Changing your Headlight without access hatch - Terrain Equinox

[@loveitis8]

Single mom & tight budget. My light went out and well, I'm so glad I found your video! All the other videos showed the other setup which were useless to me. And then like a light, your video popped up like a miracle! Thank you!!!

[@NexusAuto]

Really, thank you for this feedback Joy. This makes the work that goes into these videos all worthwhile! I am glad to hear it helped get your car fixed up and saved some money! I appreciate the feedback!

[@jaxemay7027]

Same here! Was super confused and annoyed about the access not being there

[@peteriatrides1325]

Thanks very much for posting this - all other videos had examples of units with the quick access - which I did not have. You did a great job of explaining what was going on inside where the camera couldn't capture so I understood what I needed to do and went by feel. What a pain changing bulbs on this unit is!

[@NexusAuto]

It really is a giant pain, I agree! Glad to hear the video was helpful. Thanks for the great feedback

[@williammurphy8224]

Just wanted to say thank you for this. You are the man. Helped save me a ton of money and feel comfortable while doing it.

[@NexusAuto]

That's awesome to hear. Glad t hear the video helped out. Thanks for watching and the great feedback

[@joeortiz3455]

Love ot a fella who understands we can speak many languages when working on overengineered vehicles

[@NexusAuto]

HAHA thanks.

[@SBUBandit]

Small correction and suggestion. The first bolt you removed, 7mm I believe, doesn't need to come out. That holds the bumper to the fender, and there is a square cutout in the fender liner there, so it doesn't hold the liner at all. But there is another push pin a little higher in the liner that if you pop out, it lets the liner flex MUCH further and you can get your arm in easier. The way you show is ok for the low beams, but I couldn't get anywhere near the highs until I got that extra push pin out, then you can come in at a better angle.

[@NexusAuto]

You are absolutely right on the 7mm. When filming, I was winging it, since there was no info on this method at the time. To me, it looked like the wheel well liner folded over the 7mm screw (so it sat behind it) and I had to take the bolt out and pull it around and off from behind. I remember distinctly pulling the fender off and thinking to myself 'oh, I didnt need to remove that bolt at all' lol!. But I was already fairly far into filming, so I left it in and continued. So you nailed that one spot on! Same with the tab at the top. The more you remove, the easier it is. I did it at the bare minimum for the low beam, which is the bulb that fails the most, but removing the trim tab will give a lot more room. Thanks for taking the time to comment, it will be helpful for other viewers who watch!

[@jonblackford9212]

Man, you were not kidding when you said you would have some curse words for the project! I found this video VERY helpful! Thank you so much!

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all! I'm still cursing at it to this day! Lol. Thanks for watching!

[@jonblackford9212]

Nexus Auto Do you have an email or message app I can send a pic to and ask you about a situation with the headlight?

[@NexusAuto]

@@jonblackford9212 sure. my email for this account is [e-mail]

[@DS-rx4ly]

Thank you very much for this knowledge. My wife and I were able to change the lamp in under 20 minutes.

[@NexusAuto]

Yes! That's awesome news! 20 mins is a great time for this job. Thanks for watching and the great feedback

[@patrickeyon6292]

Sir, Thank you for this. I was going to change our lightbulb in our Equinox and found that this model did not have a easy access port as most do. I will be changing it tomorrow with your video as my guide. The only thing I would suggest is that once you get the bulb in you turn the lights on to make sure it works before closing everything up. That would be a pain to do all that work and it not work. Great job on the video. Easy to understand.

[@NexusAuto]

I completely agree with you with checking the work before closing everything up! Great point! Glad to hear the video was helpful and everything went well with changing the bulb

[@harrisb43]

Just a note on the large black dust cap, there's a small triangular arrowhead indicating "Up" moulded into the flat face of the cap. Also, the plastic liner transitions from vertical, near the "front" of the tire, to horizontal under the "bumper" (remember bumpers?), with a fairly large surface parallel with the ground and secured with 3 or 4 fasteners (screws or plastic rivets like the others: been a while, can't remember). Loosen this part of the liner for increased access.

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks for the information. This will help future viewers.

[@donnybwisor]

Thanks for this...hardest easy job ever. Got both sides done in about 20 minutes. Honestly putting the cap back on was the hardest part. Mechanic quoted me $194 to do this. I got it done for $20.

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome! I always like hearing stories like that! Can't believe it is near $200 to change some headlight bulbs!

[@peterfox3201]

Thanks, made the job a lot easier. I modified based on the comments. Removed and installed the cable connection while the bulb was still in the socket.

