HEADLIGHTS & TAILLIGHTS

GM lights the way with the only replacement OE headlamps designed, engineered, tested and backed for a factory fit.

GM lights the way with the only replacement OE headlamps designed, engineered, tested and backed for a factory fit.
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A Mechanic Holding a Headlight with a Vehicle Taken Apart Behind Him

KNOW YOUR GM OEM HEADLIGHTS 

Headlights have come a long way — and so have the ways we fix and replace them. Here’s how things have changed on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and what to watch for when making repairs. 
Stylized Blue and Orange Icon Illustration of a Vehicle Headlight

FIRST
GENERATION
(1999–2006)

FIRST GENERATION
(1999–2006)

Design

Traditional sealed-beam or reflector halogen

 

Advanced Safety Integration

None

 

DRLs & Styling Features

External Incandescent Dedicated

 

Collision Considerations

Easy replacement, no calibration required 
Stylized Headlight Icon in Blue with Two Vertically Stacked Yellow Turn Signal Lights

SECOND
GENERATION
(2007–2013)

SECOND GENERATION
(2007–2013)

Design

Multi-reflector halogen or projector halogen

 

Advanced Safety Integration

None

 

DRLs & Styling Features

External Incandescent Dedicated

 

Collision Considerations

Easy replacement, no calibration required
Stylized Headlight Icon in Blue with Two Rectangular Yellow Turn Signal Lights

THIRD
GENERATION
(2014–2018)

THIRD GENERATION
(2014–2018)

Design

Halogen, with HID or LED projectors on some models

 

Advanced Safety Integration

None

 

DRLs & Styling Features

LED DRLs

 

Collision Considerations

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps: Handle with care and aiming is very important
Stylized Blue and Orange Icon Illustration of a Vehicle Headlight with a Slim and Angular Design

FOURTH
GENERATION
(2019–2021)

FOURTH GENERATION
(2019–2021)

Design

LED assemblies with light bars

 

Advanced Safety Integration

On some models

 

DRLs & Styling Features

Integrated DRLs/turn lamps/beams

 

Collision Considerations

Aftermarket parts may cause faults with integrated modules/sensors.
Stylized Blue and Orange Icon Illustration of a Vehicle Headlight with a Slim and Angular Design

FOURTH GENERATION
REFRESH
(2022–Present)

FOURTH GENERATION REFRESH
(2022–Present)

Design

Redesigned LED with advanced styling; auto high beams linked to safety systems

 

Advanced Safety Integration

On some models

 

DRLs & Styling Features

Integrated DRLs/turn lamps/beams

 

Collision Considerations

Safety-connected; recalibration may be required; OE-only validated for safety​
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A Blue Vehicle Collision Calibration Icon

HELP ENSURE SAFETY BEFORE HITTING THE ROAD 

Even minor body damage or glass replacement may result in damage to one or more safety-related systems on a vehicle. If you haven’t replaced sensors or other related Advanced Driver Assistance System components, a test for diagnostic trouble codes is recommended. 

If sensors or safety-related equipment have been replaced, calibration for them is required for optimal safety and performance. Have it performed at a GM Collision Repair Network shop.  
BOOK CALIBRATION

HEADLIGHT & TAILLIGHT REPAIR GUIDE

Tackling the repair yourself? The procedures vary by model, but here are the basic steps in removing and replacing a headlight assembly in your GM vehicle.

1 of 6

REMOVE TRIM OR ACCESS PANELS

For headlights, removal may include the radiator cover, grille, fender liners and, in some cases, the bumper cover or fascia. For taillights, trim removal behind cargo area panels or the tailgate may be required.

2 of 6

DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL 

Unplug bulbs connectors or harnesses from the lighting housing. Use care with harnesses, which may require a specific tool for disconnection.

3 of 6

REMOVE LAMP ASSEMBLY

Remove the fasteners for housing, which may require Torx® or socket tools (commonly 7-10mm). Check for hidden clips or alignment pins when pulling the lamp away from the body.  

