Passenger Side Low Beam Bulb Replacement

[fbachman]

Well, after seeing the GMC procedure(S) for replaceing a passenger headlight bulb, this may help those of you that have the GMPP CAI, as I do.

 

The GMC procedure calls for removing the airbox, grill, radiator upper baffle and deflector, bumper facia trim, as well as the headlight assy itself --- AMONG OTHER THINGS. THAT procedure books for around 2.5 hours labor....

 

 

as a side note, I would ike to meet the chief engineer at GMC and have a little chat with him about this....

 

Well, after collecting myself, and re-reading the CAI installation procedure, I remebered that the GMPP CAI is NOT fastened to the pan in the engine comparment via bolts, but, rather, rubber grommets that slip into the holes that were previously used for the stock (high capacity) air box --- the one with the little sight glass indicator.

 

I was then able to liberate the duct containing the MAF from the air box (just barely) after simply loosening the clamp, at which point the air box was free to move. I dislodged the box by pulling it UP gently, which allowed me to move it AFT, just enough to be able to get my paws behind the head-lamp assy and replace the low beam bulb.

 

It took me about 20min total.... next time, it will prob take me about 10min, now that I have done it once, and know what to do.

 

Now if you still have the stock air box and intake assy.... good luck. That GMC procedure MAY be the only way, as they have that bulb pretty much in a spot to where you can not get to it easily. Maybe someone else has been down that road and has an easier way, but thank god for the CAI. If ya paid the dealer 2.5 hours labor plus the cost of the bulb to replace the passenger side bulb, heck, that's 75%+ the cost of the GMPP CAI. LOL. Just food for thought.

 

The driver's side is tight, but I was able to get my hands in there, around the washer fluid reservoir, and replace that bulb without TOO much hassle. Wear gloves, unless you want your knuckles all scraped to shreds.

 

Geeexz, maybe I am just getting old, but I seem to recall the days where replacing a headlight buld didn't require an ASE certified mechanic. My mechanic buddy tells me the Equinox requires a front bumper removal to get to the back of the headlights...... unbelievable.

[Denali_Joe]

I know, what a pain in the ass. I got my truck used and it had those blue looking halogens and I had those replaced within 24 hrs and I could not believe how big of a pain it was. It's not like they don't need regular maintenance, they are on every flippin time the truck is running unless you use the remote start.

[vettelovralexand]

It took me no time to replace my bulbs. I basically did what you did by just pulling the intake up and moving it back enough to get my hand in. I figured, it has to flex when the engine and body moves so I didn't have any problem picking it up and moving it out of my way for a minute. But I second the rubber gloves part as you should always do this anyway when handling lights just to prevent accidental touching; not just scraped up knuckles.

[fbachman]

It took me no time to replace my bulbs. I basically did what you did by just pulling the intake up and moving it back enough to get my hand in. I figured, it has to flex when the engine and body moves so I didn't have any problem picking it up and moving it out of my way for a minute. But I second the rubber gloves part as you should always do this anyway when handling lights just to prevent accidental touching; not just scraped up knuckles.

 

I take it you have the stock air box?

 

That's good to know as well if that works on that. Can't wait for the high beams to go out. At least I don't run them very much.

[vettelovralexand]

Nope. GMPP intake on mine.

[fbachman]

Nope. GMPP intake on mine.

 

ahhhh, no wonder it worked then....

[vettelovralexand]

Where are you from in SW ohio?

[towguy70]

I know, what a pain in the ass. I got my truck used and it had those blue looking halogens and I had those replaced within 24 hrs and I could not believe how big of a pain it was. It's not like they don't need regular maintenance, they are on every flippin time the truck is running unless you use the remote start.

Hey Guys just a quick note on headlight removal. Its designed to look difficult but once you see it done once its easy.. step 1 on GMC sierra remove 2 7mm bolts in wheel well that holds top plastic cover on bumper. pull it out and forward. there is a 10mm bolt in there remove it then there are 2 more on the top of light remove them as well. headlight is now loose to make it easier to get it out without scratching the cover I used masking tape to cover top of bumper to give yourself lots of room to avoid breaking the light I removed the valance panel on top of grille and removed bolts. I know it seems like alot of work but you'll never change the signal light bulbs without removing light assembly. I can have the headlight out and on the bench in 5 min with no damage to the truck or the light.

[fbachman]

Where are you from in SW ohio?

 

Mason area

[vettelovralexand]

Where are you from in SW ohio?

 

Mason area

 

 

Wow, we are pretty close. I am living in West Chester right now while I finish my master's degree.

[fbachman]

Where are you from in SW ohio?

 

Mason area

 

 

Wow, we are pretty close. I am living in West Chester right now while I finish my master's degree.

 

 

Take your time, economy sux right now.....

 

where at? UC/Miami/Xavier ?

[vettelovralexand]

Where are you from in SW ohio?

 

Mason area

 

 

Wow, we are pretty close. I am living in West Chester right now while I finish my master's degree.

 

 

Take your time, economy sux right now.....

 

where at? UC/Miami/Xavier ?

 

 

I am at UC. I actually plan to be finished very early next year as I just received my job offer.

[fbachman]

well congratulations....

 

That's great is this dumper of an economy.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what field?

[vettelovralexand]

well congratulations....

 

That's great is this dumper of an economy.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what field?

 

Combustion performance and emissions job at Cummins Diesel. I will be working on all the technology that everyone hates about diesels...haha.