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome news. Great idea on the improvisation as well. nothing wrong with that. Glad to hear the video was helpful.

[@kirbykelley1255]

Im glad I came across your video cuz I watched one where there was an acess panel but mine didn't have that, so I was able to change my lightbulb thx to your video.

[@NexusAuto]

I'm glad you find the video too! Awesome news to hear that it helped out. Thanks for the great feedback

[@Christian-en2kf]

There were a ton of videos for the model that had the access panel, yours was the only one I could find referencing this design. Very informative my friend! Ty! 👍

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all. Glad it was helpful

[@markc6138]

Just changed mine without access panel .... really stupid design.

[@NexusAuto]

@@markc6138 I completely agree. Terrible design...made worse by the fact that there used to be an access panel until somewhere around 2014.

[@blank5210]

Thanks. I am mechanically illiterate and even I was able to change this dumb light bulb thanks to your video. You are awesome sir

[@NexusAuto]

Thank you!!! I very much appreciate that feedback! Maybe you're more mechanically inclined then you thought lol! Thanks for watching!

[@patd1961]

Thanks for video. Helped putting my LED's in my Equinox 2017. From video and comments. Just removed 2 screws and pop out plugs from fender wall. Additionally removed two 7mm screws from bottom of bumper. This made it possible to pull cover out from bottom and pull cover out past screws towards top of tire out. No need to jack. No need to remove tire. Turn tire in as you said. I had plenty of room.

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome news! Great to hear the video helped out on those upgrades!

[@charliedoray829]

Watched video. It was super helpful. Changed both headlights on wife's equinox in a fraction of the time I thought it would... Huge thumbs up...

[@NexusAuto]

that's awesome news. I really do like hearing feedback like that. glad the video helped. thanks for watching and taking the time to comment

[@Domjulio1987]

Thank you so much for the video. I just did this a couple hours ago and I can tell you, the hardest part about this jobs is lining up that cap on the housing because of the lack of space and light. Took me like 20 mins and a few pep talks to get it locked. It was worth the effort though 😩😣😖

[@NexusAuto]

I hear you there! That cap is a giant pain to reinstall. The pep talk is a must! Lol. But glad to hear the video helped and you got it done. Definitely worth doing!

[@michaelschwartz8922]

I found that by checking the car up with a floor Jack on the side you’re working on, makes it a lot easier to see and get access to the bulbs. The low beams are the outer edge lights and the high beams are those bulbs closer in.

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome stuff, great way of working around with all the obstacles. There is many things you can do to make the job easier, but I made it with the intent that even someone with no knowledge of how to use a jack or remove a wheel can change their bulbs...it should never be as annoying as it is in this car. But when you have the know-how, you can really work around with it. Glad to hear you got it done pretty easily.

[@ayledelove8878]

I'M going to attemp to do this on my own this video is really helpful thanks for uploaded it! GM should do this for free considering how difficult it is without the access cap.

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all. I agree, if they make it this hard, this should cover the labour costs! But that will never happen lol. Good luck! Thanks for watching!

[@bigetv6634]

AGREEEEEE!!! For as much as I paid for this vehicle, changing a bulb should NOT involve ripping half the car apart .. if their engineers decide to make it this way .. light bulb replacement should be FREE of labor charges for any owner, 1st, 2nd, 3rd ... why is it the newer the car, the harder it is to work on it .. I have a 1976 Malibu .. in the same time it takes to replace 1 light bulb on this 2013 I could replace ALL bulbs, spark plugs & wires, air filter, PCV valve and probably change the brake pads and change the oil on my 1976 !!!!

[@TheGabriel7014]

There's actually a 3rd way to replace the bulb. This method works best for models without the dust cap in the wheel well. Its replacing it from the top by opening the hood and releasing the light fixture by removing a few screws. This is less messier that the other two methods.

[@deanrao4805]

Great educational video. I got a fix it ticket for a burned out bulb the other day. No wonder the owner's manual doesn't have anything about changing headlight bulbs. Now I have to decide whether I want to change the bulb or the car!

[@NexusAuto]

Yeah tell me about it. It may be easier getting a new car! Haha. I agree though, nothing in the manual, and the dealer will tell you, you HAVE TO come in to them. Hopefully this video will help you get the job done.

[@deanrao4805]

@@NexusAuto Changing the low-beam lamp turned out to be not so difficult. After I found out how to access it! Thanks.

