electrical

Headlight Assembly - Pair

for 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83 · RWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
2.3 h
Tools
5
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 replacement of both left and right headlight assemblies on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work to avoid burns from hot components
ℹ️Headlight assemblies are fragile and can crack if dropped. Handle with care and keep in protective packaging until installation
Do not disconnect battery unless working with HID or LED equipped models that require module removal. Disconnecting battery will require radio code and system relearn procedures

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Quarter-inch ratchet with extensionsEssential
Flat-blade trim removal tool
Torque wrenchEssential
Work light or flashlight

Parts

  • Driver side headlight assembly × 1 — GM 84145891 or equivalent
  • Passenger side headlight assembly × 1 — GM 84145892 or equivalent

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Allow engine to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
  3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
  4. If equipped with HID or LED headlights with external control modules, disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical damage

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access driver side headlight assembly
    Locate the headlight assembly mounting area on the driver side. Remove the grille push-pin retainers if they obstruct access to the upper headlight mounting bolts. On some model years, partial grille removal may be necessary for full access.
  2. 2
    Disconnect driver side electrical connectors
    Reach behind the driver side headlight assembly and locate the electrical connectors for the low beam, high beam, and turn signal bulbs. Press the release tabs and pull each connector straight back to disconnect. If equipped with daytime running light module, disconnect that connector as well.
    Do not pull on wires, only on the connector bodies to avoid damaging the wiring harness
  3. 3
    Remove driver side headlight mounting bolts
    Locate the two upper 10mm mounting bolts along the top edge of the headlight assembly. Remove both bolts completely. Locate the lower 10mm mounting bolt accessible from the wheel well area or from above, depending on model year configuration. Remove the lower mounting bolt.
  4. 4
    Remove driver side headlight assembly
    Carefully pull the headlight assembly forward and away from the vehicle. The assembly is located by alignment pins at the rear, so it may require gentle wiggling to release. Once free from the alignment pins, lift the assembly out and set it on a protected surface.
  5. 5
    Access passenger side headlight assembly
    Move to the passenger side of the vehicle. Remove any grille push-pin retainers that obstruct access to the upper headlight mounting bolts, following the same process as the driver side.
  6. 6
    Disconnect passenger side electrical connectors
    Reach behind the passenger side headlight assembly and disconnect all electrical connectors for the low beam, high beam, turn signal, and any additional modules. Press the release tabs firmly and pull straight back on each connector.
  7. 7
    Remove passenger side headlight mounting bolts
    Remove the two upper 10mm mounting bolts along the top edge of the headlight assembly. Remove the lower 10mm mounting bolt. Keep all hardware organized for reinstallation.
  8. 8
    Remove passenger side headlight assembly
    Pull the passenger side headlight assembly forward to disengage it from the alignment pins. Wiggle gently if needed to release it from the mounting location. Lift the assembly out and place it on a protected surface.
  9. 9
    Prepare new headlight assemblies
    Remove the new headlight assemblies from their protective packaging. Verify that all mounting tabs and alignment pins are intact and undamaged. Check that bulb sockets are clean and free of debris. If bulbs are not pre-installed, transfer bulbs from old assemblies or install new bulbs as needed.
  10. 10
    Install passenger side headlight assembly
    Position the new passenger side headlight assembly and align the rear locating pins with their corresponding holes in the mounting panel. Push the assembly rearward until it seats fully against the mounting surface. Install the lower mounting bolt finger-tight first to hold the assembly in position, then install both upper mounting bolts. Tighten all three mounting bolts to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft).
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Connect passenger side electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the passenger side headlight assembly, ensuring each connector clicks securely into place. Verify that each connector is fully seated by gently tugging on it.
  12. 12
    Install driver side headlight assembly
    Position the new driver side headlight assembly and align the rear locating pins with the mounting panel holes. Seat the assembly fully, then install the lower mounting bolt finger-tight followed by the two upper mounting bolts. Tighten all three mounting bolts to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft).
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
  13. 13
    Connect driver side electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the driver side headlight assembly. Ensure each connector locks into place with an audible click and is fully seated.
  14. 14
    Reinstall grille components
    Reinstall any grille push-pin retainers or grille sections that were removed for access. Ensure all clips are fully seated and the grille is secure.
  15. 15
    Reconnect battery if disconnected
    If the battery was disconnected for HID/LED equipped models, reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the terminal bolt to specification. After reconnection, cycle the ignition on and off to allow control modules to initialize.
    Radio presets and clock will need to be reset. Some vehicles may require radio security code entry
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Verify all mounting bolts are tightened to proper specification
  2. Confirm all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
  3. Check that headlight assemblies are flush with surrounding body panels and grille
  4. Ensure grille components are properly reinstalled and secured

Verification

  • Turn ignition to ON position and activate headlights to verify low beams operate on both sides
  • Activate high beams and confirm both headlights illuminate properly
  • Test turn signals on both sides to ensure proper operation
  • Check daytime running lights if equipped
  • Visually inspect headlight aim and adjust if necessary using the vertical and horizontal adjustment screws on the headlight assemblies
  • Verify no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster
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