Headlamp Bulbs (again!)

M

Malcolm

Member
As a new member I have found my way here today seeking guidance. Our A2, owned from new since March 2001, has just suffered its first headlamp bulb failure. Having spend a little time struggling with the bulb cover I now learn from some textual threads that the unit should be removed.

The Fitting Guide mentioned in a previous (closed) thread does not seem to have been transferred yet. Any chance before tomorrow, when I plan to have another go in daylight?
 
Hi,

I've checked through all the files from the old site - and cannot find the Headlamp fitting guide. It was linked to the original web site - perhaps Stuart or some of the older members have a copy somewhere?

However, as some of the threads have discussed, I think it's a matter of removing a couple of Torx screws. See this fitting guide for some pointers:

http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3418

Sorry I cannot be of any more help.
 
I think I was the one to write the original headlight fitting guide. Or side/indicator lights, for that matter.
I have it here, but the forum does not seem to allow me to upload it (too large, so it seems: 1.9 Mb indeed):

Get it here, for now: http://www.xs4all.nl/~edni/a2/BulbReplacementGuide.zip

As for removing the entire unit: yes, it's as easy as removing two torx screws. Maybe mark the position of the assembly before removing it all toghether (there were some white marks on mine already).

However, if you're just replacing the low beam, then you'll manage without removing it. First time generally involves some swearing though...
 
Many thanks, an excellent guide. I had actually already taken my courage in both hands and done the job, based on previous guidance.

I did not actually remove the cable, as the plug was too tight. A rug prevented lamp unit and bumper making contact. I was replacing the low beam bulb, quite stiff to pull out and tricky to ensure the new one was seating properly.

Replacing the lamp unit I found it was a little awkward to ensure that the peg at the outer end was engaging in its crutch. I hadn't thought to mark the position of the screw mounts but went by the absence of (black) paint.

In theory I suppose the lights should be realigned. I don't know what are the manufacturing tolerances of the bulbs, but the old envelope was distinctly skewed in its base.

I did try changing it in situ, but couldn't persuade the cover to release from the outer end - the stay was in the way.
 
You're most welcome, Malcolm. Sorry I was a little bit too late.
And well done too - you don't seem to be the type that's faint of heart :)

As for the alignment: as far as I could tell you are not causing any vertical misalignment (so you are not necessarily blinding other people now).

Misalignment on the horizontal axis is possible though. So your car may be a bit cross-eyed now. Or lighting up the curb more/less than you want too.
Or the lamp-unit simply might not align well with the bumper (looking at it from the top).
But if you placed it all back in a neat fashion, you couldn't be far off.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top