questions ask. I might be able to help.
Later
Jesse