Changing Headlight Bulbs

[Ed_shek]

Does anyone know how to change the headlight bulb on the drivers side because I can't get into the light assembly because the screenwash pipe is in the way. The manual says to remove this but how do you do it???

[jllo]

It can be done - just how the manual says (although I admit it's *very* difficult to get the back cover back onto the headlamp unit because of the windscreen bottle filler pipe.

I managed to change all the headlamp bulbs on my old 206 GTI - the drivers side took at least twice as long (and a lot of blue air) to do because it's so fiddly. I ended up messing up the clip on the back cover for the drivers side headlamp, so had to fix it in place with a cable tie.

Persevere & make sure no-one who is easily offended is around before you change the bulbs!

[Ed_shek]

But has anyone removed the windscreen screen washer filler pipe in order to remove the cover successfully as the manual does state to do this?

[jllo]

No, I did not remove the windscreen washer filler pipe - which may account for the bad language in part!

To be honest, I can't remember if the manual for the GTI said to do this - but if the CC one does, then I would guess that the GTI one did also. Looks like I made things difficult for myself then.

I seem to remember that the passenger side was not easy either, due to the "small pipes" that connect into something near there. (You can tell how good I am with car engines!)

[RickJAndrsn]

The washer filler pipe is easy enough to remove.... If you look down the pipe from standing at the front of the engine, there is a lever that you can press on the pipe. Hold this down while gently pulling the pipe and it will slide out.

You'll then be able to get to the covers to change the bulbs (Have just changed all mine to Osram Cool Blues). To put the pipe back, just line up the lever with the little notch in the pipe and push back on.

Hope this helps

Rick

[Ed_shek]

Thanks for this. I will go this ago when my new bulbs arrive.

[perCC]

Hi All

Just hope the lever doesnt break off.
Mine did

Cheers

[Ed_shek]

New bulbs now fitted easily and quickly having easily removed the pipe. No problems whatsoever!

[Lyndon]

nice one, stuff paying anyone for a simple job

[AllenConquest]

I've been trying to replace my main beam bulb with brighter ones. I've been through all the tutorials I could find, but my sticking point is just getting the bulb cover off the back of the light unit! I thought that was meant to be relatively easy. The side with the screenwash tube is fine (once this is removed), but on the other side I can't lift the plastic tab far enough to unclip it. Has anyone else come across this problem? The only solution I can see is to shave some plastic off the top of the clip.

Also are Ring Xenon lights okay as replacements?

Thanks,

Allen

[GrandadMonkey]

I had no problem replacing one of my n/s headlight bulbs but the Haynes manual does say that on some models with ABS, it may be necessary to remove the LH headlamp completely to gain access to the bulb.

[AllenConquest]

It's not access or anything like that. I can get to the plastic tab okay. The problem is even when I lift it as hard as I can (and I think it's about to snap) it's not far enough when I then pull the unit back. The little clip isn't down far enough to be released. Like I say, the other side is fine, so I know I'm doing the right thing, it's just this side seems to be stuck! Might have to go to a garage just so they can remove the unit

[yellowplanet]

Just tried to change my near side headlamp. Got the back cover off ok with a bit of jiggling. Sussed out how to unclip the bulb. What I'm having difficulty with is actually removing the connectoer from the back of the bulb. Jeez! I'm worried that I'm going to break it. It just wont budge.

Any advice? Is the a clip on the connector that I'm not seeing? Should I stick something between the bulb and the connector and lever it off?

I'm going to change the other side too but the near side needs to be done as it's blown.

[Capncol]

Should just wiggle off

[AllenConquest]

When I had my MOT they said I'd put the bulb in upside down! I didn't think that was possible.