Headlight not locking in place

[10/10ths]

Howdy, Gang!

I'm in trouble and I need your help.

I have searched and have not found an answer that satisfies.

I have a 2004 Boxster S and removed both headlight assemblies.

The passenger side unit gave me a very satisfying "POP" upon unlocking and locking.

The driver's side, however, did not "POP" much at all upon removal and barely "POPs" when I lock it back in. More disturbing, though, is that the driver's headlight is not completely locked. I can pick up the extreme bottom inside edge and then shift it sideways and pull the whole assembly out. Not good.

I fought it for about two hours.

Everything lines up and slides perfectly into place, the locking bar turns 180 degrees and pulls the headlight into place, but it just does not POP and hard lock into place.

The passenger side headlamp assembly is as solid as a rock. It does NOT move.

The driver's side is sort of a "soft lock", it locks, but i can jiggle it loose. I THINK if I leave it alone, and don't pull up on the inside corner, or as long as it doesn't lift in the air flow while driving, it will stay in place. I think. Sorta.

How worried should I be?

Has anyone else experienced this?

Is there a fix?

Can I adjust the base plate somehow to get a more positive lock?

Thanks, everyone!

All the best!