Does anyone have the directions on how to get to the headlights? I have the ones from the FAQ page. Does anyone have any pictures? Do I really have to take off a tire? I'm just replacing a ballast, which I believe is under the headlight? Thanks

You should be able to just turn the wheel to the opposite side that you want to get at the headlight. Want the left light, turn the wheels to lock on the right. Want the right light, do the opposite.

Well, just going thru the wheel isn't going to work, I can get pretty close to the headlight, but not quite there! What a pain! Any other instructions or idea, let me know. Looks like the bumper route is going to have to wait until Saturday when I have some time.

No one has done a photo essay (that I know of, but one might be out there) on how to take off and install the front bumper clip, and unfortunately there is no way to get to the light enclosure from inside the fender wheel as the housing is contained within the sheetmetal structure rendering it inaccessible simple by removing the inner fender wheel liners. The front inner fender liner must be removed on both sides to remove the front bumper clip, so taking off each front wheel is the quickest means of removing them; wheel lug nuts should be torqued back at the factory recommended 100 ft. lbs.

Here are some things to append to Mbai2 instructions:

Allow proper space allocation at the front of your CTS for moving the bumper clip forward and a place to put it when it's off. Place a moving or old blanket on the ground in front and under the front bumper to set the bumper down and rest upon. BEWARE: It is wobbly when loose owed to its flexibility; two (2) people are highly recommended when taking the clip off, simply because it is much easier to handle the clip without scratching anything.

Make sure the driving/turn signal cable to the housing is unplugged and removed on both sides.

Where the clip attaches to the fender, in front of the wheel, is also where the one (1) 10mm bolt and two (2) tall 10mm nuts are situated. This attachment is a slotted slip-on arrangement. The bolt (located closest to the wheel) locks the slotted affair in place, so it must be completely removed. Loosen the two (2) tall 10mm nuts to the bottom of the stud, but leave them on the stud. Now, tap the bottom of the nut/stud pushing the stud and nut up a bit--do both tall nut/studs. Now, do the other side ("side" being passenger or driver, depending upon which side you started loosening first) the same way. The next step is to hold the edge of the bumper clip and push forward. The two studs with the nuts left on them are engaged in a two slots, that you cannot see until you remove the clip. While pushing the clip forward (no need to handle it roughly as it will slide forward easily) it will cease moving as it has now reached the end of the slot, bring it back a tad, and the clip will not fall from the upper fender sheetmetal. All the above will make sense when you remove it.

I do highly recommend using 2" wide 3M Safe-Release Painters' Masking Tape (it's the blue colored tape) and mask off the edge of the metal fenders on both sides where the bumper clip attaches for protection before removing the clip, leaving it on until you have finished reassembling the clip and completing the job.

Here's a thread that shows you what you will be looking at when the clip is removed:

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-cts-forum/39046-hid-w-ground-wire-install-pix.html?highlight=triangle+hid

Give me your fax number and I can send you the instructions from the Service Manual with illustrations.:)

it's fairly simple.
1. take the front wheel plastic cover and bumper plastic covers as well as all the push pins under the hood.
2. unplug all the lights (side marker, and fog lamp assembly)
3. unscrew the 2 nuts (You don't have to removed them completly)
4. While having another person hold the bumper, remove the hex screw at the end (only remove the ones pointing up no towards the engine bay)
5. Repeat step 3. Makes sure other person is holding the opposite side.
6. Remove the hex bolt and you should be able to pop the bumper fowards.

Your front bumper is now completely removed

I think its been said a 1000 times but U DO NOT have to remove the wheels, that is a totally unnecessary step. Not sure why people still give the advice that wheel removal is the only way, its not. I have removed the bumper a few times myself, once to do a custom install of HID's. Follow what ChicagoCTS32 said and it'll work out just fine.

I sent PottyScotty a copy of the Service Manual instruction with illustrations via Fax..if anyone else wants one let me know.

I think its been said a 1000 times but U DO NOT have to remove the wheels, that is a totally unnecessary step. Not sure why people still give the advice that wheel removal is the only way, its not. I have removed the bumper a few times myself, once to do a custom install of HID's. Follow what ChicagoCTS32 said and it'll work out just fine.
You can easily slide the platic cover without removing the wheels but if you have wider wheels/tires, it's harder to access the bolts and nuts

I think its been said a 1000 times but U DO NOT have to remove the wheels, that is a totally unnecessary step. Not sure why people still give the advice that wheel removal is the only way, its not. I have removed the bumper a few times myself, once to do a custom install of HID's. Follow what ChicagoCTS32 said and it'll work out just fine.
If you have never removed the inner fender covers before removing the wheel simply makes it much easier as not only can you see how things lay out, but removing the expansion pins is easier. I do agree with you that you do not have to remove the wheel. I do it because I like to look around and check matters out such as my brake pads, and other things.

I do not know whether others have noticed, but there are wear points on the structure aluminum bumper that abrade away at the bumper clip. I have taken a Dremel and removed all the edges from machining and laid 3M Automotive Duct Tape across the two diagonal points where the clip rubs to reduce wear.

If you have never removed the inner fender covers before removing the wheel simply makes it much easier as not only can you see how things lay out, but removing the expansion pins is easier. I do agree with you that you do not have to remove the wheel. I do it because I like to look around and check matters out such as my brake pads, and other things.

I do not know whether others have noticed, but there are wear points on the structure aluminum bumper that abrade away at the bumper clip. I have taken a Dremel and removed all the edges from machining and laid 3M Automotive Duct Tape across the two diagonal points where the clip rubs to reduce wear.

Pics would be nice the next time you have the wheel off. I'm not sure I'm following you.

Pics would be nice the next time you have the wheel off. I'm not sure I'm following you.
Since I have my front clip and grill at the paint shop as I type (hopefully it is all done today as I was color matching my grill and front license plate holder to the car, and wanted them to cut-in the grill so all looked factory) I can take pictures of what I am speaking of.

Since I have my front clip and grill at the paint shop as I type (hopefully it is all done today as I was color matching my grill and front license plate holder to the car, and wanted them to cut-in the grill so all looked factory) I can take pictures of what I am speaking of.

You installing a V bumper by chance?:)

You installing a V bumper by chance?:)
Actually, this all being done to repair some parking lot mall damage (around last Christmas) where my grill was torn and my bumper had two scrapes put on it by someone who did not bother to leave a note. I acquired a new grill and wanted the license plate holder/grill painted to match the body color (as Cadillac used to do on their cars). I am leaving the front license plate holder on only as a first line of defense from people trying to parallel park, mainly at church, where they are always notoriously late for church and all bets are off when they park.

Actually, this all being done to repair some parking lot mall damage (around last Christmas) where my grill was torn and my bumper had two scrapes put on it by someone who did not bother to leave a note. I acquired a new grill and wanted the license plate holder/grill painted to match the body color (as Cadillac used to do on their cars). I am leaving the front license plate holder on only as a first line of defense from people trying to parallel park, mainly at church, where they are always notoriously late for church and all bets are off when they park.

So a new bumper wasn't a choice..darn!!

Pics would be nice the next time you have the wheel off. I'm not sure I'm following you.
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