[@NexusAuto]

@@deanrao4805 no problem at all! Glad to hear it went well. All joking aside, once it's known how to do it, it's not a terribly hard job, but very annoying and unnecessary. Simple things like bulbs should be something any vehicle owner can do. Glad to hear the video helped out! Thanks for the great feedback

[@ja9838]

I just bought a equinox and it is a tight squeeze so I turned the driver side inward for a little more room thank you

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all. You know, i've had a lot of people message me telling me to turn my wheel inward, but it actually is turned all the way in. I think the angle throws people off, but this is not possible to do without turning the wheel. Happy to hear the video helped you out and got the bulb changed. Hope you enjoy your Equinox!

[@dellahengel7105]

Thank you! The low beam light was out on our Equinox. With this video, I was able to get it changed out in under an hour, first go around!

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome! That is great news, glad to hear it. And glad to hear the video was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@TheGabriel7014]

@@NexusAuto just an FYI. Releasing the headlight on the GMC Terrain and pulling it outwards gives enough room to remove the cap, reach the bulb, unclip the wire then you're able to replace the bulb from the top. Works great as well. Took me about 10 minutes to complete the job.

[@NexusAuto]

@@TheGabriel7014 Thanks for the tip. I will check out the terrain and compare the procedure. What year was your terrain, out of curiosity?

[@pamelasanford6341]

Thank You! You made a daunting task(without access hatch) doable!

[@NexusAuto]

No problem. Happy to hear the video made the job easier.

[@ericp7496]

Great video. An idea to make removing the dust cover for the headlight: Use a paint pen to mark the top of the cover, then just line it up.

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks, appreciate it! And thanks for the great tip, that would work perfectly! Thanks for commenting!

[@bigplunck]

Thank you it’s wasn’t as bad I thought it’ll be I’m very patient watching this video made it so easy to change. Just like we set and ready to ride

[@NexusAuto]

I am happy to hear you found this video and got it done. It is annoying, but not impossible. Your patience paid off for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@r4nin_9461]

Thank you so much. I just change mine today and your guide definitely helps specially that it's hard to see it and just going for the feel.

[@NexusAuto]

That's great news...glad to hear you got the job done. It's way harder than it really should be. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelschwartz8922]

Agreed. It was very helpful and keep up the great work sir!

[@darrelllummer2123]

Thank you for posting this video. I was pretty nervous that I wouldn’t be able to do it. I followed your direction and finished both sides in less than an hour. I got a few scratches but absolutely less than $200 worth.

[@NexusAuto]

That's fantastic news! Glad the video helped out. Some great savings there, and a few scratches is worth it for me too!. Thanks for watching!

[@l.s.designs119]

Thanks for showing this way, the other video I watch, I had to take off the bumper, this is much less, but still a lot. Thanks for sharing.

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all. Much easier than removing the bumper, but it is still a bit of a pain. Double check if you have the access hatch (if you havent checked for it already). If you have a 2015 or under, there may be a access hatch in the wheel well. If you dont have one, this video is the way to go. Thanks for watching and glad it will help!

[@chipwagner9471]

I just went through this about a half hour ago. I saw a few videos that showed the easy replacement with the access cap in the wheel well, so I went out thinking it would be a 10 minute job. How upsetting to not find the access cap in the wheel well. I was NOT happy to say the least. Easy to figure out how to do it, but how hard to actually do it, especially trying to line up the dust cap! What a pain!

[@NexusAuto]

I completely agree. Why remove the dustcap? Just more ways to take maintenance out of our hands. Technically, dealer says you have to remove the front bumper! Crazy! Hope this video did help out

[@MoeBando07]

Excellent video! Strange placement on GM's part. This video makes a difficult job very easy. I changed both lightbulbs within 20 minutes

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome! Glad the video helped out! Love to hear this feedback, thanks for taking the time to comment! Appreciate it!

[@guruGharr43]

The real fun begins when you do the high beams! But. Great Video!

[@NexusAuto]

Very true...the high beam is a whole other ball game. I may cover that one day. Thanks for watching and great feedback! 👍🏾

[@dougkovala3548]

Strangely my daughters 2014 Equinox is missing the access door also. We removed the wheel. then unclipped, and unscrewed the front half of the liner to access the dust cover and bulb. Glad my Equinox is Canadian "ey. Thanks for helping us get started.

[@NexusAuto]

It seems they started moving away from the access door somewhere in 2014, and did not complete the transition until somwhere in the 2015 MY. So I have seen some 2014s with the hatch, and some without, and I have seen some 2015s with the hatch, and some without. I havent been able to confirm this, but considering the models I have seen like this, this is my guess. Glad to hear the video helped out. Also awesome that you took my video and modified it to work for you and your daughter. Love hearing stories like that. Thanks again for watching.

