How to Change Headlight Bulb on a Chevrolet Silverado

Last Updated: June 2, 2021 References

This set of instructions will show you how to change a headlight bulb on the 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra, the Suburban 99-06, and the Yukon/Tahoe of the same years. Different models will vary.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Old Bulb

1
Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface in a well-lit area. Set the emergency brake and release the hood by pulling the lever located at the far left side of the driver’s footwell.
- Check to ensure the headlights and the key switch are both off.
2
Move to the front of the vehicle. Open the hood by inserting your hand in the gap between hood and grill. Locate the lever assembly, and slide leftward slightly. You should be able to lift the hood fully upward.^{[1]
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3
Locate headlamp assembly that is defective.
4
Locate two (2) dowel pins on top of the headlamp assembly. Rotate the headlamp retainer pins until they are free of the headlamp housing.
- If the pins are difficult to dislodge from road dirt, the flat blade screwdriver may be useful. Insert between headlight housing and pin, and twist gently to dislodge pin.
5
Pull headlight retainer pins straight up, and gently set aside in a safe location. Make sure to note which location the pin came from, as they are not interchangeable.
6
Grasp headlight assembly and pull gently towards you.
- Do not pull quickly. There is a wiring harness connected to the back that is easily damaged.
7
While holding the headlamp housing, disconnect the harness from the bulbs by squeezing the connector and pulling it straight away from the bulb.^{[2]
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- This can be difficult; sometimes it can be useful to set the housing on a stand while you do this.
8
Take the headlamp housing, now free of wiring harness, to a workbench or some stable surface.
- Ensure the surface you are working on is soft enough to not mar the headlamp surface.
9
Remove the old bulbs, by grasping the bulb and twisting counterclockwise 90 degrees.^{[3]
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10
Safely dispose of the old bulbs in an approved location.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Installing the New Bulb

1
Take your new bulb out of the packaging.
- Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your fingers. The oil on your fingers will cause the bulb to prematurely fail. Handle bulb with clean gloves only.
2
Install the bulb by inserting into headlight housing and twisting clockwise 90 degrees.^{[4]
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3
Return to vehicle with housing.
4
Reconnect harness to new bulbs.
- You should hear an audible “click” as the connector fully seats. Tug slightly on the connection to ensure the harness is connected fully.
5
Loosely place the housing to the vehicle. Make sure you haven’t trapped or pinched any wires. Try to loosely line up the pin holes.
- If it doesn’t seem to be lining up, take two steps back and look at it. You should be able to see what side isn’t correct.
6
Reinsert pins through vehicle body and headlight housing. Make sure they are in the same position they came from.
- If you have them mixed up, shorter one goes closer to center of vehicle.
7
Rotate pins until they lock under tab in headlight housing.
8
Get into vehicle, turn switch to on but don't yet start the vehicle. Turn headlamps on, and return to front of vehicle.^{[5]
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9
Check for light function, and shut the hood.
10
Turn off headlamps, and turn key switch to off position.

Community Q&A

Question

Does my whole light have to be replaced, or can I just change the bulb?

Community Answer

It depends on the situation. If your light isn't working, it is most likely the bulb that just needs to be replaced. If that doesn't work, check that there is power running to the bulb by checking the socket with a multi-meter. If it reads that there is no voltage, then the problem is with the housing unit of the light instead of the bulb.