Replacing the headlight bulb on Chevy HHR

[@brigetteesamann5823]

You mentioning the rubber ring being left on saved our sanity 😅 we tried to mess with the bulb for 30 minutes before I said let me find a KZbin video. We had the bulb in a minute later! Thanks so much!!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Yeah, that rubber ring has been a real challenge to a lot of people, as I am finding out. Thanks for stopping by.

[@lisamattello515]

I had the same problem, so glad I found your video! Thank you!!

[@namfoncourser2344]

Thank you George. I’m a 52 year old woman and I just changed my daughters’ light on her HHR. Was as a success, thanks to this video.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

I'm so glad to be of help. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your success with me.

[@snowking55]

Great tutorial video George! Who would of ever thunk to take out the plastic inner fender, good stuff.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad you liked it!

[@stansmith4054]

Thanks for helping. It doesn't look too bad. I know some new cars require the entire bumper assembly off to replace bulb. That is ridiculous!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad it was helpful and a new tip is coming soon to make part of it even easier! Thanks for stopping by

[@LOWBOii684]

Just bought an ‘08 yesterday and this was very helpful for the long run. This was well demonstrated! TY & GodBless old timer💙

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thanks so much. I think you will enjoy your "new" car. We like ours a lot. I also have a parts car now after getting hit by a deer. I have 07 doors, fenders and front bumper/grill on my 09. It was cheaper to buy a complete car than to source the parts individually from the salvage yard.

[@unlooper]

This video is great ! My sons car still had the factory headlights in it. My dad gave him the car. Its a 2011 with 90,xxx miles on it. I just put in some ultra white bulbs. I followed your video ant it took me maybe 5 mins on each side. Extremally easy if you watch this video and remember to take the factory o ring off of the housing itself. Thanx Again !!!!!!!! Cleanup and Tool put-up. 15 minute job.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad to help. I had put in the blue bulbs...supposedly brighter, but not really. I'm back to the original bulbs, but expect to upgrade again to the ultra white. My 09 is presently at 88,000miles and still going strong. Thanks for the kind comments.

[@daanderson2662]

Thank you so much!!! I have been changing my own bulbs, but for some reason, I couldn't squeeze to get the old one off. But l learn more from your video than the others. The tip about the rubber seal, Wow!! That is why I had a hard time putting the new one in. Again thanks from a woman who hates to take to the dealer or my mechanic when I can do this myself and save $100 labor charge for something this sample to do.😊😊 .

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad I could help, and thank you so much for the kind words. Blessings to you

[@nashguy207]

Thanks for sharing. This should help others that have to replace a headlight on their HHR. I wish the headlights on my truck were that easy to replace. Keep me updated on Kevin.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

We will keep y'all updated. He is going for a heart catheterization on Friday this week and had a bunch of other scans done last week. I should think in a couple more weeks they would be ready to schedule his surgery. Thanks so much Bob.

[@nashguy207]

@@TheShadeTreeFixitMan OK thanks I am having my surgery this Friday as well.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

@@nashguy207 Father please touch my friend, give the doctors guidance and may they find healing already in process. We bless your name, YHWH, in Jesus' name. AMEN

[@danielperkins9948]

I had a tougher time with this, my hands don’t work like they used to. Hard to get to the bulb then hard to twist out and in. Thank you for the video though it was very helpful. Great engineering GM!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Sorry to hear that. Well, join the club, I'm an old dude in my 70s. I didn't show all my struggling to get it done, only the process necessary. It takes more effort for us older folks than it would for a young buck. Thanks for stopping in.

[@Anna-tc6rz]

I couldn't get it, used a pair of small vice grips got a good handle on it in case you need to do it again

[@stevemartinez7153]

The no nonsense approach on how to accomplish the desired task, (In my Case the how to replace a faulty headlight bulb on an 2006 HHR ) was a classic throwback to the good old days

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thanks for stopping by, and hopefully this was a helpful video for y'all.

[@moparnut6286]

Good video on sneaking that bulb out and in....my buddy has an 07 HHR and all I can say is keep up with all the maintenance oil, trans fluid, coolant change every two years and brake fluid change every two years. his has over 245,000 miles just put in New front wheel bearings in it.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Well this unit only has about 50K on it now and we don't put lots of miles on anymore now that we are retired. Thanks for stopping by

[@J_Lan93]

Very informative and helpful! Got my fiancés headlights changed and up and running pretty quickly thanks to you! Thank you for the very insightful video!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad it helped! And thanks for the kind words.

[@TheSdub1]

You're a hero! Thank you for this! My first time doing this and I couldnt have done it without you!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad I could help! Thank you for stopping by. Blessings to you.

[@danejohnson5702]

You just saved me so much time and effort, appreciate it, my man

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad I could help. Thanks for stopping by.

[@ES-ve1yq]

George . I would like to commend you and thank you for a wonderful video. Very informative and a time saver. I just replaced both headlights in a 2010 HHR. Yes I had the rubber ring stick on one of the two headlights. May I make a suggestion.. I found turning the wheel inward ( ie on driver side, turn wheel right, on passenger side, turn them left ). gives a little more space to maneuver,contort your arm up inside to reached the bulb socket which may be a bit tough to turn. And don;t be afraid to muscle that fender shroud down to gain some much need space. I did use needle nose pliers with a screw driver to remove the plastic pins. JUST as you said, the fender body flexes upon removal. Anyone else, follow George's lead and you'll have minimum issues. Thank You !!!!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement.

[@uptherecollective5730]

Thank u for this. Was trying to figure out why i couldn’t get the new one to screw in… turns out i shouldn’t have paused the video before watching everything! It was definitely the seal from the old bulb still in there.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

I struggled with it for a while before I realized the problem. The other side went right in because the seal came out with the bulb. Glad to be of help and thanks for stopping by.

[@snakeplisken3931]

Thanks for the tip about the seal.Ran into the same problem.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

This seems to be a common problem. Glad to be of help and thanks for stopping by my shop.

[@ChannelEleven59]

THANK YOU!!!! I had just watched another video that had me taking off the entire front bumper. Didn't seem right so I stopped and researched and landed here. :)

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad it helped! Thanks for stopping by.

[@thereefernander]

Here i was trying to take the fender off! Thanks man!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad I could help! Thanks for stopping by.

[@catherine_oheytherea]

Great video! I’m attempting this myself so thanks for making it easy to understand!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

I'll be happy if it helps you. Thanks for stopping by.

[@marcatteberry1361]

I have a 2006 HHR. and yes... The passenger side light.. Gasket from Hell!!! no clue as to why it wouldnt tighten! A friend finally told me to check it... ugh. now my drivers side needs replacing.. At least I know better now! thanks.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad our video helped. Thanks for stopping by.

[@shmiggel0921]

+1 on the rubber ring, dear lord, I kept thinking this cannot be THIS hard, ffs

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad my struggle helped someone else

[@vikingvisigoth4384]

straight and to the point, thank you. :)

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad to be able to help and thanks for stopping by.

[@francesmendenhall189]

Managed to change one. thank you !

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad it worked for you! Thanks for stopping by.

[@pastorj7142]

Thank you sir for the video. Big help! Especially the rubber ring.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad it helped, Thanks for stopping by.

[@kale9199]

Thank you so much George, I still hate hhr's but you made it so much easier

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

You are welcome. I still enjoy my HHR.

[@Anna-tc6rz]

If you have trouble getting the bulb out, I used a pair of the small hyper tough (walmart) vice grips and it came right out. I couldn't get channel locks on it but if you have a small enough one might be able to

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Good tip, thanks and thanks for stopping by.

[@TiaAnders429]

I thought this would be much easier than it was, and I've got tiny hands and wrists!!! I did the blinker, but didn't even get to replace the headlight, it was so tough to get to! Hopefully I have better luck with the right side 😞

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

It's not easy either way, but you need to make sure to remove enough buttons and screws. It's still better than removing the fenders! Thanks for stopping by.

[@zeruption5676]

Quick without much on air intake side is to just pop the intake hose out of the fender wall and you'll have clearance. At least for that side

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

It works for some folks with smaller hands, as I have found since I posted that video about doing it that way. Thanks for the observation.

[@ramblers69]

Not as easy as a 54 Chevy, :) 😎 👍

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Boy, you can say that again. They keep getting more involved to do simple things. Thanks Tom

[@stevenadams-ox1zn]

​@@TheShadeTreeFixitMan😊 6

[@cathy1523]

Amen to that.

[@JoeZ-et1pr]

Good video.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thank you and glad if it helped.

[@madscottwallace7195]

Dude. Bubble from trailer park Boys. I love it. I don't mean it to be derogatory. More endearing. Love it. Thanks for the help. I wouldn't have noticed the oring seal right away.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by

[@madscottwallace7195]

@@TheShadeTreeFixitMan I'm glad you pointed it out too. I bought this car from my dad and I think when he had changed the bulbs before he left the seal in there. The bulb wasn't even screwed into the socket. Lol. Thanks for the tutorial. Took me 20 minutes to do both lights. 👍

[@joe13869]

The oil from your hands can actually boil the glass causing it to explode so Do not ever touch the bulb.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

That is why I recommended using gloves. Thanks for stopping by.

