Chrysler Repair: Headlight Repair, sheet metal screw, 1996 chrysler lhs

Question
On my 1996 Chrysler LHS while trying to remove the two major bolts, to free up the headlight globe holding apparatus, the right bolt on the left side headlight only turns and will not come out to allow the apparatus to be pulled out to replace the globe.

Is there anything that you know to help me?

Thank you.

Jerry

Answer
Hi Jerry,
I suspect this is a sheet metal screw whose threads are stripped at the point where it passes thru the sheet metal hole that retains it. One way to perhaps get it to re-mesh with the metal is to lift up on the head of the screw while at the same time turning it counterclockwise. Depending upon the type of screw head (slot or philips) you may find a screwdriver that has an accessory gripper on its shaft which is essentially a couple of ears that will grip around the circumference of the screwhead and thus allow you to lift and turn simultaneously. If the undamaged threads of the screw are meshed with the sheet metal hole by that technique then the screw will lift out on it own accord.
You might accomplish the same thing if the screw turns easily by means of a "mechanics fingers" which is a similar device being a sringloaded flex tool with a remote push button that spreads 4 "ears" that when released will similarly grasp the circumference of the screw head. Then turn it and lift.
Finally you may have to drill a hole in the center of the screwhead that has the same diameter as the shaft of the screw (use the other screw you removed to size the drill so as to remove the head and allow the shaft of the screw to drop away. I haven't tried to deal with the LHS headlamp modules, but yours is the second question on this very problem so you are not alone in having this hassle. I hope that you are successful using one of the three possible techniques I have suggested. Then get a replacement screw at the Chrysler dealer.
Roland