Headlamp will not lock

[isail1]

The left hand headlamp assembly just will not lock in place.....

The right hand unit slides in perfectly and easily locks with audible pop. The left hand unit fits correctly and a partial turn of the locking tool will produce a popping sound. The assembly appears to locked in place but just a slight finger tip lift of the leading edge of the turn signal will cause the unit to slide out !

I have repeatedly checked the headlamp assembly, mounting plate, assorted alingment channels etc. All appears normal and nothing is broken.....

Any suggestions as to something I might be missing? Is there a way to adjust or "tighten up" the locking mechanism??

Car is a 2003 Boxster with Litronics. This problem probably will covered by warranty, but it is a 60 mile roundtrip drive to the dealer.

thanks in advance

[0586slb]

Are you using the tool from the toolkit? If so, when you remove your headlamp, its best to place the tool so the bar is horizontal and move through 180°. Keep the bar in position, pull the lamp unit foward and let the removal tool bar drop back 90°. When re-inserting, be careful to see the protruding bars go in the runners correctly and squarely, keep the locking tool bar in the 90° position and gently but firmly push the unit home. Maintain your firm presure and move the lock tool to click and lock.

If this doesn't work, surely your 60 mile trip will be a pleasant drive on an afternoon? :D

[isail1]

Thanks and, yes, I am using the special socket from the tool kit.... and I am fairly certain that I am following the correct procedure described in the owners manual. The unit is seated correctly, can be pushed into place and rotation of the tool towards the rear of the car will produce a pop that indicates that it is locked.... but, it isn't !! Very frustrating.... but I'll give it another chance this evening.

Pleasant drive??? .... well, maybe. It happens to be 60 miles of rush hour morning and afternoon traffic through the angry freeways of Los Angeles ! Maybe a beer afterwards will help

cheers

:beer:

[Tool Pants]

Sometimes the tool is a sloppy fit and the pop you hear is the tool slipping. Try a 5 mm socket instead.

Check the mounting plate in this area. I have seen 2 cars and the plastic was broken and the light would not lock.

[isail1]

You are absolutely correct. The problem was the "special tool" provided with the car.

A simple twist of a quality 5 mm socket solved the problem in less than two seconds.

Many thanks ... and, yes, I did enjoy a beer afterwards !

:beer: