Author Topic: Is it true?  (Read 4899 times)

Offline S11EPS

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Re:Is it true?
« Reply #10 on: 07 January 2004, 14:34 »
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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Offline AK47lotus

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Re:Is it true?
« Reply #11 on: 07 January 2004, 15:03 »
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.

Offline papperbear

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Re:Is it true?
« Reply #12 on: 07 January 2004, 15:18 »

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?

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Offline S11EPS

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Re:Is it true?
« Reply #13 on: 07 January 2004, 15:33 »
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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Offline AK47lotus

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Re:Is it true?
« Reply #14 on: 08 January 2004, 10:12 »
Thanks for that - I am priniting it off and will have a go at lunch!

I'll let you know!!

Offline S11EPS

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Re:Is it true?
« Reply #15 on: 08 January 2004, 16:12 »
How did you get on buddy?

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Offline antgti

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Re:Is it true?
« Reply #16 on: 09 January 2004, 03:22 »
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
Me old diesel was quick/........

16.004 sec Qtr mile @ 85mph 23/5/04 Santa Pod



Now running around in soon to be REVO'd Seat ibiza 1.8T 20v FR and missing the fuel economy..............

Offline S11EPS

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Re:Is it true?
« Reply #17 on: 09 January 2004, 07:13 »
Surely the headlights just fall out on an Italian car??!!!  ;D

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Offline AK47lotus

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Re:Is it true?
« Reply #18 on: 09 January 2004, 16:14 »
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 :)

Offline rac_gti

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Re:Is it true?
« Reply #19 on: 09 January 2004, 16:33 »
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 !
VW Golf mk4 GT TDI 130 3 door silver