Headlight bulbs
 

Does anyone know how to access the headlights on the 2004 CTS? Do I have to access the housing from within the wheel-well? My lights look like the 'ballast'(?) is done, the lights are a faded yellow in brilliance when they should be , (or so I think), blue from Xenon HIDs.

Any help would really be appreciated.
Thanks.

RE: Headlight bulbs
 

Well, if the 04 is like my 05 then you've got quite a job ahead of you. According to my 2005 CTS service manual, to access the HID lamp ballast you need to remove the entire headlight assembly. This, according to the manual, involves removing the grille and the front fascia (bumper cover)! This procedure seems necessary to access even the headlamp, sidemarker and turn signal bulbs! Yikes! Maybe one of the Techs will chime in with an easier solution. Good luck! Mike.

RE: Headlight bulbs
 

DAMN!!!!That's heavy!!!

RE: Headlight bulbs
 

Yup the headlight assembliesare absolutely a nightmare to replace on these things. Just replaced the passenger side on mine last night and had to loosen half the front end to do it!

I found that if you remove the tire and loosen the fender from the bumper it's only three screws up inside there and it will give you a little free room to play with. But you do need to pull all the plastic off the front to unscrew the headlight bracket from behind the grille so you can look forward to good night of banged up knuckles and bent plastic



Good luck




If there is an easier way, would've been useful yesterday!

RE: Headlight bulbs
 

I have an '04 CTS sport/luxury and had to replace the headlight last spring. I took it to the dealer to do. $300 or so later it was done. I know they had to drop the front valence and work from underneath. Something I didn't want to try. This is my first Cadillac, purchased it last January. Am quite happy with it, but a pain in the A$$ on snow. Will be looking for awinter car next year. One with front wheel drive.
I am looking forward to the coupe that is coming out next year. Looks like it will be a special car.

Would I have to use the same technique to adjust the level/aim indicator on the headlights? I too have an CTS 04. THANKS!!!!

You should be able to adjust the vertical aim of the headlights without removing the headlight assembly. Raise the hood and on either side of the radiator there are two holes that go down thru the metal between the radiator and the fender. If you look down thru the hole, there is an allen head bolt that you turn to raise or lower the headlight aim. At least thats the way it is on my 05. Let us know if this works for you.
Mike.

Thanks!! I'll keep you posted!!

Your advice was right on target!! THANKS!!

Sweet. Glad to be of some assistance.