How to open headlights on 2000-2002

DocMike · #1 10-02-2007, 07:31 PM

Are the Lens interchangeable between headlights? For example if I purchace a used set of non Xenon headlight assemblies and take my Xenon Headlight assemble appart can I replace the outer lens asembly so I can have the clear corners with newer lens and not as scratched up as my set now?

Aimster · #2 10-02-2007, 08:13 PM

Be careful.
I gave some guy my 02 headlights and they could not be opened.

I would stick with 00 and 01. If you MUST do 02 then I guess the earlier month would be best.

Just a warning to all.

DocMike · #3 10-02-2007, 08:41 PM

Alright this is tough. I did two cycles on 250 degree heat. I can not open these things for the life of me. I am prying with a large flat head screw driver but it seems as though I am just damaging the Black plastic and nothing is getting loose. Any hints or suggestions?

zerochief · #4 10-02-2007, 09:55 PM

Check the date code (on the weather strip) Its a circle with the year in the middle and an arrow pointing to the month - needs to be 08/2002 or before.

pic:

..

DocMike · #5 10-02-2007, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zerochief

Check the date code (on the weather strip) Its a circle with the year in the middle and an arrow pointing to the month - needs to be 08/2002 or before.

pic:

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1191376464

..

mine says 02 in center month/arrow pointer is 02

Aimster · #6 10-02-2007, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zerochief

Check the date code (on the weather strip) Its a circle with the year in the middle and an arrow pointing to the month - needs to be 08/2002 or before.

pic:

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...g?t=1191376464

..

I sent a guy headlights I thought were 05/2002. He said they were 08/2002.
He could not open them.

zerochief · #7 10-02-2007, 10:12 PM

Ok, great it should open. That black glue sure is sticky and opening mine was not easy. The marks from the screw driver will not be seen when your done. Did the glue melt? It takes a while to pry them open... just a tiny bit at a time on each side... then eventually it gives.

DocMike · #8 10-02-2007, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zerochief

Ok, great it should open. That black glue sure is sticky and opening mine was not easy. The marks from the screw driver will not be seen when your done. Did the glue melt? It takes a while to pry them open... just a tiny bit at a time on each side... then eventually it gives.

I keep putting it in the oven but the black plastic seems to be getting to soft so the scre driver is deforming the structure. I am trying to be careful but it is not opening. SHould I just keep putting in oven and then working on it? Where should I start this process? Is one corener better than the other

zerochief · #9 10-02-2007, 10:28 PM

I used a heat gun... it seemed easier to me. I started in the middle on the top... and used 2 or 3 short flat head screwdrivers. I wedged one screwdriver in and used another about 3 inches away to repeat the same idea. Then I turned the screwdriver a bit to push the cover out.... and just kept doing this all the way around except near the turn signal corner, which eventually just gives way. If you find the glue is not melted, its probably not going to open for you.

DocMike · #10 10-02-2007, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zerochief

I used a heat gun... it seemed easier to me. I started in the middle on the top... and used 2 or 3 short flat head screwdrivers. I wedged one screwdriver in and used another about 3 inches away to repeat the same idea. Then I turned the screwdriver a bit to push the cover out.... and just kept doing this all the way around except near the turn signal corner, which eventually just gives way. If you find the glue is not melted, its probably not going to open for you.

I have a heat gun I will try it. Just pry the two plastic parts away or turn the screw driver?