Decided to keep the fabia for another year so change the headlight bulbs 

 

It's the h7 type 

 

Popped the n/s wheel arch cover off (inspection thing) 

 

Pulled the boot off the back 

 

Now from what I've read it seems straight forward after this and after have a feel around (not with the Mrs) had a look via camera I can't for the life of me figure out how to get the bulb holder off let alone release the bulb 

 

I was even reduced to reading the manual which states 

 

› Remove the protective cap B » Fig. 182 on page 186.
› Press the connector latch and remove the plug connector by jiggling in the
direction of arrow 1 » Fig. 185.
› Push in the spring in the direction of the arrow 2

 

Any one able to give a more idiots guide 

 

 

Thanks 

Malcolm

 

What bulbs you replacing them with? Night breakers? @malcster

Just now, Damo said:

What bulbs you replacing them with? Night breakers? @malcster

Yes 

Was going for the lasers or Phillips extreme racing vision 

 

The Phillips has a poor life 

And the lasers has a poor pattern 

So plumped for nightbreaker unlimited 

A while since you posted originally @malcster - did you get sorted since? 

 

If not ... looks like you were at the stage of taking a bulb out ...  twist the black connector out (anti-clockwise) and then, when clear of the lamp unit,  pull the bulb out of the connector. 

It is very fiddly.

Putting them back in is ... slow ... - as you can't really "feel" a good purchase, or an end-stop. So, you're looking for feeling a tight enough fit, and then trusting (!) that that's good enough.  Yes, I know. I can hear the Irish joke that goes with that, too .  I'm pretty sure that if a compadre Irishman designed this, he would, at very least, have included a safety pin. To be sure, to be sure! 

 

I found that taking battery out is a help for the nearside. And both sides just need patience ... it's a case of really slowly, and as firm a grip as possible - which is not easy, given the tight space and the awful angles.

 

Someone on here made a tool, that seemed to resemble a sink-tap spanner   -- yep, here .. it was AGFalco : Link   - good bit of info on that page, as well.

 

All the best with it. The extra lumens will be useful in the winter.

Ciao.

 

p.s. I went for the Nightbreakers as well. A year down-range now, and they've been fine. Don't expect it to be the same as fitting 4 Cibié Oscars on the front, but it's better than the bulbs supplied anyway!

 

Edited 31 August, 20178 yr by Dithane

I've actually sent AGfalco a pm asking for the dimension of the part of the tool he used 

 

I just can't get my fingers around the holder to get enough on it 

 

I thought of using a ring spanner but only have upto 19mm so would need a bigger diameter one hence asking falco what size the rebate is 

Hi Malcster, 

 

My tool is still at work, but I can measure it tomorrow for you.

The post I made last year has some dimensions listed in it about the size. See link below.

You can see/remove the main beam holder easier and I used this as my size guide.

 

The four photos I posted further on in the post will also help you to understand the size shape required.

Also think of removing bayonet cap light bulbs. Push in and twist anticlockwise to remove.

If you still get nowhere then PM me again.

 

Thanks AG Falco

Just re read the thread fully 

 

20 mm diameter if I'm reading that correctly 

 

I think I can knock something up to get the blessed things out 

 

Thank you 

20mm wide AF ( Across the Flat) not diameter and deep enough to reach the metal of the bulb holder at the front end.

So when you twist the holder you are putting pressure on the metal part and not just the weaker plastic part.

So think of an open ended spanner that is covered one side but you cannot put the spanner on at 90 degrees

to the bulb holder because of the bodywork is in the way.

Again the photos will help explain this, I hope.

 

Thanks AG Falco.

Hi Malaster,

 

Did you manage to change your bulbs?

 

Or do you want to borrow a hammer and go in the front way.

 

Thanks AG Falco

 

 

Had another go last week 

Gave up after 20 minutes on the n/s one 

I'm off soon so I'll tackle it again if I feel like swearing a lot 

 

Have to say in 24 years of driving and working in the motor trade i have never encountered a bulb so stubborn 

Edited 23 September, 20178 yr by malcster

I think that design appeared in the recent Polo's as well.

Same here, one of the hardest bulbs to change I have come across.

 

Thanks AG Falco.

Wife's August 2015 Polo SEL has LED headlights so few bulb worries with the front cluster except the turn indicator, which needs the cluster to get removed to access the cover which is on the underside. The real problem with some 6C Polos is the rear cluster, the fancy "new since 2009" retaining element that VW use on most new models after 2009, at least on the cars built in the South African plant, is almost impossible to remove, small wing nut makes it look like a doddle - but you need a pair of pipe grips and grab it over the spring which forms part of the "self locking" feature! There is tight and there is very tight, these ones are a few stages further down the tight grades!! Why they changed to this type of nylon self locking retaining screw, who knows.