C6 head light replacement

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Nov 27, 2007 | 08:29 PM

Paul71LT1

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From: Waterford CT

C6 head light replacement

I have been slowly reading the owners manual on my new C6, Z51 coupe and I get to the section that talks about headlight replacement. The book provides very detailed instructions with illustrations for changing the high beam and the parking/DRL/turn signal bulbs. For the low beam it simply says, see your dealer/retailer. What the ...??? The low beam bulb sits right between the two that I can change myself, according to their instructions. Why can I allegedly not change the low beam? Special tool? GM's way of sending $$ back to their dealers? I have a problem with this because unless something is under warranty I NEVER take my cars to a dealer and I will disassemble the entire front end to get to the bulb before the dealer will see it.

Anybody know why the manual says this?

Nov 28, 2007 | 12:27 AM

Oldvetter

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Joined: Feb 2002

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From: Waldorf MD

I don't know, but GM even keeps the type of bulb a secret. Some figured out what is was by reading numbers on it, but all GM lists is the part number.

There is very high current involved, my Nissan has warning stickers on near the HID headlights. Maybe it is a liability/lawyer issue.

Nov 28, 2007 | 12:46 AM

Pat Salerno

Burning Brakes

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From: Rio Rancho NM

I read that there is a need to discharge a capacitor that is in the HID power supply and may be capable of delivering a leathal voltage if not handled properly......

I would tread carefully.....
Pat

Nov 28, 2007 | 09:38 PM

Paul71LT1

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From: Waterford CT

High voltage

I guess the liability thing makes sense. That's nothing that some decent instructions couldn't solve. Now I wonder if it is addressed in the shop manual. Anyone out there have one they would like to check for us?

I also don't know why the high beam would be any different. I would think that would have at least as much if not more power involved.

Nov 28, 2007 | 09:52 PM

PolishDude

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Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Tampa Florida

uh i think its just a way of extra money for the dealer. Ive changed bulbs on HID lights before, its not a big deal at all.

Nov 29, 2007 | 07:14 AM

mneblett

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Castleton VA

Cruise-In VIII Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolishDude

uh i think its just a way of extra money for the dealer. Ive changed bulbs on HID lights before, its not a big deal at all.

My vote is liability concerns -- likely unjustified, but tell a corporate lawyer that there's a capacitor with 20,000 volts nearby and see what happens. I've installed/serviced a number of HIDs on motorcycles, and there's really not much concern.

As to why the high beam is different, high beams are frequently used for signaling (flashing). HIDs are not well suited to this, as they do not instantly come to full brightness. I also suspect rapid multiple flashes would be hard on the electronics that drive the bulb, which have to drop 5,000-20,000 volts across the bulb each time it ignites the arc within the bulb (there's no filament in a HID, an arc is struck in a gas atmosphere inside the bulb).

Oct 17, 2011 | 10:00 PM

rgondeck

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Joined: Jul 2007

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C6 light bulbs

They are here if you want to buy just the bulbs.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/se...dlight+Bulb%29

Oct 17, 2011 | 10:10 PM

Paratrooper307

Racer

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 497

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From: Garner NC

The HID low beam is held in by two tiny screws, but if you are careful you can do it. Disconnect the battery, and its easier if you pull off the wheel. Remove the cover, and its all right there.

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Oct 18, 2011 | 10:18 AM

RLSebring

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From: Pensacola Florida GO GATORS!!! www.rlsebring.com www.c6c7vette.com

St. Jude Donor '17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paratrooper307

The HID low beam is held in by two tiny screws, but if you are careful you can do it. Disconnect the battery, and its easier if you pull off the wheel. Remove the cover, and its all right there.

^^^^ This. Many have changed their own bulbs. No special process needed. Biggest problem encountered is dropping one or both screws that hold the HID inplace down into the headlight housing and you're screwed. Very difficult replacement to come up with.

You're in tight confines and have to handle the bulb with care and getting the harness plug off the bulb/exciter is a little difficult on a lot of them.

I think JW Motoring here has a pictorial on their website that covers the bulb replacement since he sells replacement bulbs. Any replacement bulb is pretty pricey.

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