Done a search as I'm sure their must be a squillion threads on this tiresome subject already, but all I get is upgrading Yeti boot light threads and stuff. :S

Typically, as soon as the clocks go back, and on the very day in fact, the 'easier' of the two dipped bulbs (o/s) decided to chuck the towel in.

I know some of you reckon they are an absolute doddle to change, but really, you must have access to a baby to do it for you, as my mitts are seemingly just too big and clumsy.

After 20 minutes of cursing and swearing, I finally managed to get the bulb in, sort of.

It's not straight though, and seems to be generally pointing directly downwards.

I'm reverting back to standard bulbs now anyway, as the common belief, for which I can also confirm, is that these 'upgraded' bulbs only last 18-24 months. Might get an extra couple of years without having to go through this what should be a simple but in reality, a mind blowing near impossible akward job.

Tell me. Would it be easier to take the bumper off that presumably you have to do to take the headlight units out?

Edited 8 November, 201015 yr by Mr Ree

I too have major hassle, something to do with my sausage fingers im thinking. I even have issues changing the indicator bulbs which are a bit easier. I`v now decided to get my little brother or mate to do them each time. Much more easy, and saves me mullering my hands in the process. However, i`m pretty sure its possible to remove the headlight without taking the bumper off, you just have to be very careful not to scratch anything.

Matt

P.S, you have a ax GT?! legend of a car!

guy on here with red vrs changed his headlamps not so long ago and he swapped them with out removing the bumper, think he removed all the screws from the lights and a few more and wriggled it out hopefully he comes along.

yeah you can remove lights without taking off bumper

its a squeese though

10mm bolt at front of light

two small torque screws on top

and a big torque screw at the back of the light (quite tricky)

removing the headlamps to change the bulbs is complete overkill!

Your fingers would need to be HUGE not to manage it (by huge i mean massive, think swissroll massive ). Take the plastic cover off the back of the lights, then unclip the metal clip off the back of the bulb. The bulb will pretty much fall out, you can use two fingers to flick it up. Then pull the wires off it and clip them onto the new bulb. Then its just a reverse or getting it out, just be aware that you haven't caught the wire between the bulb housing and the headlight (i imagine thats what is happening in your case). You don't have to force them in, they will litterally just rest in the gap, then clip on the retaining clip and job done. I think i have pretty large hands, but i manage it okay.

Its probably more fiddly to remove the bumper, or especially remove the headlight without removing the bumper.

i use my car for my driving school and today of all days in the pouring rain on the way to take a lad to the test centre the same happened! i whipped the old one out in about 2 mins then used some long nosed pliers to hold the terminals and pop the new one in without touching the glass ( little tab on bulb facing upwards) i was really suprised at how easy it was! my old fiesta the handbook told you to remove the headlight!! that was a ball ache! grill out everything!!

One good thing to say about kwik fit here... in my old car a bulb went in so I stopped to buy a replacement bulb - standing in the dark with my car in front of the garage, one of the mechanics saw me swearing at the light fitting satan himself was holding together and offered to pop it in for me. 30 seconds and it was done. That knack you get by doing something 1000 times is quite a wonderful thing.

Well judging by a couple of the comments on here, I must be cack handed. :(

The last time I changed the bulbs, I managed to lose the retaining clip for the n/s one., never to be found.

New headlight was the only official way of replacing it for a mere £90.

Exhaust rubber strap was used for 18 months to hold the bulb in, until I came a cross a front ended right off 6 months ago that I was allowed to remove the clips from for free fortunately.

@ Matt1chelski.

Correct. One of the originals too, registered 01/01/1988 on an 'E'.

Dashboard is cracked to hell though, and replacement anythings are becoming very very scarce now.

Absolute lightweight flying machine that will toast most normal quickish stuff up to 60/70mph.

Final drive lowered for rapid acceleration but runs out of puff at 80/90ish

Edited 8 November, 201015 yr by Mr Ree