the simple task of changing a headlight

[tanked_darren]

I can't believe how much dificulty is involved with changing a driverside head light on my 2007 gmc sierra (new-style).

This is retarded, I can't turn my head lights off at all when Im in drive, because they are automatic, so now my headlight has burnt out at 67000 kms.

I feel sorry for the average joe who would even try to attempt this miracle feat. He would wind up with broken clips for sure.

Does this problem bother anyone else??

[Mustapha Mond]

Back in the sealed beam days I was lucky to get through one summer before one of the four rectangular headlights on my 1980's Cutlass Supreme coupe failed due to a stone chip. I always had a spare headlight and a Torx screwdriver in the trunk. I'd have been tickled to death to get a couple of years out of a set of four. They were easy enough to replace though.

Your problem, well that's progress I guess

[Bejeweled]

Not quite an improvement over the GMT800's where all you had to do was pull a 6" pin and the headlights pulled right out.

[Hitman1970]

I believe I would have had to remove the front fascia of the LaCrosse to change headlight bulbs. I have not dared to figure out where to begin on my G8 GT yet.

[tanked_darren]

Yeah I have to remove my grill, among other things. Im sure the dealer, would love to charge over $100 for this, to have a "qualified GM technician" service my headlight.

My previous 3 vehicles, all you did was unscrew the socket from the back of the assembly, and pull the bulb out. What was wrong with this??? Why change it??? Trying to reinvent the wheel so its more expensive I guess.. Screw you GM vehicle design department, screw you.

[BlackGTP]

I've found that they have made simple maintenance excessively difficult to do yourself. I couldn't figure out the magic to replace the battery on my '02 Grand Prix GTP. Absolutely killed me that I had to tuck my tail in between my legs and bring my new battery to the dealer to replace. Equal frustrations in properly aiming the headlights once in.... I'm no mechanic, but I'm no idiot either.

At least with my new Malibu you can turn off the daytime running lights so the headlights won't burn out so quickly.

[Mustapha Mond]

Originally Posted by tanked_darren

Yeah I have to remove my grill, among other things. Im sure the dealer, would love to charge over $100 for this, to have a "qualified GM technician" service my headlight.

My previous 3 vehicles, all you did was unscrew the socket from the back of the assembly, and pull the bulb out. What was wrong with this??? Why change it??? Trying to reinvent the wheel so its more expensive I guess.. Screw you GM vehicle design department, screw you.

I just read the owner's manual and in this case I have to agree, it is a ridiculous design. I'd hate to think that GM is making it so difficult to do routine maintenance that we're forced to bring our rigs in to the dealer to change a friggin light bulb. Even if they only charge .2 for it, it's still a rip off. In the past my local full-service gas station would change out the bulb while I waited assuming I purchased it there. I doubt they'd do that with all the work that they'd have to do to change yours. Complain to GM. If there was ever a time they ought to be listening with interest to their customers frustrations now is the time.

[tanked_darren]

Ive submitted a complaint, Ill post the response, if I even get one.

[goodwrench1]

I just replaced my HID's in my DTS (THE ONES THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR), and it is a complete nightmare. Have to pull the inner fender wells and 1/2 the bumper cover to remove lights. On top of that bulb housing has tamper proof torx screws instead of standard...

My 1 park light bulb was replaced under warranty and I noticed not all of the screws and nuts went back in to the assembly...so much for dealer service @ the Cadillac dealer in Dearborn MI but I won't mention any names

[Sweepspear]

It sounds like the group that decided a motor mount should interfere with the changing of a simple Supercharger belt on a 3.8 must be in charge of other areas now.

(I swear I could hear them laughing at me as I cussed their existence.)

[igor]

Originally Posted by goodwrench1

I just replaced my HID's in my DTS (THE ONES THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR), and it is a complete nightmare. Have to pull the inner fender wells and 1/2 the bumper cover to remove lights. On top of that bulb housing has tamper proof torx screws instead of standard...

My 1 park light bulb was replaced under warranty and I noticed not all of the screws and nuts went back in to the assembly...so much for dealer service @ the Cadillac dealer in Dearborn MI but I won't mention any names

HIDs everywhere are a pain to exchange (and expensive). Yes they are supposed to live for the life of the car.. but we know better. However, just giving the DTS a little slack - this is HID problem - they are wired up the wazoo and large and yes, EVERY automaker wants to change for the replacement of HID's - that would about $200 in top if the $500 part!

[shadams]

Dude, you can turn off your headlights by......turning them off. The knob twists to the left from the auto position to the off position (looks like an "0") They will automatically turn back on next time you start the truck.

Second, people are bitchin and moaning about gaps and fit and finish, the result? Hard to remove headlights and other components. Its very easy to do once you know how to do it.

[dr.gizmo]

I'd rather change these than a G6 any day.

[ptviperz]

Originally Posted by igor

HIDs everywhere are a pain to exchange (and expensive). Yes they are supposed to live for the life of the car.. but we know better. However, just giving the DTS a little slack - this is HID problem - they are wired up the wazoo and large and yes, EVERY automaker wants to change for the replacement of HID's - that would about $200 in top if the $500 part!

Huh? I paid $60 for my replacement HID bulbs and it took me all of 10 mins to swap them out in the garage. Not even remotely difficult on the Maxima.

[Uzzy]

I've heard they're a pain to replace. As stated the GMT-800s are a breeze! My old Saturn wasn't too tough either. 2 10mm bolts and the whole thing was out. I've ehard that New Beetles are incredibly difficult too.