[@timr4484]

Great video - thank you! This video also shows why I will NEVER buy another GM vehicle. The engineers that designed this should be criminally prosecuted! My 2014 Equinox is the reason I will only buy Toyota Honda, or Subaru for the rest of my life.

[@NexusAuto]

I have to agree. I have been a GM person for a long long time (all my cars were GM, even now, I own and Pontiac) but it's decisions like these that made me look around outside of GM for my other current car. It's very frustrating and it seems like it is only getting worse.

[@sostrongineedmoreofyourmon974]

My 2015 Equinox taught me the same. I’ve pretty much sworn my life to Toyota reliability for all future cars.

[@mikegustafson7280]

Awesome job on this video, I was able to replace both low beams in about 45 minutes

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome! That is really quick! Great news, glad the video helped out!

[@juliemerriman1424]

Excellent video & I have replced bulbs before on my Toyota, no problem but with this vehicle, i had a bulb in my possession to replace but without the dust cover, I am currently cursing GMC for making something so ridiculous to change.

[@NexusAuto]

I completely agree. It is one of the most ridiculous processes to change the bulb. And it is becoming more and more common these days. Glad to hear the video was helpful

[@DJEddieXZ]

Thank you for your video! Just changed mine

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome news. Glad to hear the video helped out.

[@comeonrufunny]

Thanks so much for this video you saved me so much time and money 😁😁😁😁

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all. Happy to hear the video helped out and you saved time and money! Awesome news!

[@donnybwisor]

Someone at GMC should be fired for this BS. How hard is it to have an access panel?

[@NexusAuto]

I agree entirely. It's worse because there was actually an access panels. They molded it and cars from 2010 to 2014 actually had it! Why they took it out, I don't know. They should be fired!

[@mikeantler3438]

This makes the Dealers and their shop mechanics more $$$$

[@bppierce166]

My 2013 has a great access panel

[@adolfosantiago73]

What kind of "engineer" came up with the stupid and most ridiculous idea for the lights bulbs of a car in a place where there's no access unless you dismantled half of your car ?? ( sort of speak). I have had so many cars and never came across something like this in my life until now. Ridiculous. Someone in GMC corporations 💩 for brains.

[@FitQueen1980]

This video really helped me out. Thank you for making and sharing.

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all. Happy to hear the video helped you out! Thanks for the feedback

[@cappy95833]

GREAT VIDEO! Really helped me out and saved me $$$ by not having to go to professional for something pretty simple.

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome! Glad to hear. Every $ saved is great news. Thanks for watching and leaving feedback....appreciate it!

[@jackycota6327]

Muy bien explicado y muy facil de hacer el trabajo, me anime a hacerlo yo misma, gracias👍

[@Danr246]

Thank you so much for your video. You saved me a lot of money.

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all. Money saved is a big win in my book!

[@lorrainer9743]

I did see another video prior to this one and he popped out the bumper also to give a little more room so after seeing how to change it out I'm going to get my oil changed and have them replace it for me the light replacements should not be such a pain to replace GMC really needs to rethink this for sure.

[@NexusAuto]

I completely agree. Simple maintenance like changing a light bulb should never be this difficult. Unfortunately, it is becoming the norm. Many modern vehicles that I have worked on are coming like this now, and are getting increasingly complex. It is extremely frustrating

[@EbonyUnicorn324]

Thank you sooooo much for this vid. I was crying big tears thinking I was gonna have to take it to a mechanic and spend waaayyy to much money because my '15 model doesn't have the dust cap access and every vid I found on KZbin was from that POV. Gonna try in the morning and hope I can squeeze my fat hands in that tight space 😂😂

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome! Happy you found the video. I have no doubt that you will be able to do it and save your self some serious money...it is pricey at the shop. Good luck, and thanks for watching!

[@joemello6467]

Great video! What a pain in the neck, I have to replace my fiancés 2014 Equinox headlights.

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks, appreciate it! It is such a pain, I agree. I don't think simple things like replacing bulbs should ever be this complex! Just another way to make you go in to the dealership. As your fiance has a 2014, she may have the access hatch where the headlights are. In case she does, I have a video on that too kzbin.info/www/bejne/an2cdZhsqNtrjcU Hopefully that is what she has, as it makes life so much easier!

[@Planktontwo]

I agree with you! Car makers should make replacing a light bulb an easy job.

[@NexusAuto]

100%! Bulbs should be considered simple owner maintenance

[@malangmaane9308]

Thank you very much dude! Saved me time and money

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all. Money and time saved is always a win

[@sostrongineedmoreofyourmon974]

Lucky me. All of my wheel well plastics for the front tires are already gone. One by cone and one unfortunately by a large dog running out onto a highway. So I bypassed having to remove the various securing bolts.

