How to Replace a Headlight on a 2007 GMC Yukon

GMC introduced the Yukon in the 1992 model year, and based the SUV on its popular Sierra pickup. In 2000, GMC redesigned the Yukon, but the SUV remained based on the Sierra pickup. In the 2007 model year, the GMC separated the Yukon from the pickup, giving it a more luxurious look and feel. This redesign made the Yukon more desirable, but it also led to additional work to replace a headlight bulb. Replacing a headlight on a 2007 Yukon requires removing the front fascia assembly.

Instructions

Open the Yukon's hood and remove the six bolts on top of the front fascia, using a ratchet and socket.

Raise the front of the Yukon off the ground, using a floor jack, and position jack stands under the frame rails. Lower the Yukon onto the jack stands.

Remove the two bolts on the front of the wheel-well liner -- the black plastic shield inside the wheel well -- on both sides of the Yukon, using a ratchet and socket. Pry the two push pins out of the front of the liner on both sides of the Yukon, using a flat-head screwdriver.

Remove the two fascia-to-fender bolts on either side of the Yukon, using a ratchet and socket. Remove the two bolts on the front underside of the fascia, using a ratchet and socket.

Pull the outermost part of the fascia that connects to the front fender outward until the fascia disengages from the fascia-to-fender mounting bracket. Pull the entire fascia forward to disengage it, and downward to expose the headlight-mounting hardware. The aid of an assistant helps in this process.

Loosen the lower outside bolt connecting the headlight assembly to the front fender, using a ratchet and socket. Don't remove this bolt, as it provides a guide to help line up the headlight on reinstallation.

Remove the two upper headlight bolts, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the headlight assembly forward to disengage the retaining clips. Unplug the two wiring harnesses -- one for the turn signal and daytime light and another for the headlight -- from the rear of the headlight assembly, by pressing the locking button and pulling the harness from the assembly.

Twist the headlight bulb counterclockwise to unlock it and pull it from the headlight assembly. Insert a new H13 headlight bulb into the headlight assembly and twist it clockwise to lock it into place. Make certain you only touch the plastic part of the bulb, touching the glass may lead to premature bulb failure.

Plug the wiring harnesses back into the headlight assembly. Line the headlight assembly retaining clips up with the holes in the Yukon and line up the slot on the outer part of the headlight with the bolt in the fender. Press the headlight assembly until the retaining clips snap into place.

Tighten the three headlight-retaining bolts to 4 to 5 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

Lift up the front fascia -- an assistant helps in this process -- and guide it into place on the front of the Yukon. Press the outer ends of the fascia into the fascia-to-fender bracket and tighten the four bolts -- two on each side -- to 5 to 6 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

Tighten the two front underside fascia bolts to 7 to 8 foot-pounds, and the six front upper fascia bolts to 4 to 5 foot-pounds.

Insert the two push pins into the wheel-well liner and press them into place. Tighten the two liner bolts to 4 to 5 foot-pounds.

Raise the Yukon off the jack stands with the floor jack, and remove the jack stands. Lower the Yukon to the ground.