I saw this mentioned on an earlier post, but no resolution. I need to replace the driver's-side headlight bulb on my '02 Stratus sedan. I know which screws to take loose for the headlight assembly, and per the owner's manual removed the six plastic anchors from the faschia, and pried loose the other plastic anchor from the fender. However, I still can't seem to be able to pull the headlight assembly loose from the body; like it's caught on something. I don't want to force it and possibly fubar it, so can anyone provide any advice. Otherwise it's dealer-bound on Monday. Many thanks.

 

You need to twist the bulbs to one side to pull them out. They do not just pop in and pop out.....I never even unscrewed the screws, just reached in and twisted...

I suggest you unplug the wires first, then try to twist the lightbulbs

 

Well, the problem is that there is a big piece of computer equipment directly behind the headlight I'm working on; no way I can get my fingers in there to manuever the plug from the back; I guess that's why the owner's manual says to pull the headlight assembly from the car and do it that way. Thanks anyway for the reply.

 

i just had the same problem with my 04 sedan and was wondering if u ever found out how to do it? i took mine to the dealer twice because when they replaced them they put the lights aiming almost straight up in the air and i still couldnt see. they told me me it was a major design flaw and that it takes them 25-30 minutes just to fix one light at the shop. they r ok now i guess but i would like to go back in and adjust them some more.

 

The whole assembly has to come out to replace bulbs on the sedan. Its a pain at first but once you do it once you learn tricks.

 

i have a 02 sxt i had to remove the headlight there are 2 8mm bolts holding it in and i also had to pop 2 or 3 pins on the front fascia to pull the headlamp to get to the bulb good luck

 

I replaced (onmy2002 SXT) the driver's side low beam bulb a couple of months ago. I thought I would have to remove the whole assembly but I was really trying to avoid doing that, not having a ton of tools to do it right.

It was a bear, but I was able to get it changed without taking the housing off. The best I can recall is I used channel lock pliers to grip the bulb base to turn it. It does not have a loit of threads, you only need to turn it about a quarter turn. for mine it came off easily once I broke the "seal" like opening a jar the first time. I think I took the wires off first.

I happened to have my camera handy so I just snapped photos of both sides.
I hope the pics uploadok (though I suppose anyone with this problem knows what it looks like).

PS - my passenger side low beam just went yesterday - it looks much more accessible (fingers crossed).

Todd

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