[@NexusAuto]

Well, I guess that worked in your benefit! LOL (except the dog, that sucks, sorry to hear that). Certainly saved a couple of steps for sure!

[@matthewgirolmo5573]

Strangely, my 2014 Terrain SLT doesn't have the access door. Thank you for posting this, I thought I was going to have to remove the liner completely.

[@NexusAuto]

No problem. Glad the video helped out. It seems some 2014s didnt get the hatch for unknown reasons, and some 2015s did that should not have. It is very strange for sure! Thanks again for watching!

[@dellahengel7105]

I thought I was going to have to do the same thing .. remove the liner completely. Was thrilled to find this video!

[@AndrewB-D]

Finally …Thank you !! ..probably the only video on here showing this stupid ass method with out the access cap….. why would they do this SMH

[@NexusAuto]

No problem...glad you found the video. I agree completely...such a stupid design. This is what frustrates me with these car companies

[@prindible0513]

Thankyou so much for this video, got both done and saved me hundreds!!

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome news! Very happy to hear the video helped out! Thanks for taking the time to let me know! Appreciate it

[@jaxemay7027]

For anyone wondering about how to unplug the bulb. The clip is a LIFT UP! Yes it can be done with a weak hand/wrist.

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks for leaving a tip for anyone watching! Appreciate it! And thanks for watching

[@jaxemay7027]

Thank you for being so clear on the rest. The passenger side only took minutes once I figured out how to remove that bulb

[@NexusAuto]

@@jaxemay7027 no problem at all. Happy to hear the video helped

[@blesdavis7637]

that tire looks good on tread wear

[@NexusAuto]

Yep it is. Those tires had a good run!

[@LaDonnaWalton]

Thank you for this video I like to work on my own car if possible

[@NexusAuto]

Absolutely...I am 100% behind having people work on their car as much as possible. Glad the video was helpful.

[@donaldwidajewski9112]

Nicely explained

[@NexusAuto]

Awesome, thanks! Glad the vid helped out!

[@mrob5278]

Great video! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this. Can fog lights be done same time/procedure as low beams? Thank you again!! F GM.

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all...glad to hear the video helped out. You should be able to access the fog lights as well. I plan to make an official video on that in the near future.

[@9Y000008]

I think the trim level has something to do with whether it has a dust cap in the fender well or not if you have an SLE it probably doesn't have HID bulbs it just has halogens ( but if you have a Denali trim or a fully loaded SLT Terrain .... then you would have a dust cap... I have a '13 Terrain Denali and it has dust caps inside the wheel well... I have yet to take those off and see if I have the HID with a ballast controller.

[@NexusAuto]

Never checked the trim on 2013 or 2014 models, so you may have a point on those ones...very possible. However, I can tell you for sure that as of 2015, all trims no longer have the dust caps, both for equinox and terrains. Doesn't matter bulb type or trim level, unfortunately

[@johnb.7596]

Great video, what year is this vehicle and the make and model?

[@NexusAuto]

This is a 2015 chevy equinox.

[@sammy_lynn]

Ugh I have a 2014 Chevy Equinox LT and it doesn't have the freaking hatch! And it has an extra trim piece near the top front of the wheel. But thanks for explaining, the comments also help. I'll wear gloves inserting the new one.

[@NexusAuto]

Sounds good to me. It does suck not having that hatch, wish they never removed it. Thanks for watching, and glad the video helped.

[@ja9838]

all was needed to come out

[@gruwelljoshua]

Wouldnt it be easier to remove the entire shielding around the tire? Or is it designed to never be completely removed?

[@NexusAuto]

I made the video doing the bare minimum required, as some people would see me removing the entire wheel well and assume it is too much work or dismantling. I've had that comment for other cars in older videos. But you are definitely correct. Same process to remove the other trim pieces, and the more you remove, the more room you'll have (to a degree)

[@mikelewis952]

Just changed the bulb in my girlfriend’s car and it was such a pain in the ass I thought “there’s no way this is how they expect you to do this”….so I decided to look at some videos and sure enough it really is that stupid. Gotta love engineers.

[@NexusAuto]

Yep, you got it. It is that stupid. And worse yet, the dealership technically says that they need to remove the bumper to change the bulb! Terrible design!

[@raymond1181]

I have a 2014, with no access cap, will have to do this, question, wouldn't it be easier to remove the tire for more elbow room, and maybe removing or loosing of more of that cover?? More work perhaps, but maybe easier to get at the bulb. And the "trim" pieces , did you buy new ones to replace the ones you took out?

