My wife has a 2012 Roomster, which came home from passing its MOT with the drivers side low beam bulb out of action [I don't know how it passed either|]

 

I've been trying to change the bulb.... which should be simple.... but I can't get the old bulb out.

 

The access is very tight.... I've successfully removed the rubber cover.... and can feel the connector...

 

The manual suggests you just have to turn the connector with the bulb anti-clockwise up to the stop and remove... 

I've tried.... and whilst I can hold the connector... I can't turn it at all.... [ Page 174, figure 145 ]

 

As I've said, the access is tricky, so I'm struggling to get a good grip....

 

Can you give me any hints? Is the manual correct?

 

This SHOULD be so simple?

 

Thanks for any input, Malcolm

Hi M, from what i remember, yes your right, its a twist. 

I remember moving the fuel filter to do the side light, but dont remember doing that for other bulbs. 

I think after looking on YouTube and it saying the same as the manual i just tried harder knowing it was right. Not saying your not trying. 

I've just fitted h7 bulbs to our 2007 Scout, it IS simple - you just need strong fingers to twist the bulb holder as there's no room to move your wrist

2 hours ago, b1ackb1rd said:

I've just fitted h7 bulbs to our 2007 Scout, it IS simple - you just need strong fingers to twist the bulb holder as there's no room to move your wrist

Thanks.... its not helping with the cold weather....  Will re-try to create a better grip... without damaging the holder... 

 

Thinking a strong cloth perhaps.... as I suspect my "normal" mole grips will cause more damage which I want to avoid...

 

Do you think it would help or hinder to try WD40?

 

Malcolm

God no! Don't use molegrips! If you are VERY careful you could start the movement of the bulb holder by pushing gently with a long thin screwdriver. 

I would not use any tools personally. 

I needs even pressure all round really. 

If you have any gloves that are rubber, they might give you a bit more grip. Work gloves or even surgical. 

Have you had a look with a mirror to see the overall picture of what your working on? 🤔 

Sorted.... the angle / access is a bitch.... But the key was working out what needed twisting....

 

There are some stand-up metal "hooks" - but these are fixed in place, and this is what the bulb holder twists into....

 

So, the trick was to grab and twist the black bulb holder... Twisting anti-clockwise... but remembering you are looking back on yourself.... so kind of upside down...

 

Just to confirm, the mole grips comment above was tongue in cheek.... what I used was an old rag (t-shirt), and warm hands having just had a warming coffee... and knowing what to twist and in which direction is the key.... Gloves if available.... would have likely worked just as well...

 

Having removed it, the bulb really didn't want to come out of the holder, so a flat bladed screwdriver to prise it out gently helped....

 

Replacing is the opposite of removal, but so much quicker....

 

Thanks for the support / encouragement...

 

Malcolm

We knew you could do it. 👍 

@MalcolmPreen you are a star mentioning the 2 metal hooks, I think I was trying to grip these as well.

 

Thanks to all the others that indicated what to do as well

 

Had a go and now have 2 osram nightbreaker bulbs in, seems to be working, but won’t know until nighttime how much better they are.  
 

Was never a problem in SW London (with streetlights), but unlit country roads showed how weak the lights were, especially compared to our other car with LED headlights

On 28/11/2020 at 16:07, SurreyJohn said:

@MalcolmPreen ... but won’t know until nighttime how much better they are...

It will be a huge difference to the best side. Of course they will never be like leds but they are a huge improvement. I even asked my technician to raise the beam just right above the cars' upper limit. That was my way to see and be seen without blinding the oncoming traffic.