96 rodeo headlamp replacement

[drichar]

I must admit, I am not a mechanic but It should not be this difficult to replace a headlamp assembly. I see how it attaches, two screws at the top and bottom, then disconnect the harness, then replace. The problem I am having is getting at the bolts on the top and bottom of the rear plastic frame that holds the assembly. I believe you need to remove the grill to access these bolts, however there is one clip near the bottom of the headlamp that I cannot get at. Do I need to remove the grill? Any tips or help on this would be appreciated.

Thanks
Darin

[drichar]

Originally Posted by drichar

I must admit, I am not a mechanic but It should not be this difficult to replace a headlamp assembly. I see how it attaches, two screws at the top and bottom, then disconnect the harness, then replace. The problem I am having is getting at the bolts on the top and bottom of the rear plastic frame that holds the assembly. I believe you need to remove the grill to access these bolts, however there is one clip near the bottom of the headlamp that I cannot get at. Do I need to remove the grill? Any tips or help on this would be appreciated.

Thanks
Darin

I got it...in case anybody else runs into this same problem. You must remove the two sidelights which have two screws on the side and one on the top that is only accesible when the hood is up. Once this is done then the clips for the grill are easily accessible along the top. The one on the bottom that was giving me fits can be released by putting your hand down in front of the radiator and reach up under the clip where you will find the release pin. It is identical to the ones across the top other than being inverted (why inverted...I don't know). Once you release this clip the grill can be slid out of the way and you now have access to the 4 bolts that hold the headlamp in place.