[@NexusAuto]

It absolutely would be much easier to remove the tire. In retrospect, I should have done the same, especially to film. If you are up for it, definitely remove the tire. Nothing wrong with removing more of the cover as well. You will not regret it. With the trim pieces, I did not need to replace them. None of them broke or were damaged. I reused the trim plugs and they are still holding up as of now.

[@user-vd9cw6df9p]

I'll be taking off the front tires if this is the route I go instead of the headlight removal way.

[@NexusAuto]

Go for it. It will make life much easier. In retrospect, I should have removed the tire to film the video.

[@anthonymcclelland8207]

About to try this would it be a little easier if I remove the tire?

[@NexusAuto]

It would be for sure. If you want to, definitely go for it!

[@valleyofash3243]

alright I have a question, my low beams are out and I don't have the money to fix them currently. would i be able to swap the high beams with the low beams? not just the bulbs, the actual sockets? I'm in a '16 Chevy equinox.

[@NexusAuto]

Unfortunately, you cannot. These cars use H11 bulbs for low beams, and 9005 for high beams. The connectors are the same shape, but the connectors inside are different, and cannot be interchanged.

[@jeffmedich865]

Thanks for the informative video.

[@NexusAuto]

No problem at all. Hope it helps!

[@samuelthorne591]

How do you change the High Beam bulb????

[@NexusAuto]

I haven't checked for an easier way, at this point. However, in the early spring I plan to make videos on how to change all the various bulbs on these cars. I know it is a wait, unfortunately, but I will have a video at that time.

[@doubleitp]

Great video, just a tip , turn your wheel to the right all the way for much easier access to pulling down the panel. You can pull it out alot farther this way.

[@NexusAuto]

lol not going to lie, you are not the first person to say that on this video. A LOT of people say that. But the funny thing is that it is turned all the way in, it is almost full lock. With the 18 inch rims, there isnt even enough room to get a screwdriver in there, let alone move the fender. You can see at 6:45, where it is clearer that the tire is turned, as you can fully see the treads. I think the angle I filmed earlier in the video has thrown people off. But no worries at all, I do appreciate you taking the time to comment and these tips will be helpful for other viewers who may have been thrown off by the angle as well. Thanks for watching too and great feedback!

[@crlaw75]

Models '10-'14 have the cap to undo a screw and access it through the hole. Models '15-'17, the fender liner has to be removed. (Equinox and Terrain models).

[@NexusAuto]

Definitely. I have a video on both methods. Funny enough, the video I did that had the access hatch is a 2015 Terrain, and this video is on a 2015 Equinox. Maybe there was a crossover, with some 2015s still having the 2014 access hatch.

[@crlaw75]

I'm pretty sure that after the '15 model year, the design of the fender liner changed. One way to tell is after '15, the taillights are different on the Equinox and on both models, the daytime running lights are on the front bumper cover and they are LEDs.

[@NexusAuto]

I know what you mean...I think you are talking about the 2016 MY refresh. The cars I mentioned are 2015 MY for sure, before the changed the DRL to LEDs/the bumper cover and taillights. I never checked the 2016 and newer fender liners, not sure how much was changed on the refresh.

[@crlaw75]

They are the same as your video shows.

[@NexusAuto]

Ah, cool. It is weird though. I have seen 10-15s that did not have the hatch, and some do. As mentioned, the video I did with the hatch was a 2015 Terrain. But I even spoke to the dealership before making the videos (because I thought this was very weird) and they confirmed they did not know why some did come with it, and some did not. I am not sure why, or what the difference is. I assume after 2016 no cars had the hatch option at all?

[@ryanchristensen1799]

Is it possible that gm did away with the hatch because there's a chance water/debris could get past the hatch seal/gap? Also cost im sure it's higher with two seperate plastic pieces instead of just one solid piece.

[@NexusAuto]

I think it is the latter, instead of the former, to be honest. It seems to seal pretty well, and all the bulbs are sealed up inside as well. I could be wrong, but it feels like a cost cutting measure tied to the hopes of forcing people into the 'stealerships' (LOL I always love hearing that :) ) to have to pay to get a simple bulb changed.

[@ryanchristensen1799]

@@NexusAuto yeah avoid stealerships at all costs haha! I just changed the fog lights on my 2018 chevy sonic to LEDs. To get to the housing I had to remove a total of 6 fender bolts just to pull back the liner to gain access to the bulbs! I wonder if those liners with the access hatch could be ordered still to convert to easy access!?

