We recently purchased a new (to us) family car and I’ve been addressing some of the neglected maintenance items. The low beam headlights were extremely dim, yet the high beams were very bright. Incandescent bulbs become dimmer over time. I purchased some which were recommended by the forum for my specific vehicle for only $15 on the rain forest site. They are quite a bit brighter now and I feel much safer driving at night.
I got a Chevy Bolt recently, and I’m worried about the first time I need to replace its headlights. Apparently it’s a whole ordeal
They are something you can do with some basic tools. You’ll need a 10mm socket, a t15 torx bit and a flat screwdriver if you don’t have access to a trim clip tool. A 7mm socket, and a Phillips screwdriver. I recommend doing this on grass as this way, you don’t have to remove the entire front bumper. Separate the fender liners from the bumper. This gives you access to the 7mm fascia retainers (one on each side) Open the hood, remove the forward shield, undo the 10mms holding the grille to the sheet metal. Starting at one side of the bumper fascia, carefully pull the bumper away from the fender. One side loose, do the other, then under the headlights, same type of retainer as by the fenders. Then the upper portion of the grille. Pull the fascia away and downward. The whole thing will tilt forward, the lower air deflector will touch the ground and you’ll have access to the 5 10mm bolts that hold the headlight in. Remove the bolts, disconnect the headlamp connector and bring the whole assembly out. Then you’ll be able to unscrew the access covers. Once opened, you’ll see the little screws (Philips) that hold the d3s bulb retaining box. (It’s a metal cover that holds the bulb against the headlamp housing) Take that box off and change the bulbs. I opted to install led in lieu of the hid (search wireless d3s led kit). Doing this will require modifying the bulb retaining box to allow air flow for the integrated cooling fans. Going on year 3 without issue or needing replacement. I get to do this on a hoist but it’s doable on the ground. This is assuming you’re talking about a first Gen bolt and not newest one. The new style is essentially the same but gm smartened up and put led bulbs in from factory. Putting the fascia back up can get frustrating because of the grille shutter air deflectors wanting to catch on the fascia lip, but if you’re dedicated you can do this. Otherwise I’d take the front fascia off completely (just more 7mm bolts on the bottom side of the fascia and the front fascia harness has to be disconnected) and you’re definitely going to want another pair of hands so I guess yeah, you’re right, it’s a bit of an ordeal.
Yeah… A bit worse than just opening the hood and unscrewing them from the back lol. Definitely saving this comment for when I need it. Thanks!