Changing marker lights on an early Aurora

[ncwitte]

Ok, this should be easy. I just bought a '99 Aurora. Real nice car. Anyway, one of the side marker lights in front is out. How do I gain access to change this sucker? I can't find any obvious clues. There's a splash panel that appears to block access to the fixture, and the fasteners look like one time use items.

Thanks for your help.

Norm

[Oldsfan]

Norm,

Congratulations on you new purchase. Here is the long story made short:

You have to tear half the front end off.

First you have to jack it up, then remove the wheel on that side.
Then you need to remove the plastic inner wheelhouse panel.
Then you need to remove the side fascia reinforcements, which requires removal of the front fascia air deflector.

Oh, and careful you don't wreck that thing - we recently found out that front fenders are $1000 each!

Paul

[ncwitte]

You gotta be kidding me. I'm guessing the engineer is here in Lansing. Do we have an address, by any chance? I might need to pay somebody a visit.

This is ridiculous.

[Oldsfan]

Now, Norm, you know I wouldn't kid you.

That engineer probably retired to Arizona when the Division folded.

Here's what SI (Service Information) says. I wish I could include the illustrations:

Removal Procedure:

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the front wheelhouse panel. Refer to Wheelhouse Panel Replacement in Body Front End (below).
3. Remove the side fascia reinforcements. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement in Bumpers (below).
4. Remove the retainers.
5. Remove the front sidemarker lamps from the fascia.
6. Turn the socket in a counterclockwise direction in order to remove the sockets from the lamps.
7. Remove the bulb from the socket.

Wheelhouse Panel Replacement in Body Front End:

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel from the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Remove the push-in retainers from the wheelhouse assembly.
4. Remove the wheelhouse assembly.

Front Bumper Fascia Replacement in Bumpers:

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the lower air baffle. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Air Deflector Replacement in Bumpers (below).
3. Remove the engine splash shield.
4. Remove the wheelhouse panel. Refer to Wheelhouse Panel Replacement in Body Front End (above).
5. Disconnect the 3 connectors from each side.
6. Remove the 4 nuts that retain the fascia to the fender (2 on each side).
7. Remove the bolts that retain the fascia to the fascia support.

Important: When removing or installing the fascia, do not allow the fascia support stud plates to contact the fender.

8. Remove the fascia from the vehicle.

Front Bumper Fascia Air Deflector Replacement in Bumpers:

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the push-in retainers and screws from the air baffle.
3. Release the snap tabs that retain the air baffle.
4. Lower the air baffle.

Did ya follow all of that? Are ya done yet?

Paul