Friends I noticed today that my headlight -where it wraps around to the fender- didn't fit flush with the bodywork. I decided to pop the trunk and loosen the bolts, push the light back into place and then tighten again. When I went to tighten again I discovered that the plastic piece of the headlight that protrudes up to accept the screw (and thus hold the light firmly in place) had snapped off. The headlight was sitting unfastened. It has remained surprisingly steady and in place with little effect on the aim of the light, but I'd like to fix it anyway.

So just to make sure...the headlight casing is totally independent of the light itself. In other words, I can buy a plastic casing/cover without having to replace the entire headlight bulbs and all, right?

If this is the case, can I buy such a part at an Autozone or do I need to go to the dealer?

 

Sorry dude. That’s not possible. You have to buy a whole new/used headlight. 96-98 TL’s have one of the most expensive headlights I’ve ever seen. $450 each from the dealer. Maybe $250 from a junkyard if its in decent shape. Do you still have the piece that cracked off? I would epoxy it back to the headlight and tighten the screw gently.

 

Damn.

Well...thanks for your help.

 

Yeah, bad news on this one... I had to replace the ENTIRE assembly just because the plastic cover got cracked (from a rock while on I-5).

It was a PAIN to take out and put back in. I basically had to wiggle it out (carefully) and put it back in (EVEN MORE CAREFULLY)

You're looking around 400 to 450 bucks

 

I'm probably just going to leave it. It sits in there right it's just not being held by much.

 

Do you still have the part that cracked off?

 

Indeed I do 96TL. What do you suggest?

 

Get some really strong epoxy. Plumbers epoxy is really good. Its like clay and very strong. Epoxy it back to the headlight and tighten the screw down gently. Tighten that screw last.