2003 Headlight Removal

[bankerjohn]

Has anybody removed a headlight assembly on an '03 Avalon?

I've removed the 3 bolts from the plastic tabs that are plainly visible from above, but the unit doesn't seem to want to just pull out.

Is there a "trick" to getting it out ... short of removing the bumper?

[I have part of a FSM, but I think it's for a later model ... as it appears to have a "discharge" type bulb ... and one of the 3 bolts shown appears to be behind the bumper! Mine are all on top and visible without removing anything.]

[new echo owner]

Probably have one more coming in from the outside behind the bumper cover. Are you replacing the headlight? If you are, look at the new one.

N.E.O.

[bankerjohn]

There are only 3 tabs on the replacement ... but there is also what I'd call an "alignment pin" near the outside corner ... presumably, it slides into a hole to secure that side of the assembly.

I think my problem is that there's a portion of the housing which protrudes below the bottom of the clear plastic lens ... maybe 1/4" ... which is catching on the top of the bumper. I'm afraid I'm going to have to remove the bumper assembly ... what a dumb design!

* * * UPDATE : * * *

I decided to try and see if I could wiggle it out ... and lo and behold, out it came ... without removing anything else. Just disconnected the three connectors and plugged them into the new assembly. New assembly went back in even easier than removing the old one.

Good design Toyota!