I've changed mine and it was pretty easy. Just be sure to turn the tire where it is out of your way. You will need new plastic pins. The old ones will fall out eventually, so I replaced mine.

 

Follow the link in my Sig for an owners manual. Or type "online owners manual" into the search box.

 

I spent more time trying to get the plastic push pins out than anything else;

next time i am going to buy a pair of plastic pins with the bulb, and the right tool too.

and yes, i drew blood, both times;

REAL IMPORTANT: make sure old rubber gasket comes off (they get stuck on the housing).

 

NAPA will sell you a bag of the retainers for a few $. Probably in the back room, don't bother looking on the sales floor, best to take one in with you.

Someday I'll remember to take one in and get the part number.

 

a "standard GM" push pin matched perfectly at Advanced Auto

 

Do not listen to the old man on YouTube he's an idiot. All you gotta do it turn your tire out pop the two bottom plastic clips and the center screw hold back with one hand reach in find back of bulb twist out. The wire will pull out just far enuf to get out a fender well take out bulb then without touching glass on new bulb ( if you do make sure to wipe it off very well) pull fender well back away from car reach up inside while looking threw headlight and slowly get it in hole then press and turn till it locks. If it won't turn lightly apply some bulb lube and should go right in.

 

Has anyone run into an issue with losing auto-on feature after replacing headlight bulbs?
Just replaced mine and this has happened.
Worked fine with replacement of drivers side, but lost it once passenger side got replaced.
Has me stumped.
Hopefully will get it resolved without getting mechanic involved.
Going to be tough going back to old school on and off having driven HHRs for 10 years.

 

Auto on has nothing to do with the bulbs, only the sensor on the dashboard.

What, exactly do you mean and what year is the HHR in question?

The only thing I can think of is the new bulbs are defective, no low beam.

 

Gave them a test this afternoon when heading home from work.
Started the car and lights did not come on.
Shut the car off and covered the sensor.
Sure enough the the lights came on when I restarted.
By the time I got home they had automatically shut off, about 10 minute drive.

10 years and 2 HHR's they've always stayed on day or night on when set on Auto.
Never thought of it before figuring it was a daytime running light safety feature.

So all is good have hi and low beams
Thanks for the response donbrew