4 of 6

INSTALL NEW LAMP ASSEMBLY

Installation is the reverse of removal. Most GM Genuine OE lamps come with bulbs already installed, but if not, transfer bulbs or modules to the new lamp. Reconnect the electrical.  

5 of 6

TEST FUNCTIONALITY

Check all lighting functions. GM Genuine OE lamps are typically pre-aimed but confirm expected beam appearance and alignment. If the beams appear shifted after repair, visit a GM CRN shop or GM dealership to have the lamps properly aimed.  
 
Operating a vehicle with improperly aimed headlamps is illegal and dangerous, so consult a properly equipped repair shop if you are unsure. 

6 of 6

SCAN OR CALIBRATE

If equipped with LED, HID or sensor-integrated lighting, visit a GM Collision Repair Facility for: 

  • Diagnostic scanning of the lighting and advanced safety systems 
  • Headlight module resets, auto-leveling or adaptive feature calibration 
  • Rear detection recalibration (reverse sensors, trailer, cross-traffic, etc.) 
  • Documentation to retain warranty compliance and OE safety standards.
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1 of 6

REMOVE TRIM OR ACCESS PANELS

For headlights, removal may include the radiator cover, grille, fender liners and, in some cases, the bumper cover or fascia. For taillights, trim removal behind cargo area panels or the tailgate may be required.
A Set of Black Screws Used for Vehicle Parts, Arranged on a White Background

2 of 6

DISCONNECT ELECTRICAL 

Unplug fog lights, parking sensors, trailer plug wiring, radar modules, etc., as applicable. Secure harnesses out of the way, so they will not be pulled when the bumper/fascia is removed. 
Close-up View of a Red Taillight of a Vehicle

3 of 6

REMOVE LAMP ASSEMBLY

Remove the fasteners for housing, which may require Torx® or socket tools (commonly 7-10mm). Check for hidden clips or alignment pins when pulling the lamp away from the body.  
A Black Vehicle Trim Panel with a Hole and Angled Design

4 of 6

INSTALL NEW LAMP ASSEMBLY

Installation is the reverse of removal. Most GM Genuine OE lamps come with bulbs already installed, but if not, transfer bulbs or modules to the new lamp. Reconnect the electrical.  
Curved Vehicle Turn Signal Light with a Black Mounting Bracket

5 of 6

TEST FUNCTIONALITY

Check all lighting functions. GM Genuine OE lamps are typically pre-aimed but confirm expected beam appearance and alignment. If the beams appear shifted after repair, visit a GM CRN shop or GM dealership to have the lamps properly aimed.  
 
Operating a vehicle with improperly aimed headlamps is illegal and dangerous, so consult a properly equipped repair shop if you are unsure. 
A Black Vehicle Mud Flap with a Curved Design and Smooth Surface

6 of 6 

SCAN OR CALIBRATE

If equipped with LED, HID or sensor-integrated lighting, visit a GM Collision Repair Facility for: 

  • Diagnostic scanning of the lighting and advanced safety systems 
  • Headlight module resets, auto-leveling or adaptive feature calibration 
  • Rear detection recalibration (reverse sensors, trailer, cross-traffic, etc.) 
  • Documentation to retain warranty compliance and OE safety standards.
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SHOP RELATED PARTS 

Three Quarters View of an Automotive Headlight Bulb Inside a Glass Capsule

REPLACEMENT BULBS

A Coiled Black Automotive Wire with Connector Plugs on Each End

WIRING HARNESSES & RELATED ITEMS 

A Vehicle Control Module with a Metal Casing and a Black Connector Port

MODULES & RELATED ITEMS

A Vehicle Rearview or Backup Camera with Mounting Brackets

CAMERAS & OBJECT DETECTION

Three Quarters View of a Gray Automotive Electrical Relay

FLASHERS & RELAYS

Angular Close-up View of a Chevrolet Vehicle Grille and Headlight Under a Blue Sky

GM REMANUFACTURED HEADLIGHTS OFFER A COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION

Our remanufactured headlamps are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to get the high standards you’ve come to expect from GM Genuine Parts. Each remanufactured assembly includes a new lens and housing, to help ensure OE quality and lens appearance. This helps achieve OE performance for brightness and illumination while also ensuring a factory fit.  
 
Availability: Select 2016–19 and 2022–25 Chevrolet Silverado, 2018–20 Chevrolet Equinox, 2018–21 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2019–22 GMC Sierra models. See your local GM dealership for details.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GM GENUINE PARTS

A Mechanic Holding a Headlight While Standing in Front of a Tire that is Laying on the Ground

Tackling a collision repair yourself? It might be tempting to select less expensive aftermarket components, but GM original equipment (OE) parts are the only ones designed, engineered, tested and backed by General Motors.  
 
That’s important, because they are built to work with your GM vehicle’s safety systems and help restore the vehicle as close as possible to its pre-collision condition, which helps contribute to performance, safety, vehicle longevity and even resale value. 
Various Vehicle Body Parts, Including Front Grille, Headlight, Taillight, and More on Display

THE IMPORTANCE OF GM GENUINE PARTS

Tackling a collision repair yourself? It might be tempting to select less expensive aftermarket components, but GM original equipment (OE) parts are the only ones designed, engineered, tested and backed by General Motors.  
 
That’s important, because they are built to work with your GM vehicle’s safety systems and help restore the vehicle as close as possible to its pre-collision condition, which helps contribute to performance, safety, vehicle longevity and even resale value. 

HEADLIGHT & TAILLIGHT REPLACEMENT FAQ

Do I need special tools?

Generally, no. Most headlight and taillight assemblies can be removed with standard tools. Sockets and extensions are the most common tools required (typically 7–10mm), although some fasteners require a Torx® tool for removal. Some trim parts held in place with plastic fasteners are easier to remove with a fork tool.

Do GM headlights come with bulbs?

Most GM Genuine OE headlight and taillight assemblies include bulbs already installed, requiring only reconnection of the electrical harness upon installation. The Specs tab on each assembly’s order page indicates whether the bulbs are included. 

Is aiming required with headlight installation?

GM Genuine OE lamps are typically pre-aimed but confirm expected beam appearance and alignment. If the beams appear shifted after repair, visit a GM dealership or other GM-certified Collision Repair shop to have the lamps properly aimed. 
 
Operating a vehicle with improperly aimed headlamps is illegal and dangerous, so consult a certified repair shop if you are unsure.  

What if I’m only replacing the headlight bulb?

If you’re simply replacing a headlight bulb in a housing that has not been removed from the vehicle, a beam-angle adjustment is not required. 

Do I really need to get my new headlights scanned or calibrated?

Yes. Any headlight assembly that incorporates advanced technology such as LEDs or HIDs, with a related control module must have professionally conducted system scans and/or calibrations performed to ensure the lighting and related safety systems operate properly. To find a GM Collision Repair Network shop to performance scan or calibration, click here.

How do I know if my headlight has a bulb, LED or HID?

To find out what type of headlight or taillight your vehicle has, visit your local GM dealer or enter your vehicle's make and model or VIN on the GM Parts Store to view the right replacement options for your vehicle. 
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TURN TO GM COLLISION REPAIR NETWORK SHOPS  

If your repairs appear to need the help of professionals, turn to a GM Collision Repair Network (CRN) shop. Each is trained and equipped to restore your GM vehicle to original specifications, using GM OE parts. Your vehicle will be back on the road with the peace of mind that comes with a certified shop. 

FIND CERTIFIED REPAIR SHOP
A Black Tire with GM Backed Limited Warranty Displayed on Top

LIMITED WARRANTY

Most GM Original Equipment and Gold lines from GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco come backed with a 24-month/unlimited-mile limited warranty†, and our Silver line limited warranties† are 12 months/unlimited miles.
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