[@codyleroy9987]

The info was perfect and thank you very much . wife will love it🎉

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for stopping by.

[@hammerhead222]

Thank you. And yes, that ring was stuck on the housing, biggest tip of the video.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thank you. That little ring was a big headache for about 10 minutes. Thanks for stopping by.

[@path.1243]

❤❤❤Exactly tge info I needed. Thank you for posting.❤❤❤

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for stopping by.

[@RustyGlovebox]

We had an HHR for 7 years and luckily the headlamp didn't fail

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

You will see an update on my HHR in my latest video...

[@nflsidelines7629]

Thank you for this i was about to rip my whole bumper off! 😅

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad I could help! Thanks for stopping by.

[@keithperriatt3695]

This bulb will not come out this easy. I had to take the tire off, remove three screws and 6 trim bolts, pull the cover back to use my plier to twist the bulb out. By the bulb being in place for 3-5 years the heat has welded the bulb in place so it does not twist out this easy. Also, that red washer that you see on the new bulb will still be in place from the old bulb. Make sure to remove it or you will never get the new bulb in

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

I noted the need to make sure the old seal is removed in the video. My bulb was in place for at least 8 years. Your experience may be different than mine. I'm an old man in his 70s and I was able to accomplish this. Sorry it didn't work so well for you.

[@Leviandliam]

Very well explained. Great video

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for stopping by.

[@richdecisions9734]

Thanks. As soon as I looked under the hood I thought I had to take off the tire

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

It's not necessary, but it may sometimes be helpful. I have done it both ways. Glad to be helping other HHR owners. Thanks for stopping by.

[@tsnovak20]

Thank you, this came in handy to me today.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thanks for stopping by, I'm glad it was helpful.

[@jeanmarcgalzy7747]

Bonjour mon ami 👍Hi friend Very good tutto 👍I enjoy watching your video 😎congrats buddy good morning of France 👍🇫🇷

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thanks for coming by.

[@user-en9oc2nt5r]

Thank you so much!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

You're welcome! Thank you for taking a look with me.

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

Boy, I wish our Subaru Forester was that easy. I literally had to remove the entire front clip to change the headlight bulbs.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

There has to be an easier way for you. I would cut a hole in my wheel well before removing the whole front clip...

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

@@TheShadeTreeFixitMan I spent 3 days studying KZbin before I tackled the job. Even the Subaru specialists said the clip had to come off. I just don't understand automotive engineers some times.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

@@mattthescrapwhisperer Can't you cut an access panel in the wheel well and then patch it after? I have had to do that in the past to replace heater motors that normally required the removal of a fender. If you make the patch panel nicely it can be screwed in place so that it can be used again another time...What year is your car, make and model?

[@rwdchannel2901]

I have a 2010 Chevy HHR. Hopefully when I replace the headlight bulb it'll be as easy as you're showing because it seems that whenever I do a repair for the first time something goes wrong or I have a surprise that ends up costing me extra time. When I changed the battery recently I had to drive to Lowes to buy more tools because the screws on the battery didn't fit the tools I already own. It took me almost 3 hours to replace the battery.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Been there and done that, just a few days ago working away from home on a friend's truck I had to go buy some sockets that I didn't have with me... Thanks for stopping by.

[@rwdchannel2901]

@@TheShadeTreeFixitMan I'll probably wear gloves too because I park my car outside and there could be spiders in there behind the light bulb.

[@rwdchannel2901]

@@TheShadeTreeFixitMan I change the light bulb. It took about 30 minutes. Those little plastic screws were the hardest part followed by trying to turn the light bulb left so I could pull it out. It took both my hands to twist it left to get it out. It was dirty and had some spider webs in there since I park my car outside.

[@TheFoulblood]

Thank you very much

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

You are welcome. Thank you for stopping by.

[@juanvela583]

Thank for you advice I sure did not check for that damit

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad I could help. Thanks

[@LiveToDye]

How the heck do I get the old one out?! It's stuck at no matter how hard I try, it won't budge

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

The old bulb? It twists out, it doesn't just pull out. Lefty Lucy, righty Tighty. Thanks for stopping by

[@PoKePacKAdventures]

You should have said the tip at the begginning.😅😅😅😅 im havi g that issued now

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

If I gave the tip at the beginning you wouldn't have watched the whole video, right? LOL Thanks for taking a look.

