How to Remove Headlights on a 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT

General Motors introduced the Cadillac Escalade as an upscale version of the Chevrolet Tahoe for the 2000 model year. By 2005, the Escalade had stepped out of the Chevrolet's shadow. The Escalade uses a dual halogen system for headlights, where the headlamp assembly on either side has two halogen bulbs inside -- one for high beams and the other for low beams. Operating a motor vehicle after sundown without fully functioning headlights is dangerous and illegal. To prevent unsafe or illegal driving situations, inspect your vehicle's headlights regularly and replace any blown bulbs immediately.

Instructions

1

Turn off the headlights and open the Escalade's hood. Pry up the eight trim pin retainers in the radiator trim cover, using the flat-head screwdriver. Pull the radiator trim cover off and set it aside.

2

Pull the top corner of the grill (closest to the light in question) out far enough to gain better access to the headlamp assembly. Lift up the horizontal headlamp retaining pin until it makes a snap sound, then move it toward the engine to release it.

3

Remove the vertical pin from the side of the headlamp assembly by turning it toward the engine and then lifting up on it. Lift the headlamp assembly up and pull it toward the front to access the sockets. Unplug the wiring connector from the base of the headlamp to allow the headlamp to move out further.

4

Remove the socket cover from the back of the headlamp. Rotate the headlamp socket counterclockwise to release it from the headlamp assembly. Pull the socket out.

5

Pull the old bulb out of the socket. Plug the new 9005LL bulb into the socket, making sure not to touch the bulb glass with your bare hands.

6

Insert the new bulb and socket into the headlamp. Rotate it clockwise to lock it into the headlamp housing. Reinstall the socket cover.

7

Reconnect the wiring connector to the base of the headlamp assembly. Slide the assembly back into the Escalade's front clip. Push down on the vertical pin and rotate it back to its original position.

8

Slide the horizontal pin back into place and push it down until it snaps into place. Lay the radiator trim cover back in position. Push down on the radiator cover trim pins to re-anchor the radiator trim cover.