I can't see!!!
June 25, 2007 3:41 PM Subscribe
How do I replace my headlight bulbs on my 2002 Cavalier?
I bought some new headlights after looking at my Owners Manual and a Haynes Manual I bought for the car, thinking it was an easy job to do myself. However, it seems that things are a bit more complicated. To do it, the whole headlight assembly needs to be taken out to access the bulb. What neither the Owners Manual or the Haynes Manual mentions is that their seems to be some kind of clip holding it in, even after unscrewing the two screws at the top. Any tips?
I bought some new headlights after looking at my Owners Manual and a Haynes Manual I bought for the car, thinking it was an easy job to do myself. However, it seems that things are a bit more complicated. To do it, the whole headlight assembly needs to be taken out to access the bulb. What neither the Owners Manual or the Haynes Manual mentions is that their seems to be some kind of clip holding it in, even after unscrewing the two screws at the top. Any tips?
Response by poster: Thanks, but I also found that page and I'm still no closer to actually finding out where this clip actually is.
posted by northernsoul at 4:41 PM on June 25, 2007
posted by northernsoul at 4:41 PM on June 25, 2007
My '96 Civic had a similarly convoluted process for changing the headlight bulbs. After hours of cursing, and a call to the dealership to see whether it was worth my trouble (it was - no way am I going to pay someone $75 to install a light bulb), I got a very flexible and nimble-fingered friend to help me with it. Between me holding a mirror so he could see into the opening, and his long fingers and extreme patience, we finally got the thing installed.
I don't know the specifics of your car, but I'm here to recommend a sidekick to help in the process. Especially if you're having trouble seeing what you're doing, or you feel that you've pried at every possible bit of plastic and metal with no results, an extra pair of hands and eyes can be really invaluable. Good luck!
posted by vytae at 5:01 PM on June 25, 2007
I don't know the specifics of your car, but I'm here to recommend a sidekick to help in the process. Especially if you're having trouble seeing what you're doing, or you feel that you've pried at every possible bit of plastic and metal with no results, an extra pair of hands and eyes can be really invaluable. Good luck!
posted by vytae at 5:01 PM on June 25, 2007
Is there a slot for the parking light lens? Look all around the parking light lens for a slot with a clip inside. I'ts been years since I've worked on a Cavalier, but between the headlight lens & the parking light lens is a slot. Use your flat blade screwdriver to remove the clip. Without a picture to which to refer you, that's all I've got.
posted by Floydd at 5:20 PM on June 25, 2007
posted by Floydd at 5:20 PM on June 25, 2007
I'd recommend going to an auto parts store. There may be someone there who's willing to show you what to do, with the hopes that you'll choose that store in the future for all of your automotive needs.
And, having changed these things myself, I swear it's not that hard. I'll be danged if I can remember how I did it, though.
posted by Deathalicious at 6:04 PM on June 25, 2007
And, having changed these things myself, I swear it's not that hard. I'll be danged if I can remember how I did it, though.
posted by Deathalicious at 6:04 PM on June 25, 2007
If it is like my 2001 cav then putting a long flathead screwdriver down into the small hole just above the two bolts holding the light should do it. On mine, to get the clip to open it takes a lot of moving that screwdriver around to find just the right place to put pressure on it to one side to get it to click because you can't see what you're doing.
posted by rfbjames at 7:08 PM on June 25, 2007
posted by rfbjames at 7:08 PM on June 25, 2007
Response by poster: thanks for the help guys. turns out i just needed to really pull on them. i pulled out the signal light with the headlight, but pulling really hard didnt damage anything, and they work just fine now.
posted by northernsoul at 7:16 PM on June 25, 2007
posted by northernsoul at 7:16 PM on June 25, 2007
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posted by Floydd at 4:31 PM on June 25, 2007