# Head lamp replacement **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** lacrosse\ **Created:** [March 25, 2009, 12:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269 "2009-03-25T00:36:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 12\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![rookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e47c2d/32.png) [@rookie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rookie)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2009, 12:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/1 "2009-03-25T00:36:28Z")
I recently had a head lamp burn out on my 2005 Buick Lacrosse. I went to my local auto supply and they ordered a replacement for me. I thought, I’ll just have them help me pop it in. No such luck. The manager was the only one there and said it took him 1 1/2 hrs to replace a similar one. I’d like to do it myself even though it looks like a big job just to get to the passenger side dim lamp. Any suggestions? Should I just bite the bullet and take it to the shop and have them do it? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2009, 12:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/2 "2009-03-25T00:54:55Z")
Open the hood. Look above the headlight and you’ll find two plastic tabs pointing up, one with a retainer screw. Remove the retainer screw, and then pull the two tabs striaght up. The headlight pod can now be removed to swap the bulb. Tester ---
**Author:** ![rookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e47c2d/32.png) [@rookie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rookie)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2009, 7:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/3 "2009-03-28T19:54:27Z")
I removed the retainer screw and understand (I think) what you are saying, but I am unable to move the unit in any direction. I seems to be restricted by a diagonal brace and locked in. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2009, 12:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/4 "2009-03-29T00:16:44Z")
Don’t you just love those headlights the stylist tell us we have to have. In the old days a Philips screwdriver and five minutes would change any headlamp. Now … Don’t get me going looks before function seems to be the norm. ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2009, 12:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/5 "2009-03-29T00:50:14Z")
Rookie, Have You Checked Your Car’s Owner’s Manual? Each car in our family has headlight bulb replacement detailed ( including photos) in the owner’s manual. CSA ---
**Author:** ![rookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e47c2d/32.png) [@rookie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rookie)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2009, 3:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/6 "2009-03-29T03:58:08Z")
That may have shed more light (no pun intended). Now all I have to do is find a nutsetter to fit. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2009, 12:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/7 "2009-03-29T12:57:37Z")
Rookie, You’re Welcome. Please Let Us Know What Happens. I’m curious to know how long this takes compared with the 1 1/2 hours that you were told. I just can’t imagine it. Thanks, CSA P.S. You do know not to install the bulb with finger prints on it, right? Seriously, it’s best to avoid touching the “glass” part of the bulb or leaving finger prints on it. It can cause early failure of the bulb. The instructions should advise this. ---
**Author:** ![rrhoff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8e7dd6/32.png) [@rrhoff](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rrhoff)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2009, 2:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/8 "2009-03-29T14:41:54Z")
i just had to put in a new bulb on 02 montecarlo.the only thing that holds the light in is the 2 plastic clips.on this car. ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2009, 3:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/9 "2009-03-29T15:37:52Z")
RRHoff, How’s The Monte Carlo? Dominic, last I remember, you fixed the steering shaft problem and then had a coolant problem or somthing. What happened? Is everything good now? CSA ---
**Author:** ![rrhoff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8e7dd6/32.png) [@rrhoff](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rrhoff)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2009, 4:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/10 "2009-03-29T16:46:59Z")
‘att’ common sense anwser’ csa.great to hear from you.had the upper and lower intake manifold and gaskets/valve cover done and also the iss was lubed.the car is running great.i got to put in a new blower motor resitor this week.evey time i get on this site i make sure i read your blogs.the first time i posted a question you were the one that gave me the great advice.that was 3+ years ago.all these posts are keeping you buzy.winter was pretty boring.except for the steelers games.glade spring is here.have a great weekend dominic ---
**Author:** ![rookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e47c2d/32.png) [@rookie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rookie)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 12:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/11 "2009-03-30T00:16:33Z")
Took me 1/2 hr and it works! YES! ---
**Author:** ![common-sense-answer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/common-sense-answer/32/716_2.png) [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2009, 12:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lamp-replacement/28269/12 "2009-03-30T00:44:28Z")
Rookie, Thanks For Getting Back To Us. Glad To Hear It Works! Half An Hour’s Time Is Not Bad. CSA