Grr... front right headlight bulb replacement

[JimmyNY]

I'm trying to replace the front right headlight bulb (from the driver seat point of view). However, I can't seem to get my hand down around in there. The battery is too close, and it doesn't leave me enough room to get any leverage to pull out the plug. Can anyone give me some help? Thanks.

<small>[ February 05, 2003, 06:53 PM: Message edited by: JimmyNY ]</small>

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

JimmyNY:
Can anyone give me some help? Thanks.

(you are replacing the bulb not the headlamp wink )

Oh... it's possible... boink

I have pretty big hands (can palm a basketball with no problem) and I got it done without removing the battery... my hand came out of there with a good scrape though.

only suggestion:

double-jounted wrist shrug

 

[JimmyNY]

Heh yeah, bulb, my fault. Anyway, it looks like I'm going to have to remove the battery. Seems like a pain.

Actually, I'm beginning to think I'm doing something wrong. I can get my hand in there, and I can grip a round plastic piece with grooves in it. It is cylindrical shaped, with wires going into what I assume is a plug for the bulb. What do I actually do? Is the plastic cylindical shaped thing some sort of lock? Or do I just pull at the base of the plug?

<small>[ February 05, 2003, 06:54 PM: Message edited by: JimmyNY ]</small>

 

[sdpatt]

You have to rotate the plastic barrel about 60 degrees in the counter clockwise direction and pull it rearward to remove it since it is the lock that holds the bulb receptacle in the headlamp assembly. That job is much easier with the battery out. Just remove the battery and save your hands the trouble. You are not supposed to touch the bulb with your hands. Be careful or just wear latex gloves.

 

[fricker66]

Go with Scott's suggestion of removing the battery. I found it to be much easier with the battery out of the way. Another suggestion, depending on the age of the left headlight, is to replace both of them at once. Otherwise, you will probably notice a difference in the output.

 

[91 SHOplus]

[Rant]The bulbs in these cars are such a PITA! You'd think that they would alow enough room to get your hand in there without taking out the battery/airbox. [/Rant]

I suppose it could be worse, we could have new VW Bugs! [Shudder]

 

[Pekin21]

Sdpatt, why aren't you suppose to touch the bulb?

 

[sdpatt]

Look here or here or here or here or ....

Same reasons: shortened bulb lifetime or breakage.

<small>[ February 06, 2003, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: sdpatt ]</small>

 

[Joe RedCloud]

I second the idea of replacing both bulbs while you're up there. In my experience, when I've only replaced one part of a pair, the other one goes right away. Take your time and you can manage the change. One important note though. Be very careful when you're placing the new bulb into its socket. That little plastic ****** has a nasty habit of breaking. I know, I'm on my third!