electrical
Headlight Assembly - Pair
for 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV 65 kWh Single Motor FWD · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
7
Steps
15
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers the removal and installation of both left and right headlight assemblies on the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including disconnection of electrical connectors and proper alignment.
Warnings
⚠Disconnect 12V battery before starting work to prevent electrical system damage and avoid airbag deployment risk.
⚠Handle headlight assemblies carefully as LED modules and lenses are fragile and expensive to replace.
ℹ️This is an EV with high voltage systems. Work only involves 12V headlight circuits, but avoid orange high-voltage cables in engine bay.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
8mm socketEssential
Torque wrench (10-40 Nm range)Essential
Trim panel removal tool setEssential
T20 Torx driver
Masking tape
Work lightEssential
Parts
- Left headlight assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Right headlight assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Headlight mounting bolts (if corroded) × 6 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
- Turn off all electrical systems and remove key fob from vehicle interior
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
- Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes for system discharge
- Protect front bumper and fenders with towels or fender covers to prevent scratches
Procedure
- 1Access Driver Side HeadlightRemove the front wheelwell liner partially if additional access is needed. Remove the two upper mounting bolts accessible from the top of the headlight assembly using 10mm socket. These bolts secure the headlight to the radiator support.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 2Remove Driver Side Lower FastenerLocate and remove the lower mounting bolt accessed from below the headlight assembly near the bumper interface. Use 10mm socket. This may require turning the steering wheel fully right for better access.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 3Disconnect Driver Side Electrical ConnectorsReach behind the headlight assembly and locate the main headlight connector. Press the release tab and pull connector straight back. If equipped with adaptive lighting, disconnect the second smaller connector for the leveling motor. Mark connectors with tape if needed to identify during reinstallation.⚠Do not pull on wires; always grasp the connector body to avoid damaging the harness.
- 4Remove Driver Side Headlight AssemblyCarefully pull the headlight assembly forward and outward from the vehicle. It may require gentle rocking to disengage the alignment pins at the rear of the housing. Guide the assembly out without contacting painted surfaces.⚠The headlight assembly weighs approximately 8-10 lbs and has protruding alignment tabs that can scratch the fender if not carefully removed.
- 5Access Passenger Side HeadlightRepeat the process on the passenger side. Remove the two upper mounting bolts accessible from the top of the headlight assembly using 10mm socket. Note that access may be slightly different due to underhood component placement.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 6Remove Passenger Side Lower FastenerLocate and remove the lower mounting bolt from below the passenger headlight assembly. Turn steering wheel fully left for improved access. Use 10mm socket.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 7Disconnect Passenger Side Electrical ConnectorsDisconnect the main headlight connector and any secondary connectors (adaptive lighting module if equipped) from the passenger headlight assembly. Press release tabs and pull connectors straight back from the headlight housing.⚠Connectors may be stiff on new vehicles; avoid excessive force that could break the connector tabs.
- 8Remove Passenger Side Headlight AssemblyPull the headlight assembly forward and outward from the vehicle, disengaging the rear alignment pins. Support the assembly weight and guide it out carefully to avoid contact with adjacent components.
- 9Prepare New Headlight AssembliesInspect new headlight assemblies for shipping damage. Remove any protective film or packaging. Verify that alignment pins on the rear of the housing are intact and mounting points are clean. Transfer any necessary components from old assemblies if performing partial replacement.
- 10Install Passenger Side HeadlightGuide the new passenger headlight assembly into position, aligning the rear pins with their corresponding holes in the body structure. Apply gentle pressure to seat the assembly fully. Ensure even gaps around the headlight perimeter before installing fasteners.
- 11Secure Passenger Side HeadlightInstall the lower mounting bolt finger-tight first. Then install both upper mounting bolts finger-tight. Once all three bolts are started, torque them in sequence (lower, then upper bolts) to specification using a torque wrench.⚠Do not fully tighten one bolt before starting others, as this can cause misalignment and uneven panel gaps.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 12Connect Passenger Side ElectricalReconnect the main headlight connector by aligning the connector and pressing firmly until you hear/feel a click. Connect any secondary connectors (adaptive lighting module). Gently tug on each connector to verify it is locked in place.
- 13Install Driver Side HeadlightPosition the driver side headlight assembly, aligning rear pins with body mounting points. Seat the assembly fully and check for even gaps. Install the lower bolt finger-tight, followed by both upper mounting bolts finger-tight.
- 14Secure Driver Side HeadlightTorque all three mounting bolts to specification in sequence (lower first, then upper bolts) using a torque wrench. Verify headlight assembly is seated flush with adjacent body panels and gaps are even.Torque specModule Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 15Connect Driver Side Electrical and Reconnect BatteryReconnect all electrical connectors on the driver side headlight assembly, ensuring each clicks into place. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Clear any protective coverings from the work area.ℹ️Battery terminal must be torqued to exact specification; overtightening can damage the terminal post.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
- Check headlight alignment and panel gaps before final testing
- Reinstall any wheelwell liner clips or fasteners that were removed for access
- Clean headlight lenses with appropriate cleaner to remove fingerprints
Verification
- Turn ignition to ON position and verify both headlights illuminate on low beam
- Test high beam function on both sides
- Verify daytime running lights (DRLs) operate correctly
- Test turn signals integrated into headlight assemblies
- If equipped, verify adaptive headlight function by turning steering wheel lock-to-lock
- Check for any warning lights on instrument cluster related to exterior lighting
- Inspect headlight alignment visually; if beams appear to point incorrectly, headlight aim adjustment may be required
- Verify all panel gaps around headlights are even and consistent with factory specification