changing early c4 headslights
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 1
From: panama panama
changing early c4 headslights
hello. i have a broken headlight lamp cristal. i got the pair new for $25
now i want to install them.
is there any way to install the heatlight lamps with out taking all the system apart.
or more like it. what is the proper procedure
now i want to install them.
is there any way to install the heatlight lamps with out taking all the system apart.
or more like it. what is the proper procedure
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,392
Likes: 216
From: Merritt Island, FL
raise hood
rotate headlights halfway by hand using black ***** near motors
one screw on each side of headlight housing
4 screws on metal trim ring / retainer around front of bulb
unplug connector
reverse to re-install.
rotate headlights halfway by hand using black ***** near motors
one screw on each side of headlight housing
4 screws on metal trim ring / retainer around front of bulb
unplug connector
reverse to re-install.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 401
Likes: 7
From: Irvine CA
I would assume it's the same process for my year because they are the same headlight setups?
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Bell Buckle, TN
Not sure if it's the same on your 1986--mine is a 1990--but there's also a spring that keeps the assembly under tension. Sometimes this spring, if it's installed on yours, is a bit of a pain to get back into place unless you have a good tool to grab the end of it (I think the Haynes manual calls for using a hooked tool like those used for certain snap rings). Be careful when you do this---almost took my eye out once in the process (use eye protection).
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 2
From: Canandaigua New York
But you need to unplug the connector first or the lights will try to close themselves again..
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
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From: Database Error Indiana
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 2
From: Canandaigua New York
Also not true on my 87.
I found that out when I changed the drivers side headlight.
Thought I was going to lose a finger because my left hand was on the light when I was cranking the ****..
Got it about half way up and 'whap' snapped back closed on me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,392
Likes: 216
From: Merritt Island, FL
Heh, good to know, I didn't realize that the earlier years would function in that manner.
Not sure when the change took place, but my '91 doesn't do that. I suspect '88 or '89 may have been the changeover.
Not sure when the change took place, but my '91 doesn't do that. I suspect '88 or '89 may have been the changeover.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
You can get the headlights to go up and stay up by turning on the headlights and then pushing in the headlight switch to the parking light position. The headlights will turn off but not retract. Now you can work on them without draining the battery so much. Only the parking lights and tail lights will be on.
You can unplug the headlight relays to keep them up and then shut off the other lights.
You can unplug the headlight relays to keep them up and then shut off the other lights.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
Easiest way to change the "early" lights:
1. Open hood.
2. Turn headlights on to open the doors.
3. Turn headlight switch off, then immediately move switch to the Parking Light position. Doors will stop moving so screws on the sides of the headlight cover can be removed. Leave the parking lights on while you change the headlight, or disconnect the battery, or pull the relays, like Cliff said.
Last edited by Hot Rod Roy; Aug 13, 2012 at 03:01 PM.