How do I change the headlight bulb?

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2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer - 4WD | Envoy, Rainier, TrailBlazer, Ascender (VIN S/T) Service Manual | Body | Lighting Systems | Repair Instructions | Document ID: 742449

Headlamp Replacement (TrailBlazer)
Removal Procedure
Open and support the hood.
Remove the grille. Refer to Grille Replacement .

Pull up on the retaining tabs (1) in order to remove the headlamp assembly from the headlamp panel.
Disconnect the headlamp leveling electrical connector from the motor/actuator if equipped.
Disconnect the headlamp electrical connector (2) from the headlamp assembly.
Remove the side marker socket (4) from the headlamp assembly.
Remove the park/turn socket (3) from the headlamp assembly.
Remove the headlamp assembly from the headlamp panel.
Installation Procedure

Position the headlamp assembly to the headlamp panel.
Index and seat the tabs on the park/turn socket (3) to the headlamp assembly.
Index and seat the tabs on the side marker socket (4) to the headlamp assembly.
Connect the headlamp electrical connector (2).
Connect the headlamp leveling electrical connector to the motor/actuator if equipped.
Align and install the 4 locator pins on the back of the headlamp assembly into the retaining tab holes.
Push down on the retaining tabs (1) in order to lock the headlamp assembly into the headlamp panel.
Install the grille. Refer to Grille Replacement .
Close the hood.
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ok lift up the #1 rods about one inch, this will unhook the headlamp assembly and you will be able to slide it forward to access the bulbs. be gentle, once you get it out you will see how easy it is. hope this helps

Removal Procedure

Caution: Halogen bulbs contain gas under pressure. Handling a bulb improperly could cause it to shatter into flying glass fragments. To help avoid personal injury:
- Turn off the lamp switch and allow the bulb to cool before changing the bulb.
- Leave the lamp switch OFF until the bulb change is complete.
- Always wear eye protection when changing a halogen bulb.
- Handle the bulb only by its base. Avoid touching the glass.
- Keep dirt and moisture off the bulb.
- Properly dispose of the used bulb.
- Keep halogen bulbs out of the reach of children.

Notice: Avoid touching the bulb or letting the bulb come in contact with anything damp. Oil from your skin or moisture on the bulb can cause the bulb to explode when the bulb is turned on. If either comes in contact with the bulb, clean the bulb with alcohol or a suitable degreaser and wipe the bulb dry.

1. Open the hood.

2. Remove the access cover from the rear of the headlamp.
3. Rotate the bulb and socket counterclockwise in order to remove the bulb and socket from the housing.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the socket.

Installation Procedure

Important:
- Replace a high beam bulb with another high beam bulb. The high beam bulb has a black socket.
- Replace a low beam bulb with another low beam bulb. The low beam bulb has a gray tip and a grey socket.
1. Connect the electrical connector to the socket.
2. Position the bulb and socket to the headlamp.
3. Install the bulb and socket to the housing by rotating the bulb and socket clockwise, locking the retaining tabs to the housing.
4. Install the access cover to the rear of the headlamp assembly.

See picture below

Make sure the headlight switch is in the "Off" position. Release the hood latch, and open the hood.

Remove the black radiator valance that runs across the front width of the engine compartment by removing the two screws with the Phillips screwdriver and the three pushpin plastic retainers.

Locate the four retaining clips to the grill under the valance, and firmly but gently push down on the clips with the flat-head screwdriver to release them.

Unfasten the retaining grill clip located at each headlight assembly, and pull up gently on the grill assembly to release it from the other lower clips. It should come right off.

Locate the retaining tabs of the headlight assembly at the top of each headlight assembly; these tabs are L-shaped bars that lock onto two rivet heads and hold the headlight assembly in place from behind. Lift the left and right tabs of the respective headlight assembly as far as they will go. You may need to convince the tabs with the flat-head screwdriver.

Pull the headlight assembly forward, and pull off the black rubber cover.

Unplug the wire harness that goes into the respective lightbulb. High-beam bulbs are located on the inside of the assembly, and low-beam bulbs are on the outside of the assembly.

Turn the bulb retainer 1/4 turn counterclockwise to release it from the headlight assembly. Remove the old bulb,

Insert the new bulb, being careful not to touch the glass bulb of the new headlight. Turn the bulb retainer 1/4 turn clockwise to lock the bulb in place. Plug in the wire harness.

Test the headlight before putting everything back together.

Replace the black rubber cover, and put the headlight assembly back into the cavity. Secure it by locking the tabs into place.

Replace the grill, and snap the retaining clips back into place. Replace the valance and hardware, and close the hood.

HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1.Open and support the hood.
2.Remove the grille.

3.Pull up on the retaining tabs (1) in order to remove the headlamp assembly from the headlamp panel.
4.Disconnect the headlamp leveling electrical connector from the motor/actuator if equipped.
5.Disconnect the headlamp electrical connector (2) from the headlamp assembly.
6.Remove the side marker socket (4) from the headlamp assembly.
7.Remove the park/turn socket (3) from the headlamp assembly.
8.Remove the headlamp assembly from the headlamp panel.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1.Position the headlamp assembly to the headlamp panel.
2.Index and seat the tabs on the park/turn socket (3) to the headlamp assembly.
3.Index and seat the tabs on the side marker socket (4) to the headlamp assembly.
4.Connect the headlamp electrical connector (2).
5.Connect the headlamp leveling electrical connector to the motor/actuator if equipped.
6.Align and install the 4 locator pins on the back of the headlamp assembly into the retaining tab holes.
7.Push down on the retaining tabs (1) in order to lock the headlamp assembly into the headlamp panel.
8.Install the grille.
9.Close the hood.

Remove the grill by pulling the tabs forward across the top of the grill. There are several tabs that need removed. The grill covers both left and right headlamps, with two tabs on left and right side. You can't tip the headlights forward without removing. Once grill is removed pull up on the two retaining tabs on the headlamp. One tab is hidden by the fender. Lamp will fall forward, you may need to lift it up slightly. May help to remove turn signal lamp to get more slack to work with. Remover rubber cover on back of bulb, twist out bulb, disconnect, and replace.

Align the grill, snap the grill back in across the top, don't forget to snap the tabs into both headlamps.