How to Get the Grille Out of a 2001 Chevy S-10

In 1982, Chevrolet released the S-10 as the replacement for the LUV compact pickup, which Isuzu built for General Motors. In 1994, Chevrolet performed the first redesign on the S-10, eliminating the square front end in favor of a more rounded front end. This redesign lasted through the S-10's elimination in 2005 with only minor upgrades, one of which was a grille upgrade in 1998. Removing the recently redesigned grille on the 2001 S-10 requires care, as you can easily break it with excessive force.

Instructions

1

Open the S-10's hood and find the two headlight-retaining tabs --- on the rear of the headlight assembly --- and pull the retaining tabs upward and out of the rear of the headlight assembly. Pull the headlight assembly upward and away from the front of the S-10. Label the three wiring harnesses on the rear of the headlight assembly, using masking tape and a permanent marker.

2

Press the locking tabs on each headlight bulb socket, and pull the headlight sockets away from the rear of the headlight bulbs. Twist the side-marker socket counterclockwise, about a quarter-turn, to unlock it, and pull the socket and bulb from the headlight assembly. Set the headlight assembly aside.

3

Locate the retaining clip on the rear of the turn signal assembly and squeeze the two ears on the clip inward, using slip-joint pliers, and pull the turn signal assembly outward to disengage the clip. Pull the turn signal assembly outward to remove it. Label the three wiring harness on the rear of the turn signal assembly, using masking tape and a permanent marker. Twist the turn-signal socket counterclockwise to unlock it, and pull it from the rear of the assembly.

4

Repeat Steps 1 through 3 to remove the headlight and turn-signal assembly on the other side of the truck.

5

Disengage the 10 grille-retaining clips --- two behind each turn signal assembly and six across the top of the grille --- by prying them free with a flat-head screwdriver. Pull the grille from the front of the S-10, an eleventh grille-retaining clip, located behind the Chevrolet emblem disengages as you pull the grille away.

6

Transfer the 11 grille-retaining clips from the old grille to the new grille, if applicable, by pulling each clip off with slip-joint pliers and pressing them onto their respective positions on the new grille.

7

Route the headlight and turn signal wires through their respective holes --- headlight wires go above the grille's center bar, and the turn signal wires go through the hole underneath the center bar.

8

Set the grille on the front of the S-10, and line up the grille-retaining clips up with the slots in the front of the truck. Lightly strike the grille with your hand where each retaining clip is to lock the grille into place.

9

Remove the label from the turn-signal wiring, and insert the turn-signal bulb and socket into the rear of the turn signal assembly. Twist the socket clockwise to lock it into place. Line the tabs and clips on the rear of the turn signal assembly up with the slots on the front of the S-10. Press the turn signal assembly until it snaps into place.

10

Plug the two wiring harnesses into their respective headlight bulbs until the locking tabs snap into place. Insert the side-marker bulb into its hole on the outer part of the headlight assembly, and twist it clockwise to lock it into place. Remove the labels from the headlight and side-marker wiring.

11

Slide the two vertical tabs on the rear of the headlight assembly into the slots in the headlight bed. Take care not to pinch the headlight wiring in the process. Hold rearward pressure on the headlight assembly, and slide the two headlight-retaining tabs into the slots on the rear of the headlight assembly. Press down on the locking tabs until they snap into place.

12

Repeat Steps 9 through 11 to install the headlight and taillight assemblies on the other side of the S-10. Close the truck's hood.