How do you remove the headlight assembly located on a 1997 Ford Mustang?

Answer 1

The things you will need are a screw driver, needle nose pliers, a 1/2 inch deep socket and ratchet and a new plastic grommet ( If you broke the old one)

Open the hood. On the side you want to remove the headlight, remove the plastic grommet that is over the headlight. (Insert a screw driver under the head and get enough clearance to insert the needle nose and grasp the neck of the grommet and pull up) The plastic cover will fold up toward the center front of the radiator. (do not apply to much presure to the plastic cover as you may break it.) Remove the 1/2 inch nut that is attached to wall of the motor compartment next to the head light (it is the only nut there.) once removed, the side marker lamp assembly can be removed by slowly shaking it. Once removed let it hang down. Looking at the back of the headlight assembly you will see 3 studs sticking out. The top outer stud will have a "c" clip holding the stud. remove it by pulling it straight up (I have never had trouble removing it, but don't lose it. They are impossible to find) The other 2 studs are held in place with pressure grommets. With your needle nose squeeze the fat looking parts of the pressure grommet together and pull the headlight toward you. It may take several tries. Do the same for the other. When it releases do not forget to unplug the power to the rear of the headlight. (looking at the headlight assembly the 3 studs will have the plastic gromets attached to them. These are for adjusting the headlights

To reinsert a new headlight. The 3 studs with the adjusting grommets should be arranged so that the pressure grommets (the part you used the needle nose plies to squeese toghether) are to the sides and the flat part of the grommet is at the top and bottom. Your slide adjuster will fit into the big groves located at the upper outside part of the headlight housing shell (do not remove the slider that is attached to the headlight with only a rubber piece) (also some times the slider is on upside down, you will know) Alighn all 3 studs to the receiver holes and push the studs threw. The 2 pressure studs will snap in place, while the slider will have to have the "c" clip reattatched. Check to make sure the Presure grommets are all the way though and snapped in place and that the "c" clip stud is all the way though. Reattatch the side marker light. Once again do not over tighten this nut. If you have to force anything on, something is wrong. I have replaced a lot of Mustang headlights and they all go on easily.

I like to adjust the headlights at night out where there is no traffic. A 1/8th inch socket will attatch to the studs in the rear. The top stud is the one you should need to adjust . It moves the headlight up and down. Remember to take your girl with you when adjust the lights, because they usually tell you how romantic it is adjusting headlights. TA TA G