Apologies first of all, I didn't have time to search the forum for an answer. I am due at work.

I need to replace my headlight, are there any hints people can give me? I have changed bulbs before, but not a Fabia. Is it easy and do I need any tools for completing the work?

Thanks for any help in advance.

It sounds odd, but you need a...............

small child!

I am being serious ither a small child ir someone with small hands.

Ive done it before but its a bit of a mission........................ left hand jobby

unclip the big plastic cover,

yank out the rubber sealing it (this will hurt once it finally does yank out),

I think its push the metal wire in and move to the left or right to unclip it (test it on the driver side one first to see if its a push left or right) this is also the annoying bit,

slide bulb out,

put new bulb in,

put everything back in order.

Edited 27 April, 201016 yr by JLneonhug

Ive done it before but its a bit of a mission........................ left hand jobby unclip the big plastic cover,yank out the rubber sealing it (this will hurt once it finally does yank out),I think its push the metal wire in and move to the left or right to unclip it (test it on the passenger side one first to see if its a push left or right) this is also the annoying bit,slide bulb out,put new bulb in,put everything back in order.

Get someone to drive you to A&E as you are now missing 3 fingers

(this is a joke btw) like anything on a car, if you are strugleing, stop take a step back breath and try again.

Edited 27 April, 201016 yr by vRSsunroof

Ah, just as a thought! Me and my chubby digits (aka. sausage fingers), are really gonna struggle on this one! At least there are no tools involved!!

Is it potentially easier to just take the whole headlight out, and replace the bulb that way? That's how I had to do it on my fiesta, although taking the headlight out was a breeze on that!!

Cheers for the help so far!

Ah, just as a thought! Me and my chubby digits (aka. sausage fingers), are really gonna struggle on this one! At least there are no tools involved!!

Is it potentially easier to just take the whole headlight out, and replace the bulb that way? That's how I had to do it on my fiesta, although taking the headlight out was a breeze on that!!

Cheers for the help so far!

Its quite easy changing the bulbs. I found the passenger side to be harder tho. I'd suggest wearing nitrile or latex gloves also as if your hands are big could end up scraping them. its a tight fit. no tools needed. But make sure also you hold onto the bulb tightly as i found out if you accidently drop it it falls in there and is very difficult to get out. took my about 2 hours and then luckily borrowed a telescopic magnet and fished it out.

Edited 27 April, 201016 yr by newskoda

It's a bit of a fiddly job, passenger side by battery cover is worse but it can be done if you're careful and patient.

It's a bit of a fiddly job, passenger side by battery cover is worse but it can be done if you're careful and patient.

Lovely, it's the passenger side thats gone! I'm not normally the patient, or careful type, but I shall do my best!

Thanks for all the advice! Will let you know how it goes, will be doing it after work as long as the weather stays dry!

As you can see, the batterycover is made up of lots of parts, (Why I'll never know....)

First remove the top part carefully and then the front panel of it, (the side closest to bulb access)

will slide up and out of the way. giving you a good extra inch to play with....

Changing the bulb is much easier with this removed. :yes:

If only it was that easy everywhere else to acquire extra inchage....

Be sure it clicks properly into place when you refit it after changing the bulb.

If not it may well rattle....

Ok, chubby digits = epic fail

Yes, I dropped the bloody bulb! So now, 2 questions...

1) How do I get the bulb out, I can't even see it!?

2) Will leaving it in there do any damage? As i'm struggling to get it out if I can't see it!!

Thanks for help

First of all you need to change your car for a Octavia M2 VRS you can have the headlight assembly out in 1 minute ,then replace bulb in the comfort of your home ! It is always raining when i need to replace a bulb

First of all you need to change your car for a Octavia M2 VRS you can have the headlight assembly out in 1 minute ,then replace bulb in the comfort of your home ! It is always raining when i need to replace a bulb

This is not particularly helpful, but thank you very much for the advice!!

First of all you need to change your car for a Octavia M2 VRS you can have the headlight assembly out in 1 minute ,then replace bulb in the comfort of your home ! It is always raining when i need to replace a bulb

I'm sure you are glad you don't have a Renault Megan where you have to remove the front wheels to remove the bulbs!

Sorry, again it's slightly off-Topic.

To remove the sidelight bulb, a pair of long-nosed pliers helps.

Edited 28 April, 201016 yr by Jim H

I'm sure you are glad you don't have a Renault Megan where you have to remove the front wheels to remove the bulbs!

Sorry, again it's slightly off-Topic.

To remove the sidelight bulb, a pair of long-nosed pliers helps.

Thats only if you play by the rules! You can do a Megane with just the wheels turned! Done loads of them when I worked at halfords!

Ok, chubby digits = epic fail

Yes, I dropped the bloody bulb! So now, 2 questions...

1) How do I get the bulb out, I can't even see it!?

2) Will leaving it in there do any damage? As i'm struggling to get it out if I can't see it!!

Thanks for help

Telescopic magnetic retrieval tool.

I have one and have used it loads of times in just this type of situation.

Maplins should have something similar. Like this one-----> http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=30608&C=Froogle&U=30608&T=Module

Telescopic magnetic retrieval tool.

Bezzy states he cannot see the bulb. " Can you buy these Telescopic Magnetic Retrieval Tools with Eye's "

Still, the question I need to know is,

Is this going to cause any damage?

