Guest hicksviv Posted March 8, 2004 Report Posted March 8, 2004 Hi, I wonder if anyone can help - I need to change the bulb in my headlamp but went to do it yesterday and it wasn't as easy as it looks! Anyone know how to get into the unit to replace the bulb! Got my MOT this weekend so really need to do it asap. Cheers
Guest karlska Posted March 8, 2004 Report Posted March 8, 2004 Hi there I haven't actually replaced a headlight bulb yet so I didn't realise it was a toughie but I do have the haynes manual to hand so I'll type what it says; 1/ With the bonnet open,pull the retaining spring clip upwards and remove the plastic cover from the rear of the headlight 2/ The top bulb is for the dipped beam,and the bottom bulb is for the main beam.To remove a bulb,first disconnect the wiring plug from the bulb terminals 3/ Release the spring clip and withdraw the bulb from the reflector housing. 4/ When handling the new bulb,use a tissue or clean cloth,to avoid touching the glass with the fingers;moisture and grease from the skin can cause blackening and rapid failure of this type of bulb.If the glass is accidentally touched,wipe it clean using methylated spirit. 5/ Fit the new bulb, ensuring that its locating tabs are correctly seated in the housing cutouts.Secure the bulb in position with the spring clip,and reconnect the wiring plug. 6/ Refit the plastic cover and secure with the clip. Well that's all it says about it.It doesn't mention how difficult it is but in my experience with these Haynes manuals I'll wager it's a complete nightmare.Good luck!
Guest hicksviv Posted March 9, 2004 Report Posted March 9, 2004 Thanks a lot - i'll give that a try tonight!!
Guest ianock Posted March 9, 2004 Report Posted March 9, 2004 Yeah Haynes manual assumes you have very small hands! The offside is easier to change as you have bit more room problem is seeing what your doing! You can use a mirror but I prefer just to remove the headlight saves messing about trying to get spring clip back in place etc.
Guest DervMan Posted April 9, 2004 Report Posted April 9, 2004 There's no bloody room! :angry: Okay that's not quite true, but you need to have tiny hands to avoid losing most of your skin, and teaching the Ka some new words in the process... :P If you jack the car up, removing the wheel and the arch lining, it's a whole lot easier - even if it sounds a bit extreme just to change bulbs! :D
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