GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: AK47lotus on 05 January 2004, 15:08
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Hi All,
I am new to golf ownership. I need to replace the main headlight bulb and when I looked in the manual they say it should go to the dealer for that. Is this really the case before I start paying throught the nose?
Thanks in advance
Al
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It's a fiddly job, are you a member of the AA? If so, a friend of mine called them out to say his car wouldn't start and he gtot the AA guy to fit them for him (he upgraded them to xenons).
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Are Xenons the bulb of choice. Why is it so fiddly?
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apparently you need 'barbie doll' hands to change bulbs!!! if you havent got em its a bumper off job 'so theysay' but i cant see it me self!! id ask one of me kids to do it for me rather than take the bumper off!!!! ;D
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Yes, the back of my headlight units are now an interesting dark red colour !!
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cant be that bad can it!!!! ::)
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My lights went at the weekend. Spent an hour traying to change the buggers but to no avail- need very small hands and the ability to see through metal. Im covered by VW assistance. Thinking of getting them out saying my lights arent working and i need to make a journey.
Or just going to Halfords and upgrading to Xenon
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cant be that bad can it!!!! ::)
It can when you hands are as big as mine!!
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?40 a bulb from VW. Amazing that they can make something so mundane a "return to dealer" situation. Especially as my dealer said they can't fit me in for 3 weeks!
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Bugger .... I've just bought a pair of Xenon's to replace the main beams on mine. Didnt realise how difficult it was going to be.
From what everyone's said, if I want to do it properly do I have to take the front bumper off? Is there no easier way ?
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I have pretty big hands and I have changed both my headlight and sidelight bulbs. Its not easy, but certainly possibly without taking off the bumper.
Where are you in the country? Are you going to the Newark meet?
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Sadly I am not going to Newark,
I am based in London
It is really frustrating, I have taken my elise to bits more times that I care to remember and never had to refer to a dealer for basic maintenance. I looked at the head lights and it isn't obvious where to start, would you be able to give a breif description of the method.
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I'm based in Southport, so Newark is only a couple of hours away (I think!)
I'm getting hassle off the missus at the moment as I'm spending to much time looking after my car! She doesnt want to learn to drive !
Anyway - do you need any special tools to change the lights or is it just fiddley?
Got my US Anniversary badge on now (thx kniterider 4 ur tips)
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Yeah, sure, but remember, I'm working from memory here!
Ok, unlike conventional headlights that were weatherproofed with rubber boots, the Golf uses a solid plastic plate that covers the rear of the headlight assembly. This is held in place with a silver metal clip, running vertically. In its fixed position this sits approximately halfway across the width of the headlight.
To release the plastic plate, flick the silver metal retaining clip towards the centre of the car - this will swing clear of plastic plate and allow you to remove it out of the way.
Next its simply a case of freeing the bulb from the headlight unit. This is secured via what I call the 'bent paperclip' where a piece of metal sits in a lug at the bottom, and is secured via two lugs at the top. In order to free the bulb you need to squeeze to two ends of the clip at the top, and it will then pivot at the bottom of the bulb - be careful not too let it go too fast - i lost the first one in the depths of the engine compartment!
Bulb comes out! un-attach wiring plug.
Drop the new one in (being careful not too touch the glass, as grease from a finger print will cause a 'hotspot' on the bulb which will knacker it), line it up as the original, and reattach the retaining clip. connect the wiring to the back of the bulb (only goes on one way) and re-fit the plastic plate. Finish off by snapping the plate-retaining clip into place.
It sounds easy, and it is, what makes it difficult is the lack of space. Start on the drivers side first, so you can achieve something in a short space of time (and win a moral-bhoosting victory against the lack-of underbonnet-space demon!), as the passenger side (in front of battery) is harder! You may want to consider removing battery, which will make it considerably easier.
If you get really stuck, or don't fancy giving it a go, I work in Wembley. Drop in one day and I'll give you a hand to crack through it.
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Thanks for that - I am priniting it off and will have a go at lunch!
I'll let you know!!
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How did you get on buddy?
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don't be such a woose, and get ur hands bloody, you think golf oned are hard, try changing fiat cou[pe ones, thats a job for captain hook
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Surely the headlights just fall out on an Italian car??!!! ;D
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2 hours >:(
And 3 cuts in the digits and I managed it. Interestingly enough if I was to do it again then I reckon it is a 5 minute job :P
Thanks for your help :)
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2 Hour! i am a large bloke ! 6 foot 4 in .. my hand is god know how large it is ! i can pick up a normal football with my one hand easy and done both all headlight blue vision plus bulbs under 30 min ! ;D
No need bumper to removed !