I have to drive to Gatwick tonight, and for 1) I don't want to do any damage to any engine components and 2) I don't really want to be driving with one headlight out as it'll be dark on the way there and back, and I could do with being fully illuminated!!

Telescopic magnetic retrieval tool.

I have one and have used it loads of times in just this type of situation.

Maplins should have something similar. Like this one-----> http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=30608&C=Froogle&U=30608&T=Module

Can somebody search for availability on this using the postcode rg40 3at. I do not seem to be able to use the maplins site at work. If you find one nearby and in stock can you post the postcode of the store on here! Bracknell would be the best if there's one there as I'm going that way tonight anyway!

Big Thanks if somebody can do this!!

Thanks again in advance! May have to find a maplins now as well, and may even still need another bulb being as I can not see the one I've lost!!

Edited 28 April, 201016 yr by Bezzy

Bezzy states he cannot see the bulb. " Can you buy these Telescopic Magnetic Retrieval Tools with Eye's "

Thanks for having a pop when I am just trying to help someone

Clearly you're unfamiliar with the principles of magnetism.

A magnet capable of holding 8pounds should easily be of sufficient magnetic strength

to attract a bulb weighing about 2 grams from the little crevice it has gotten itself into.

Even if you can't actually see it.

If the OP does what you seem to revel in. ( i.e Wave it around a bit...)

He may have more success than you did,

Thanks for having a pop when I am just trying to help someone

Clearly you're unfamiliar with the principles of magnetism.

A magnet capable of holding 8pounds should easily be of sufficient magnetic strength

to attract a bulb weighing about 2 grams from the little crevice it has gotten itself into.

Even if you can't actually see it.

If the OP does what you seem to revel in. ( i.e Wave it around a bit...)

He may have more success than you did,

Thank you for your help grr, it is really appreciated. Could you by any chance do the search on maplins for me? I did get the idea that I was supposed to 'wave it around a bit'!!!

I'd just like to get the blooming bulb out so I don't need to worry about it!! The stupid tray at the bottom of the engine compartment is rather annoying, as otherwise I might be able to see it more easily!!

Product availablity: Magnetic Pick Up (RM35Q)

Note: Stock figures may be up to 24 hours old. We do recommend that you contact the store and reserve stock to avoid disappointment.

Maplin Store Stock Level Distance away

Farnborough 1 6.9 miles

Reading 2 7.6 miles

Maidenhead 3 10.4 miles

Slough 2 13.1 miles

Staines 3 13.7 miles

Guildford 2 14.8 miles

Basingstoke 5 15.7 miles

Uxbridge 4 18.6 miles

Hayes 5 20.4 miles

Hounslow 4 20.7 miles

HTH

Edited 28 April, 201016 yr by grr666

Brilliant, Thanks very much!

I'll let you know if I manage to get this thing sorted!! It's beginning to frustrate me now!!

Was there a postcode for the Farnborough Maplins? pm or post it please?!

Found the postcode, thanks for everybodies help!

Edit 2!

Finally managed to sort it! I took off the battery covers and found the bulb lodged underneath there! Managed to get one of the girls I live with to shove her hands in there and fish it out! Then managed to fit the bulb quite simply and easily with the battery cover still off!

Good result all round, no extra cost other than the initial outlay

Thanks for everybodies help and advice! Wouldn't have known how to take the battery cover off otherwise!!

Edited 28 April, 201016 yr by Bezzy

Brilliant, Thanks very much!

I'll let you know if I manage to get this thing sorted!! It's beginning to frustrate me now!!

Was there a postcode for the Farnborough Maplins? pm or post it please?!

Found the postcode, thanks for everybodies help!

Edit 2!

Finally managed to sort it! I took off the battery covers and found the bulb lodged underneath there! Managed to get one of the girls I live with to shove her hands in there and fish it out! Then managed to fit the bulb quite simply and easily with the battery cover still off!

Good result all round, no extra cost other than the initial outlay

Thanks for everybodies help and advice! Wouldn't have known how to take the battery cover off otherwise!!

Just read this blog, thought I was in for a big headache, It took me 5 mins. Followed a few hints from you guys.

You DEFINITELY have to remove top battery cover two clips left handside.

Then front battery cover three clips and pull it right the way out.

Then you will be able to unclip light bulb cover and pull it out of the way completely.

The plug on back of the plug is a bit stiff but use your left thumb get in behind it and guide it off with right finger.

ONLY THEN remove metal clip holding bulb in place, push it in and down and it will release push it as far back as it goes and the bulb will come out. MAKE sure keep a finger underneath to guide it out so it doesn't drop.

Then with the new bulb make sure you point the tab upwards when placing it into position guide in with finger underneath.

Then lock it in place and replace all the covers.

ALL THE BEST. IF YOU GOT FAT FINGERS CALL A MATE WHO HAS LONG THIN FINGERS.

Nice little write up mate

Good work and welcome to Brisky...

Lovely, it's the passenger side thats gone! I'm not normally the patient, or careful type, but I shall do my best!

Thanks for all the advice! Will let you know how it goes, will be doing it after work as long as the weather stays dry!

i changed the passenger bulb yesterday, had to take the battery cover off to even get the light cover off.. other than that it went plain sailing, took 2 mins. nothing can be worse than changing a bulb in a renault clio, what a tw*t that is.