I agree, my Silverado is a piece of cake to change a bulb, but the HHR is SO differant.

 

I had the same thing happen to one of my lights a few months ago. Luckily it was still warm when I changed it myself. It was a pain in the ass, but it was definitely worth saving the $40 the corner garage wanted to charge me.
But now it is out again. Same symptoms: remote start/unlock=no headlight, highbeam=no headlight. It worked for 2 months after I changed it, now-nothing. Is it definitely the bulb, or could it be something else?

 

This what happens when the Head project eng catches his wife with one of the certified mechanics.....they re-engineer things, and not for the better!

 

I've changed mine, and I'm thinking that it might be a worthwhile mod to get a hot knife and cut out the area in the fender inserts where the bulbs are located, then get hold of some of the same type of material, cut it oversize and install, dzus fastners or just the same type of push-on plastic bolts to cover the whole.

 

Another point not mentioned: Is to never touch the actual bulb, If you do, wipe it with an alcohol pad...

 

sleeper, can you use a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol?

 

Yep, that'll work fine..

 

Also, when you replace one bulb, replace the other one. If they are both the same age, the light opposite of the blown one will likely go soon after, or at least its the way it always happened to me when I didn't change 'em both in the past.

 

Not to mention it's recommended to change in pairs to prevent "winking" of the headlights.

 

I have a twist on Robert4380's concern. I unlocked the car as usual. both headlamps come on, I get in and start the car and the drivers headlamp goes off. high beams seem to work normally... I have an appt with Chevy service, but have to wait as a loaner isnt going to be avail for a few days... any ideas out there???