[@NexusAuto]

@@ryanchristensen1799 it would be awesome if they were still available for purchase. If not, it would be worth the trip to a junkyard to locate them. It is absolutely crazy that the stealerships make people jump through hoops for simple things. And then they charge you an arm and a leg. I had someone tell me the dealer quotes an insane sum of money because the 'whole front bumper needs to be removed'! yeah right, they area probably not doing anything difference vs what is in this video. But that is their MO. And doesnt matter if it is American, Japanese, european, all are the same. But hey, that is what youtube is for lol

[@williamkeith8875]

How big is the access hole ? and how much room is behind the wheel well Panel Because I'll make my own hole

[@NexusAuto]

Hmm, that is a good question. I have never measured it. I will try and measure it in the next couple of days and let you know. I like the idea of making one!

[@williamkeith8875]

@@NexusAuto thank you I don't think it would be hard to do and I will let you know how it turns out

[@NexusAuto]

@@williamkeith8875 sounds good to me. The actual hole diameter is 6 inches, and there is decent room directly behind that spot...enough to get your hand through. It is worth noting that the cover has a 2 inch diameter, as it has a lip that sits over the wheel well. Hope that information helps

[@williamkeith8875]

@@NexusAutoThank you yes it does help me a lot I hope to get to it with in the week and will let you know how I make out

[@NexusAuto]

@@williamkeith8875 Glad the info helped. Keep me posted for sure!

[@rajatchopra3927]

Thank you for this video. What about fog light.. the white light under the bumber

[@NexusAuto]

Rajat Chopra I don't have one out live yet, but it will be coming soon for sure

[@rajatchopra3927]

Nexus Auto thank you for replying back any tips or suggestions on how I can do it

[@ellenloveless9041]

Does 09 equinox have small flap in fender well to change headlight bulbs or do the whole fender well have to. Ome out

[@NexusAuto]

Honestly, couldn't say for the 09..it is a different generation to this one, so I'm not sure if they ever had the flaps on that model

[@williamkeith8875]

Well its me today I attempted to replace the bulb got pulled over the other day so I had to attempted to go though the wheel pulled the cover back and its a solid piece steel making the access hole would of not worked and the washer fluid canister was in the way also and from what I could see from below even if I got my hand up there no way I would be able to change the bulb I ended up taking the battery out and I had access to both bulbs now I have to go back and get the right bulb the inner bulb is not the h11

[@NexusAuto]

Sorry to hear that William. What year is your vehicle? I didn't know that the put a steel frame work inside the wheel wells. It is true about the inner bulb. That is the high beam bulb...9005, if I recall. The outer headlight should be the H11. Sounds like it did not go over well. Hopefully the officer let you off with no ticket.

[@BIGMOE007]

I want to install HID is it that easy as well on a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox LT

[@NexusAuto]

It is far more complex, unfortunately. You need to install ballasts for HID bulbs. The tricky part is finding somewhere to mount it, and attaching it to the fixed point, like the frame of the car. It is much more in-dept. The bulbs will fit, just those ballasts.

[@crlaw75]

They do that so you go to the dealer and pay their high rates. Designed that way.

[@NexusAuto]

Completely agree with you. Even simple things like changing a battery or air filter, or changing a light bulb on a car, has become difficult on many cars now. It is definitely a frustration.

[@Trust_Me]

How much do you think the dealer would charge for this service?

[@crlaw75]

They may charge about $100 for parts and labour, if it's a full hour. Possibly less if they decide to charge only half an hour rate. I would compare a dealer shop to an independant one, since rates vary.

[@Trust_Me]

@@crlaw75 thank you... i miss 80's and 90's cars

[@crlaw75]

They were a lot easier to work on and were tougher. Seems like after 2007, the engineering got worse and more complicated that you had to take it to a dealer, since the manufacturers wanted to eliminate the backyard mechanic.

[@rogerhosmer6684]

Thank you

[@NexusAuto]

No problem

[@johniboz1]

Thank you! 👍

[@terence73]

We have a 2013 SRX and I go from the top to get to my light

[@NexusAuto]

This is very true. I should remove the SRX tag from the headline. I dont know whty they dont allow the same way for the equinox and terrain. Thanks for letting me know

[@marcelstjean]

I don't have to cap on my wifes 2014 terrain.

[@NexusAuto]

Although officially removed in 2015, unfortunately, there seems to be some manufacturer discrepancies with these cars. I have seen some 2015 models with them, and I have seen some 2014s without. Unfortunately, it seems your wife is one of those 2014 models. This video will help you get it done.

[@johnnorris8811]

A little late but wouldn't you have more room if you turned the wheel in?

