Projects & Repairs --> Lights --> Headlights --> 1996 Chevy Blazer

Replacing Headlight Bulbs
On A 1996 Chevy Blazer

Also Covers GMC Jimmy, S10/Sonoma Pickup

(Covers Model Years 1994 to 2005, Mostly...)

In This Article:

Related Articles:

Skill Level: 2 (Basic)

Time Taken: About 15 Minutes

By Jim Wilk, Licensed Auto Body Technician

Start:

On these models of 1995-2005  S10 Blazer, Truck, GMC Jimmy and Sonoma truck  the headlight assembly can be removed without removing the grille. 

 

With a 5mm or 3/16 socket I unscrewed one of the two mounting rods.

 

Then I unscrewed the the second mounting rod.

I have found that when I replace these rods it's a lot easier if they are lubricated with oil or grease.

 

Next I grabbed the headlight and pulled it away from the grill, pulling forward and to the side.

 

Disconnecting The Wires:

Then I pulled up on the lock tab and pulled the wire off the bulb. I also noticed that one of them is color coded.

 

Next I removed the side marker lamp by twisting on the bulb socket counter-clockwise.

 

After the assembly was totally off the vehicle I twisted the lower headlight bulb counter-clockwise to remove it.

 

To remove the upper bulb. I had to remove the 10mm bolt connecting the mounting panel to the headlamp at the outer end and swing the mounting panel out of the way. Then I was able to remove the bulb.

 

View of the area of the grille without the headlamp assembly.

Assembly was the reverse of removal.

When I installed the new bulb, I made sure not to touch the glass with my hands... the oil on your skin can leave a residue that can cause the glass to overheat and make the bulb burn out early.

 

Tail Light Replacement:

Note: This 96 Blazer has a fold-down tailgate similar to a pickup truck, while later models have a lift-up tailgate similar too hatchback cars and minivans. The tail lamp replacement procedure is mostly the same.

Tail lamp 1994-2004 S10 Blazer, Truck, GMC Jimmy and Sonoma Truck 

 

Upon opening the back tailgate, I exposed the two Phillips screws holding the tail light on. 

 

I used a long narrow Phillips screwdriver to remove the top screw.

I prefer to use an extra-long screwdriver here so my knuckles are not jammed against the tailgate gasket.

 

This model was equipped with gas spring cylinder because of the weight of the tailgate, and it's right in the way of the screw.

To move this I used a small screwdriver to pry up the clip at the end and apply pressure until it released and moved it out of the way.

 

Then I was able to unscrew the lower screw.

 

Next with a small flat screwdriver I pried the lamp away slightly. Then I went to the other side of the lamp.

 

Next with the screwdriver I pushed towards the back until I felt the clip release.

When I reinstall these type I lubricate the clip.

 

With my finger I pushed on the tab of the bulb socket and twisted counter-clockwise.

 

View of notches that have to be properly aligned to reinstall the socket.

 

More Info:

Tools Used:

  • Long Phillips Screwdriver
  • Small Flat Screwdriver
  • Sockets: 5mm (or 3/16"), 10mm
  • Ratchet Wrench

Materials Used:

  • Headlight Bulb
  • Tail Light Bulb

Related Articles:

 

 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Written March 10, 2008