Can anyone help? I am trying to replace the side light bulb on my 2003 Octavia.

I have the headlight unit out (on the dining room table) but cannot see how I gain access to the bulbs.

There are no clips or covers on the back - seems to be a sealed unit, probably the original from when car was new.

Do I have to remove the front glass lens to get to the bulbs??

I did remove the 5 torxe screws on the back but this only gives limited access to the back of the reflector housings so I replaced thinking this was the wrong way to access?

Any help would be greatly appreciated - before I take a trip to Halfords and get them to do it!

A picture of what you're looking at might be useful?

Is it xenon lamp or standard lamp?

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Edited 9 January, 201610 yr by Guest

There is a black plastic 'back' approx the size of a pack of cards with a wire lever at one end, just pull this away to the side and the back will release where the bulbs are?

 

Sidelight is No.3, accessed from the square panel held in with the metal spring clip

 

I think this is the HID version? not sure how the panel comes off on this one, as I have not yet met one in the flesh!

Sidelight is No.3, accessed from the square panel held in with the metal spring clip

From his description it sounds like a xenon lamp if he's undone 5 torx screws on the back of the lamp?

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I was on this case.... 

All sorted - thanks for the pics. What an absolute f***ing nightmare just to change a side light bulb!

There were no clips or covers as some replies indicated - mine is like the picture S94-0117 'Octobus' posted.

Once you remove the unit you have to undue the torx screws which allows some access to the back of the reflectors.

I removed another 2 torx screws that hold a black box type housing and this gave me access to the bulbs to be able to un-clip the side light then replace the bulb.

Advice and pictures much appreciated - one happy novice who is back to all lights working!

More than happy to assist!

 

The octavia isn't too bad compared to some other vehicles. A friend of mine had a seat arosa.. to change a 50p side light bulb you need to remove most of the front end, bumper, grill, lights etc!

 

I highly recommend LED sidelights, after going through a phase of replacing the standard ones much brighter and more reliable