Headlamp: Service and Repair

Headlamp Replacement (Pontiac)

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.






1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the front air deflector.
3. Apply light pressure to the headlamp lens to hold the headlamp in place while disconnecting the retainers.
4. Lift up the headlamp retainers to release.

Important: Note the location and position of the headlamp adjuster retainers and the locator tab.






5. Remove the headlamp, pulling straight forward from the headlamp mounting panel.






6. Disconnect the wiring harness from the headlamp.






7. Rotate the headlamp bulb/socket(s) counterclockwise to release.
8. Remove the headlamp bulb(s), if required.

Installation Procedure






1. Install the headlamp bulb(s), if required.
2. Rotate the headlamp bulb base clockwise to secure.






3. Connect the wiring harness to the headlamp.

Important: Note the location and position of the headlamp adjuster retainers and the locator tab.






4. Position the headlamp to the headlamp mounting panel.






5. Apply light pressure to the headlamp lens to hold the headlamp in place while installing the retainers.
6. Align the headlamp retainers over the headlamp mounting tabs, then press the retainers down until fully seated.
7. Inspect the headlamp for proper fit.
8. Install the front air deflector.
9. Check the headlamp aim, If a new headlamp was installed, or if service or repairs in the front end area may have disturbed the headlamp mounting brackets.
10. Close the hood.