Help - headlamp bulb replacement

ProfDMW

Member
I need to replace the main headlamp bulb (drivers side) on my A2.

Bulb sourced, bonnet removed, unclipped the headlamp back cover, but it seems to be secured by a grey clip under the wing? No matter which way a push, twist, it wont come loose, so I can't get enough room to gain access to the bulb.

Help! surely this isn't a job that needs a 'stealer' tool???

I'm confident that someone on here knows where I'm going wrong!

Any advice would be welcomed.
 
Headlamp out

Hi Prof,

Easiest way to do this is to remove whole headlamp - this is held by 2 torx screws and only takes a few seconds. It's easy to realign if you take note of the original position.

Pete
 
I had to do mine recently. I also struggled like you. I wasn't too sure abour removing the lamp complete. So I used my wifes small make up mirror to look at the back of the light and work out how the wire un hooks. Once you know how its not too bad, but I found it quite difficult to clip back on.

Importantly, the wire just pulls off the back. I wasn't sure, and didn't want to break it, but it is just very stiff.

Hope that helps. If you don't have the torx!
 
Thanks for advice guys.

I can unclip the back cover without too much trouble - its removing it to gain access that's the problem!

Quick visit to halfords, and I have the correct size tx30s - now I just have to be 'brave' enough to unscrew the headlamp unit.......... maybe a job after Sunday Lunch!!

Thanks again,

Darren
 
Don't worry, once you've done it, everything will make sense!

On a side note, having a set of Torx bits is essential to DIY A2 repairs and upgrades!
 
First time I also struggled with a mirror and actually succeeded to change the bulb without unscrewing the light unit. I just don't remember how long I kept trying... :p But once the screws are first removed the situation changes completely, i.e., it becomes a 5 min job really :)
 
I had a go at taking mine off today to change a bulb and I struggled to get the wiring disconnected from the back in the nd I had to turn the light away from me and squeeze my fingers in.

I did it about this time last year with the headlight still on the car and struggled and got it done by feeling about, but it took 30 minutes at least.

Today it took a good 10 with the headlight unbolted.
 
There's a knack to releasing the connectors Stuart - it takes around 5 seconds when you know how!

Cheers,

Mike
 
I also have tried to remove the connector without success. To me, leaving it connected does not largely affect the bulb change so I haven't tried it second time really.
 
Hi all
have just got back from gatwick had 2 weeks away loverly
but guess what went on way :(:(
Not happy with strenghth of existing bulbs can anyone suggest normal (h7's)
but with better lighting that they are using!!!
i know that if i look through previous threads this is probably covered but was looking how to change so thought i'd give it a go
cheers for any help
Coco:):)
 
Found this post from Skipton very helpful
cheers Mike

I don't have pictures or photos, but it's really easy with the right tool - a T30 screwdriver.

1. Remove bonnet
2. Remove 2 screws from the headlamp (short one on the top and a longer one down the side, both T30 torx.
3. Slightly move the headlamp towards the radiator (doesn't matter which side, they both need to be moved sideways by around 2cm).
4. You can then remove the headlamp forwards from the car. Leave the wiring attached.

5. Unclip the metal retainer to allow the rear cover to be removed and then you're in!
6. Depending on the bulb you are changing, proceed as follows:

a. indicator - twist the gray holder and remove bulb
b. side/city light - pull the black plastic stick out, twisting slightly and remove bulb
c. main/hight beam - slightly press the wire retainer and unhook it from the clip. Remove the bulb, then unplug the wire.

d. dipped beam - unplug the black connector by pulling straight back. Then, press down on the wire retainer to unhook it from the clip and swing it out of the way. Remove bulb.

7. Re-assemble in the reverse order, making sure that you clean the bulbs thoroughly, otherwise you may shorten their life, by leaving fingerprints on the glass.

Hope this clears things up a little for you.

Cheers,

Mike
 
Hi Spike
cheers for that went too halfords and got extra brilliance £24.99 buy one get one free!
Robbery i know but at least he lent me a t30 to change the bulbs.
Took 10 mins both changed!
Has at least given me the incentive to look for hid setup seen them on flee bay from as little as £55!
that was 6000k set would be interested to hear any ideas on both best make and ease of fitting as i do know these require additional boxes to be secured inside engine bay!!
Cheers for any ideas or help
Coco:):):)
 
They're not just a UK supplier, they're only on the other sude of town from me!

I've just fitted a set of H4 bi-xenons into Angies Yaris and they're great!

Cheersm

Mike
 
Mike
how hard/easy are they to fit???
May get my little pig an early xmas pressie:):):)
cheers coco
 
It depends entirely on what your proficiency is - I find them very easy to fit, but then again, I've had more practise than most!

If you wanted me to fit them, I can do it at the curry social if you're attending.

Cheers,

Mike
 
Trying too convince hid's to attend but clashes with her birthday!!!
And don't think i'd be popular taking her for a nice weekend and giving her new headlights for my car!!!!
will have to think of a cunning plan:):):)
 
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