Headlight trim removal?

[drivem3]

Anyone have a good video/guide they follow to remove the headlight trim?? I'm having a really hard time, I've watched YouTube guides and looked around but I still don't understand how to remove the last tab (closest to the wheel).

[E11even]

I’ve used a small flat head and a smooth pick to get the tab released. That tab will sometimes break no matter how careful.

what are you removing it for? For most headlight work you can leave the trim attached by that last tab and rotate the trim out of the way. Safer than breaking a tab.

[drivem3]

I’ve used a small flat head and a smooth pick to get the tab released. That tab will sometimes break no matter how careful.

what are you removing it for? For most headlight work you can leave the trim attached by that last tab and rotate the trim out of the way. Safer than breaking a tab.

My passenger headlight is out, I've replaced the bulbs but it is still not working. I'm reading that it could be ballast or igniter so I'm trying to pull out the entire headlight so I can test it out.

[E11even]

Gotcha. I have my headlights out currently to get upgraded. Here’s what I did.

Rotate the trim forward about 30 degrees. Then used this mini pry bar. Get it in the tab levering it back while pulling the trim straight back with my other hand.

Hope this helps. Still 20 yr. Old plastic still may not be forgiving.

[drivem3]

Gotcha. I have my headlights out currently to get upgraded. Here’s what I did.

Rotate the trim forward about 30 degrees. Then used this mini pry bar. Get it in the tab levering it back while pulling the trim straight back with my other hand.

Hope this helps. Still 20 yr. Old plastic still may not be forgiving.

THANK YOU! I think it makes a little more sense. You said you have currently have your headlights out? If possible, would you be able to send me a pic of the plastic tab of your trim (the side by the corner lights)? I'm trying to get a better idea of how exactly it clips in.

[E11even]

Of course.

[Kevin2772]

I just replaced the lenses on both my headlights and that trim was a f-ing nightmare on my passenger side. I watched the FCP euro video of changing the lenses and they made everything seem as easy as possible. I had to use a pick like the posts above to get the one side out. Only by looking at the other side and seeing how it locks in. Basically just push the tab with the pick and slide it out.

[gouda]

I just replaced the lenses on both my headlights and that trim was a f-ing nightmare on my passenger side. I watched the FCP euro video of changing the lenses and they made everything seem as easy as possible. I had to use a pick like the posts above to get the one side out. Only by looking at the other side and seeing how it locks in. Basically just push the tab with the pick and slide it out.

That's exactly what I use - a small 90° pick tool. The videos don't explain it to well, but once I shined a flashlight in there to see the clip, it made sense.

Those photos of the trim piece above should be helpful.

[WoGGo]

This may help...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrxLYnoS-cA

[drivem3]

I just replaced the lenses on both my headlights and that trim was a f-ing nightmare on my passenger side. I watched the FCP euro video of changing the lenses and they made everything seem as easy as possible. I had to use a pick like the posts above to get the one side out. Only by looking at the other side and seeing how it locks in. Basically just push the tab with the pick and slide it out.

WOW I appreciate everyone's input. I was able to successfully get it out today with the help of a friend! An absolute nightmare to do, but glad that it finally popped out. Took a lot more force that I thought.

[oceansize]

WOW I appreciate everyone's input. I was able to successfully get it out today with the help of a friend! An absolute nightmare to do, but glad that it finally popped out. Took a lot more force that I thought.

When taking apart your headlight the large interior black plastic trim piece that wraps around the bulbs and bulb wells can be very fragile along the top due to age. Be careful with that.