2000 Echo Head lights

[JeffP]

The head lights (the glass covers) are dingy and need to be cleaned; the problem appears on the inside of the glass. I do not have an Echo manual; how do you get the head lamps off without tearing things up? Thanks.

[ECHOKnight2000]

Do you mean like disassemble the headlight housing itself? If you're not too sure I wouldn't do it. I would have a mechanic look at it or have him do it...I wouldn't want to run the risk of making things worst, or ruining anything. It has sealant around it so moister or water doesn't get inside. Good luck. I don't know what to really say on that.

[JeffP]

Thanks...I'll take that under advisement.

[bgrieger]

I know the newer echos have to have the fender unbolted and the bumper taken off to get the headlamps out...I hope the earlier ones are easier for you! When you get it out, you may try pouring some glass cleaner into them and wash it around...let them dry for a long while after or the heat of the lamps will cause condensation that will just cloud them over again.

[emi323i]

there's a bolt on the side that you have to remove. i don't remember exactly where it was, but it requires a bit of work

[MrPalerider]

Originally Posted by JeffP

The head lights (the glass covers) are dingy and need to be cleaned; the problem appears on the inside of the glass. I do not have an Echo manual; how do you get the head lamps off without tearing things up? Thanks.

I recently replaced the headlamps on my '04 Echo because of similar problems. I tried the buffer/renew stuff that polishes the lamps on the outside, which worked for a couple months but then got worse...which is what EVERYONE told me would happen (but hey, it was a $10 attempt). But that does nothing for the inside of the lens I know. The problem is that on many Lexan headlamp assemblies the actually laminate them and it's that lamination that actually oxidizes/UV degrades/roughs up and there is nothing you can do about it. I talked with a local auto-detailer who explained it to me and said he could put a new lamination on the outside but is labour intensive and the inside of the lens is a hornets nest because of the silicon glue used is so strong that you'll break the plastic in the process getting it off.

All that said, I purchased 2 brand new lenses for $120 total from Amazon and installed them inside of 1 hour. I didn't take the bumper completely off but did remove all the fasteners and tilted the bumper up to reveal the bolts on the side of the lens. I'd recommend this route as the renewing of old plastic is futile.