Headlamp Bulb Change

[Guest blatters]

Hi guys,

 

Last time I changed the dipped bulb it was a pig because you can't get your head inside the engine bay to see the wire clips!!!!

 

This time I'm thinking that I'll follow the earlier advice on this site and unscrew the headlamp unit instead - even though that's not what it says I should do in the Ford manual.

 

But......are you guys absolutely sure this is what I should be doing and what about the alignment afterwards.

 

I'm doing it tomorrow afternoon (18th October) so any help by then much appreciated.

 

Cheers.

 

Blatters.

 

PS. Those Osram SilverStars - the nearside bulb only lasted 12mths! Do I have to replace both front bulbs even if the other one is still working?

[chromedome]

I've always part removed the headlight assembly to change the bulbs. Makes it a lot easier.

 

Put a piece of card or similar between the bottom of the headlight and bumber to try and prevent scratches. :blink:

 

DON'T remove the lower two retaining screw or you'll lose them. Just undo them about one turn because the bottom fixing is with a slotted hole.

 

The headlight unit goes back in pretty much the same way it came out. I just line it up so it looks ok in relation to the bodywork. Never had any alignment problems.

 

They call it sod's law that if one bulb goes the other will soon follow, however it's up to you.

 

I prefered the Philips bulbs over the Osram and I've heard the Philips Power2Night bulbs are brilliant.

 

You could always go for HID's, cost a bit but would probably outlast the car.

 

Hope this helps.

[Guest blatters]

Thanks Chromedome, I'll have a go tomorrow afternoon.

 

Regards.

 

Blatters

[Guest blatters]

Chromedome,

 

OK, I've changed both headlamp bulbs today (Tuesday).

 

I did release the top two screws and loosened the bottom screw. It was helpful in that it allowed me to bring the headlamp forward slightly and the job was a tad easier. But I couldn't bring the headlamp unit forward a great deal as the bottom lip of the unit was stuck behind the upper lip of the front bumper. Although I wiggled it I could not ease it out further and, although I released the bottom screw a bit more than you suggested, I did not want to unscrew the bottom screw too much for fear it would drop out!

 

So should the headlamp unit come forward by a great deal or does your suggestion just buy you a few centimetres of forward movement, extra daylight behind the lamp unit and some wiggle flexibility.

 

Although it's all done now I'd like to know for the next time.

 

Thanks again.

 

Blatters

[chromedome]

The headlight should come out, however, they are still hard to get out.

 

I normally remove the four screws holding the top of the radiator grill and after a bit of wiggling and swearing the headlight should come out.

 

I have just changed my Galaxy to a newer model, still a Mk2, and the bumper does seem closer to the headlight so I'm wondering if Ford have changed the design slightly.

 

Sorry I can't be of any more help.

[Guest blatters]

Chromedome,

 

Don't apologise - what you did earlier was helpful.

 

It's just good to know that I was not missing anything too obvious.

 

Best wishes.

 

Blatters