How to change my headlight bulbs

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JP - 24 Oct 2006 05:49 GMT

1996 GMC Suburban K2500 4x4 7.4 engine.

Having trouble replacing headlight bulbs. Tried to change one of my dead
low-beam (composite) headlight bulbs. I no longer have the owner's manual, but I
do have a Chilton's repair manual that's been all but useless. For anyone
interested, the manual number is 28624.

According to page 6-23:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and make certain that the headlight
switch is off.

Comment: I would have probably made sure the switch was off BEFORE trying to
disconnect the battery, but... OK, let's continue.

2. Raise the hood.

Comment: Wow! Now they tell me!

3. Unfasten the two long screws from the top of the radiator support and pull
the headlight assembly forward.

Comment: What two long screws? I'm completely confused here since the headlights
are underneath the frame and nothing can be removed from the top to get to them.

4. Unplug the wiring connector.

5. Twist the bulb or, if equipped the retaining ring, to the left, then pull the
bulb assembly from the unit.

To install:

6. Position the new bulb assembly into the unit and twist it to the right. The
connector should be facing down.

7. Install the remaining components in the reverse order or removal.

It looks like the front plastic fascia needs to be removed in order to get at
the headlight assembly. There are 4 screws on the top portion that are easily
removed, but it is still fastened with clips at the bottom and no way to get at
them. I don't want to break the fascia by putting too much pressure on it.

There may be a way to get at them by removing the battery that's behind the
right-side headlight and a plastic utility box that's on the driver's side.

If anyone has any tips on replacing headlight bulbs on this model, it would be
greatly appreciated.

John.
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diablo - 24 Oct 2006 10:36 GMT

> 1996 GMC Suburban K2500 4x4 7.4 engine.
>
[quoted text clipped - 78 lines]
> WWW www.cubanet.org
> -------------------------------------------------------------

Directly above the headlight assemblies there are two screws that hold them
in place. They go through access holes in the sheet metal just above the
headlight assemblies. The two screws come out straight up. Then the
headlight assemblies come out towards the front of the truck.

Brian

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JP - 29 Oct 2006 17:52 GMT

>Directly above the headlight assemblies there are two screws that hold them
>in place. They go through access holes in the sheet metal just above the
>headlight assemblies. The two screws come out straight up. Then the
>headlight assemblies come out towards the front of the truck.
>
>Brian

Are these the two long screws with a very small hex head? I thought these were
for headlight adjustment.

Thanks,
John.

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diablo - 29 Oct 2006 18:19 GMT

>>Directly above the headlight assemblies there are two screws that hold
>>them
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Thanks,
> John.

I think they're a hex head, I don't have my 1999 K1500 any more so I can't
look. They're metric if I remember correctly.

Brian

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George - 29 Oct 2006 18:32 GMT

:: --
::
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
::
:: Brian

If this is a 99 there are no bolts or screws!! There are 2 "L" shaped rods
that go down through the headlight assembly. Turn the "L" toward the front
of the truck and pull up. The headlight will almost fall out of it. This
is the simplest thing that GM has ever invented so you can't mess it up
unless you are really trying and attempt it blindfolded. The screws you are
talking about is for adjustment.

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diablo - 29 Oct 2006 23:35 GMT

> :: --
> ::
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
> are
> talking about is for adjustment.

Nope, the 1999 K1500 was the old body style, not the late 1999 Silverado.
The hex headed screws that point straight up have to be removed to pull the
headlight assembly forward.

Brian

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