Need Headlight replacement

[Merth]

Help, I have a 2003 CTS and my headlight outer covers are flaking like some sort of environment breakdown. I can't seem to find a part number or replacement anywhere online. Have yet to try dealership and really don't want to as they seem to hand the big one to you there.

Thanks for any info.
M

[250motorsportz]

I can get a set of HID headlights for $250cnd + shipping.

[Merth]

I guess I first need to understand if i have HID which if i'm understanding right I do. I found a couple used on ebay but a little leary about getting them. I'm going to try and get a part number from cadillac dealer tommorrow. Not wanting to spend an arm and leg for these but mine are looking bad I don't think they will buff out and look good. Will have to try and post a pick so everyone can see what they are doing.

[250motorsportz]

OK, just let me know because $250+shipping is probably less than half the price that GM is selling for. Post some pics, hopefully someone around here can help you.

[wait4me6920]

Originally Posted by Merth

Help, I have a 2003 CTS and my headlight outer covers are flaking like some sort of environment breakdown. I can't seem to find a part number or replacement anywhere online. Have yet to try dealership and really don't want to as they seem to hand the big one to you there.

Thanks for any info.
M

Originally Posted by 250motorsportz

OK, just let me know because $250+shipping is probably less than half the price that GM is selling for. Post some pics, hopefully someone around here can help you.

Quite a few people have had this problem & it is attributable to acid rain/pollution. Some, including me, have had them replaced under warranty. Other dealers resurfaced or buffed out the nacelles.

250motorsportz - you're talking about an HID kit, aren't you? This is all well and good for changing the lamps out from halogen, but does nothing for the external appearance of the headlamp nacelles.

Merth - the only solution here is to either replace the entire unit (if your car is under warranty this is the way to go) or see if you can get them resurfaced. As I mentioned earlier, some dealers balked at replacing the entire assembly & buffed them out.

Then too, if the car is not under warranty resurfacing/buffing may be your best option unless you want to spend big bucks on new units.

Of course you can check out eBay and salvage yards as well, but before buying ensure that the units are in pristine condition.

and good luck!

[Juniorverse]

My local dealership (Valley Chevrolet in Wilkes-Barre PA) scoffed when I asked for headlamp replacements. I am going to just let them flake off. Eventually all the flakes will be gone and they will look brand new!

[Merth]

Hey guys thanks for the info. No Warrenty on this one to many miles. I think i'll try and do the buff thing but i've got some serious top end abrasions. High speed vortex enveloping along with the flaking. For the most part I believe I might be able to buff out the flaking but the deeper abrasions i'll have to live with till replacements can be aquired. I'll try and get some pics tommorrow to actually show my delima. BTW I have yet to see any sunburst orange CTS's mentioned. Not sure of anyone else here but i'm a UT fan and my ride trends in same direction wondering how I can get a touch up paint to blend. Any suggestions on that.

[Merth]

Ok, I've posted a couple pics. One of my ride and two other's on my headlight problem. Also if someone could please let me know by the pics if I have whats called HID lights.

Here is the light issue.

Here is one so can get it ID'ed to what kind of light I have.

[Merth]

My bad pics didn't come thru will try this again.

[Z71]

Those HID lights are a big job to change. You would not believe the work to replace even one of the lamps of those lights. The front air dam has to come off. About 7 steps in the service manual.

Those HID lamps are high voltage (dangerous) so you must follow procedure to avoid getting zapped. Even with the power to them disconnected, they still will contain a high charge. Probably worse then a taser.

My 05 manual says to see the dealer for lamp replacement. So I asked if they could change (to PIAA super whites so I can see better at night) my high beams for me when they upgraded my onstar. He said, if it not to hard, we will do it. He came back about a hour later and said its a big job, could take several hours as the body shop would do it and they have not had to do one yet. I would have to pay.