[@perryh.5306]

If you remove the bottom clips and bolt...it will make that inner fender flex out more to get to the bulb.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Yes sir. I am going to be changing back to the halogen bulbs I think. I'm not happy with these LEDs. Too blue. Thanks for stopping by

[@perryh.5306]

@@TheShadeTreeFixitMan if you get the 6k LEDs, they are bright white. I have 6K LEDs on my car and in my wife's Durango...we love them! 8k LEDs are the bluish ones.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

@@perryh.5306 Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.

[@TiaAnders429]

This is what I did, and it was still tough to get to! I just could barely to get it to budge, even when I popped the plastic somewhat outward. I thought I'd wind up having to take it in anyway, despite spending $45 on supplies! I'm just glad that I was able to get the blinker replaced...now I'm sure I'll pass inspection. Thanks to the video channel/Shade Tree and to you for the guidance!

[@rwdchannel2901]

@@TiaAnders429 Did you get a fix it ticket?

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

They are making head lights more and more difficult to change out. I have to take the gill off my Ram to change the light bulbs out.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

This is the quick way to do it, not the recommended way by the manufacturer. There is usually a work around with most vehicles. Thanks Joe

[@wadisanaa]

you can also access the bulb from the hood, non?

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

On the passenger side you can just sneak your hand in through the fenderwell, but not on the driver's side. I wasn't aware of that access when I made this video. Thanks for pointing this out.

[@wadisanaa]

i noticed it while i was following your instruction to change the bulb on passenger side. @@TheShadeTreeFixitMan

[@calrec1]

(Heard your Shade-‘’tree chickens)

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Oh yeah! They are a part of the "atmosphere" around here, LOL.

[@user-fz4rz2io5d]

Thanks you

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

You are welcome and thanks for stopping by!

[@MissouriOldTimer]

talk about plastic,, cars seem to be more plastic than metal,,,

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

I would guess probably 50/50. Thanks Vernon. At least plastic doesn't rust!

[@TheRooster1122]

You need some tires sir”

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

They aren't as bad as they appeared in the video. They aren't even close to the wear bars, but thanks for keeping an eye on me.

[@larryramey3871]

Great video Thank you

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for stopping by.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

👍👍👍

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thanks

[@alphadawg81]

That's for the driver's side. Passenger side, simply remove your air hose, the bulb is right there.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

I guess you haven't actually done this... It is essentially the same on both sides and I can say that with having subsequently entirely replaced the headlight units while replacing the front fenders. Thanks for stopping by.

[@alphadawg81]

@@TheShadeTreeFixitMan I actually posted this right after I did it.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

@@alphadawg81 You should make a video of it. It certainly would be helpful to many folks. Thanks

[@alphadawg81]

@@TheShadeTreeFixitMan I've read it on Reddit myself. Take the hose off (no clamps, only a rubber grommet), put your hand in the hole and it's literally right there. You've got an HHR, try it out yourself .

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

@@alphadawg81 I apologize for my quick, negative reply. I did check it out on my HHR and you are absolutely right. I am going to be changing my headlight bulbs again and when I do, I will give this handy tip. Thank you so much and again, I apologize for my unkind response.

[@ep3686]

Hopefully you replaced your tires. At the wear bars

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Oh yeah we did for sure. Thanks

[@bryduhbikeguy]

1990,..I changed 1 of those and turned it on..for about 2 seconds..then the fingerprint burned black and cracked.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Oh yeah. It is an issue for sure. Thanks for stopping by

[@thomaspaulsgrove8527]

Doesn’t work on 06

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Sorry about that, but why not? Thanks for stopping by. I thought they would all be the same, though I only have an 07 and an 09.

[@thomaspaulsgrove8527]

@@TheShadeTreeFixitMan so. It does actually, I had a hell of a time though. I saw both of your videos and came at it from both sides. After a lot of frustration I got it and I appreciate your videos

[@alonenoonetotrust2277]

My bulb goes in but it won't twist back into place to secure so I taped it in ☹️

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Double check to make sure that the original rubber seal isn't still stuck to the back of your headlight bucket. I had that problem too. It won't screw in with 2 washers in place.

[@CristianPerez-oc6rj]

this saved me!!!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

@@CristianPerez-oc6rj Glad to be of help

[@backwoods3214]

9/32 its from uk is witworth seize

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Could be! Thanks

[@wtbm123]

Cool

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thanks Terry

[@earlostrohs3543]

It's a 7mm bolt

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

OK, thanks

[@nelsonmartel4495]

thank you sir.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

You are very welcome and thanks for stopping by.

[@SIMONSEZ23]

BULB #9008

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Thanks