How to Change Headlight Bulb on a Chevrolet Silverado
Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface in a well-lit area., Move to the front of the vehicle.,Locate headlamp assembly that is defective., Locate two (2) dowel pins on top of the headlamp assembly., Pull headlight retainer pins straight...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface in a well-lit area.
Set the emergency brake and release the hood by pulling the lever located at the far left side of the driver’s footwell.
Check to ensure the headlights and the key switch are both off. -
Step 2: Move to the front of the vehicle.
Open the hood by inserting your hand in the gap between hood and grill.
Locate the lever assembly, and slide leftward slightly.
You should be able to lift the hood fully upward.,, Rotate the headlamp retainer pins until they are free of the headlamp housing.
If the pins are difficult to dislodge from road dirt, the flat blade screwdriver may be useful.
Insert between headlight housing and pin, and twist gently to dislodge pin. , Make sure to note which location the pin came from, as they are not interchangeable., Do not pull quickly.
There is a wiring harness connected to the back that is easily damaged. , This can be difficult; sometimes it can be useful to set the housing on a stand while you do this. , Ensure the surface you are working on is soft enough to not mar the headlamp surface. ,,, Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your fingers.
The oil on your fingers will cause the bulb to prematurely fail.
Handle bulb with clean gloves only. ,,, You should hear an audible “click” as the connector fully seats.
Tug slightly on the connection to ensure the harness is connected fully. , Make sure you haven’t trapped or pinched any wires.
Try to loosely line up the pin holes.
If it doesn’t seem to be lining up, take two steps back and look at it.
You should be able to see what side isn’t correct. , Make sure they are in the same position they came from.
If you have them mixed up, shorter one goes closer to center of vehicle. ,, Turn headlamps on, and return to front of vehicle.,, -
Step 3: Locate headlamp assembly that is defective.
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Step 4: Locate two (2) dowel pins on top of the headlamp assembly.
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Step 5: Pull headlight retainer pins straight up
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Step 6: and gently set aside in a safe location.
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Step 7: Grasp headlight assembly and pull gently towards you.
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Step 8: While holding the headlamp housing
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Step 9: disconnect the harness from the bulbs by squeezing the connector and pulling it straight away from the bulb.
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Step 10: Take the headlamp housing
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Step 11: now free of wiring harness
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Step 12: to a workbench or some stable surface.
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Step 13: Remove the old bulbs
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Step 14: by grasping the bulb and twisting counterclockwise 90 degrees.
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Step 15: Safely dispose of the old bulbs in an approved location.
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Step 16: Take your new bulb out of the packaging.
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Step 17: Install the bulb by inserting into headlight housing and twisting clockwise 90 degrees.
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Step 18: Return to vehicle with housing.
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Step 19: Reconnect harness to new bulbs.
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Step 20: Loosely place the housing to the vehicle.
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Step 21: Reinsert pins through vehicle body and headlight housing.
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Step 22: Rotate pins until they lock under tab in headlight housing.
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Step 23: Get into vehicle
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Step 24: turn switch to on but don't yet start the vehicle.
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Step 25: Check for light function
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Step 26: and shut the hood.
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Step 27: Turn off headlamps
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Step 28: and turn key switch to off position.
Detailed Guide
Set the emergency brake and release the hood by pulling the lever located at the far left side of the driver’s footwell.
Check to ensure the headlights and the key switch are both off.
Open the hood by inserting your hand in the gap between hood and grill.
Locate the lever assembly, and slide leftward slightly.
You should be able to lift the hood fully upward.,, Rotate the headlamp retainer pins until they are free of the headlamp housing.
If the pins are difficult to dislodge from road dirt, the flat blade screwdriver may be useful.
Insert between headlight housing and pin, and twist gently to dislodge pin. , Make sure to note which location the pin came from, as they are not interchangeable., Do not pull quickly.
There is a wiring harness connected to the back that is easily damaged. , This can be difficult; sometimes it can be useful to set the housing on a stand while you do this. , Ensure the surface you are working on is soft enough to not mar the headlamp surface. ,,, Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your fingers.
The oil on your fingers will cause the bulb to prematurely fail.
Handle bulb with clean gloves only. ,,, You should hear an audible “click” as the connector fully seats.
Tug slightly on the connection to ensure the harness is connected fully. , Make sure you haven’t trapped or pinched any wires.
Try to loosely line up the pin holes.
If it doesn’t seem to be lining up, take two steps back and look at it.
You should be able to see what side isn’t correct. , Make sure they are in the same position they came from.
If you have them mixed up, shorter one goes closer to center of vehicle. ,, Turn headlamps on, and return to front of vehicle.,,
About the Author
Laura Ford
Experienced content creator specializing in crafts guides and tutorials.
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