How to Change a Headlight on a Chevrolet Equinox
by Jody L. CampbellReplacing headlights in late-model vehicles with "new and improved" designs gets more complicated every year. The Chevrolet Equinox is no exception. There is debate as to whether manufacturers design vehicles this way so consumers have to bring them to the dealer for repair, and pay expensive labor charges. You can save some money by buying replacement headlight bulbs at a local auto parts store, and installing them yourself.
How to Change a Headlight on a Chevrolet Equinox
Step 1
Open the hood to the Chevrolet Equinox. Locate the 4 push in retainers that are holding the fascia assembly along the top front rail of the engine compartment. Press in the center of the retainers, and pry them up and out with the flathead screwdriver.
Step 2
Gently pull the fascia assembly away to release the radiator grill trim from the headlight assembly. Place the cloth or a clean rag between the edge of the trim to avoid scratching the lens of the headlight assembly.
Step 3
Locate and remove the three headlight assembly bolts at the top using the ratchet and a socket. Two of them are quite obvious, while the third one can be found a little lower in the inside corner.
Step 4
Pull the headlight assembly from the lower outside corner. The retaining clip holding the assembly will disengage with the right amount of pressure.
Step 5
Tip the headlight assembly downward to reveal the wire harnesses plugged into the bulbs. Be sure you're placing the right bulb in the right locations. Low beams are on the outside edge of the headlight assembly, and high beams are on the inside. Turn the headlight retaining ring counterclockwise until it releases, and the bulb will come out with it. Unplug the wire harness from the bulb.
Step 6
Insert the new bulb into the retaining ring, and plug the wire harness into it without touching the glass bulb of the new headlight. Test the bulb by turning on the lights. Place the headlight into the headlight assembly, and turn the retaining ring clockwise until it locks into place.
Step 7
Replace the headlight assembly, making sure to align and engage the retaining clip into place. Replace the three headlight bolts, and tighten them.
Step 8
Manipulate the fascia assembly and radiator trim retainer into the headlight assembly. Replace the fascia assembly push-in retainers. Remove the tools and old headlight, and close the hood.
Things You'll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- Ratchet
- Socket set
- Cloth or clean rag
- Replacement bulbs
Writer Bio
Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. Prior to that, he managed two different restaurants for over 15 years. Campbell began his professional writing career in 2004 with the publication of his first book.