[@NexusAuto]

What's weird is your not the first person to say that. What's weirder is the wheel is turned all the way in lol. Almost all the way to lock. I wouldn't even be able to get my hand in or use the screwdriver if the wheel was straight. It definitely helps 💯

[@johnnorris8811]

Oh is it? It doesn't even look like it is. I was trying to fix my light bulb last night but didn't have the tools and didn't know how to do it because I haven't had the light burn out on me lol

[@NexusAuto]

@@johnnorris8811 yep it is, but like I said, a few people have mentioned that, so maybe it is the camera angle. You can really tell at 6:45, as you can see the tire tread at the back of the tire and my are is right up into the fender, virtually impossible with 18 inch rims turned straight. But no worries at all, and it is a great tip. It is absolutely the best way to get the job done (or taking the wheel off entirely, if you are handy like that). Where you able to get the bulb fixed?

[@johnnorris8811]

Gotcha yeah I see it now. Probably was the camera angle

[@NexusAuto]

@@johnnorris8811 no worries. Thanks again for watching and taking the time to comment, appreciate it.

[@mikesteltenpohl8585]

great

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

I liked your video, but you will have more viewers if you will try to make your videos as short as possible, while providing the same quality of information you are sharing in this video. Also, on this particular job, you would give yourself more working room, and viewers a better shot of the bulb’s location, if you turned the front of the wheel as far as possible toward the engine compartment before you start working, and include that advice in your narrative. Your viewers should be warned to not get oil or fingerprints on the new bulbs, or they could pop; many recommend wearing rubber or nitrile globes when handing and installing these bulbs, and to test the light before you seal everything back up.

[@NexusAuto]

Thank you very much for your feed. much appreciated.

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Nexus Auto You are doing a great job; please keep making your videos. With so many channels to choose from, and so little spare time in most people’s lives, making concise, informative videos is the most effective way to go. Take a look at Eric O. at the South Main Auto channel - he tells you what you need to know, is very informative, has great lighting and camera skills, is pretty quick, and the end result is that viewers keep returning. You have a great way of explaining things, you are a skilled mechanic, you don’t get nervous and your camera skills are good. You have a great future on KZbin.

[@NexusAuto]

Thanks for the great comments and feedback for sure. Definitely appreciate it. I will take a look at Eric O, but also looking to carve my own niche. I have experimented with short and long versions of the same videos in the past (you can see some of those on my channel) and have thought about doing more versions like that. Thing is, some people really like the high detail, longer versions, while some prefer a quicker, shorter version, like you mentioned above. The only way at this point to accommodate both without doing 2 different videos is the long version. If I do the short version, my followers who like the long versions will miss out. Those who like the shorter versions can just skip. But I think both versions would work. I have been working on a good format to that for a little while now, so you will likely see that in the summer. Thanks again for all the great compliments and insights...they do mean a lot. I always welcome them!

[@belindamermer5457]

I thought it was great

[@Charlies_Corner]

Wouldn’t it be easier to take the tire off and drop the inner fender? If it’s only a few screws and plastic clips why wouldn’t you give yourself all the room possible?

[@NexusAuto]

Absolutely it would be. I make these videos to help even the inexperienced person. There are many viewers who want to change a bulb, but don't know how to remove a tire or have the tools. So made it to show how to do it without taking off the tire. But if you want to and know how to remove the tire, go for it

[@jus-sayin]

Turn your wheel out and that gives you a little more room to work with.

[@NexusAuto]

this 2015 equinox has 18 inch factory rims. if you turn them out, there is absolutely no room to work or even film. However, in this video, the wheels are turned inward, which gave more access.

[@cindyfuller6381]

Or you can take it to a shop and they will take the whole bumper off for over $300. Have all bulbs changed while it is apart.

[@NexusAuto]

$10 bulb and 20 mins work, or $300 in a shop? I know what I'll take 😁

[@FXPips11]

Its BS. tryn to unclip with 1 hand, took me 45min to change fog lights, lol, my 2014 doesnt have to cap wheelwell hole, so need to use this method, ugg,

[@NexusAuto]

Damn, that sucks. It is a terrible design. And more and more modern cars are doing this! (although there is still exceptions). Glad to hear you got it done, even if it took an annoying amount of time.

[@mzsgdiaz]

I came here for the jokes. Where are the jokes

[@NexusAuto]

Stephanie Diaz you are the joke lmao

[@mzsgdiaz]

Nexus Auto rude

[@NexusAuto]

Stephanie Diaz 😂😂😂😂

[@charliedoray829]

Ok... so this guy walks into a bar and... oh not that kind of joke?