Defective bulb (halogen)

[bras0782]

The 'defective bulb' light came on yesterday. The outer bulb on the passenger side is gone which looks like '#11LONGLIFE BULB 12V 55W H7' on RealOEM :thumbsdown:

How easy is it to replace the bulb for someone non-mechanically orientated like me? I've accessed the lights before and removed the headlight cover but that's all.

Another thing: why are there two small bulbs on the inner light socket? these are probably #9 and #10 on RealOEM. Only the bottom one is on by default and when I tried a few of the light settings :scratchhead: Here's as good a pic as I could find on Google on the halogen lights if any needs reminding

 

[Mr Whippy]

Thats the main beam nearside then.

Just get a pair of good Ring 90%+ Halogen bulbs for about £18

20 mins to swap the pair tops and much better than what are likely just OEM halogens in there...

Once you are at the lights, iirc, it's just a 20deg twist anti-clockwise to remove the bayonets from the mount, and then they pull back. I didn't understand why the plug was so tight into the back of the bulbs, so just pulled and wiggled the bulb out gently over 20s or so.

Refitting is the reverse of removal

Not a bad job actually.

 

[cj10jeeper]

If you do not know already then access is via turning the road wheel to full lock (out on the side you are working on works for me) open the access panel and then spring the back retaining clip off. note how the back of the light is fitted and wriggle if out.

As Mr W says the halogen requires a few degrees antclockwise then just pulls out. Just note exactly where the locating lugs are.

The other bulbs - well that's real oem and probably refers to US spec. which has a different bulb layout. All you have is 2 indicators on long bayonets that need a screwdriver to remove, a single sidelight that's a push fit and the primary dip/main halogen or xenon.

Caution if you have xenon's make sure they're off else you'll tazer yourself!!!!!

When you refit ensure the back of the light is correctly seated or it'll leak

 

[bras0782]

Thanks Whippy

I have some a spare light set from Halfords which I'll try. If the bulb is rubbish it will work as a temporary fix and allow me to drive the car over the weekend :driving: I guess it's the bulb in the bottom left of the pack that I need?

What's a Ring 90%?

 

[bras0782]

Thanks CJ10. I've gone as far as removing the retainer box via the spring back that's a pain to work with. I was trying to get access to the switch which redirects the lights for driving in Europe.

Before I change any bulbs do I need to disconnect the battery or take any other precautions?

The other bulbs - well that's real oem and probably refers to US spec. which has a different bulb layout. All you have is 2 indicators on long bayonets that need a screwdriver to remove, a single sidelight that's a push fit and the primary dip/main halogen or xenon.

No, no - the 2 smaller bulbs are on my car which I noticed yesterday. So ignore everything except the two circular bulb housings when viewed from the front of the car. The outer round housing seems to have the beam light and is the one that is now defective on mine. The inner housing has two smaller bulbs, one above the other and the lower one was lit on both sides of the car. I don't know what the upper bulb is for.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Thanks CJ10. I've gone as far as removing the retainer box via the spring back that's a pain to work with. I was trying to get access to the switch which redirects the lights for driving in Europe.

Before I change any bulbs do I need to disconnect the battery or take any other precautions?

The other bulbs - well that's real oem and probably refers to US spec. which has a different bulb layout. All you have is 2 indicators on long bayonets that need a screwdriver to remove, a single sidelight that's a push fit and the primary dip/main halogen or xenon.

No, no - the 2 smaller bulbs are on my car which I noticed yesterday. So ignore everything except the two circular bulb housings when viewed from the front of the car. The outer round housing seems to have the beam light and is the one that is now defective on mine. The inner housing has two smaller bulbs, one above the other and the lower one was lit on both sides of the car. I don't know what the upper bulb is for.

OK - the beam cut off lever is by the side of the inner bulb housing. Small alloy lever to the side that raises a cut off shutter.

No need to disconnect the battery but don't touch the new bulb glass or it will burn out real quick. Only real precaution is not to have xenons on else you'll get 25,000v shock.

I've chopped up a dozen light units and no idea what bulb you refer to, unless you have a facelift and they are to backlight the mock Angel eye rings??

 

[bras0782]

Nope, not a facelift or anything else I know about so must be my very poor description. I'll try taking a pick in the morning.

 

[Mr Whippy]

What's a Ring 90%?

http://www.phoenixautobulbs.co.uk/ring-xenon-max-499-h7-xenon-bulbs-90-p-618.html

I got those ones. Not from there, but from a local auto supplies shop, for £18 ish.

Very good bulbs I think (probably best of the current crop of 55W halogens). The halogens I took out had corrosion on the actual coil so were clearly past their best or originals. The new ones are whiter (not that nasty blue), and brighter. I also dialled up a turn on the headlight adjusters and I'd say they were 50% better than they were for range and intensity over before.

Cheers

Dave

 

[bras0782]

Changed over the bulb with tthe cheapo one form Halfords I had. Easy enough but the clip and the compartment lid are a pain :headbang:

cj10jeeper, some pics showing the two lights with the last photo showing the bottom bulb on and the top off. What's the top bulb for?

- - -

I hope the condensation in my lights (1st image) is not permanent

 

[cj10jeeper]

OK so looking at the lower 2 pictures they are of the inner light unit. All you have is 2 bulbs. there is a 5w sidelight/parking light that is illuminated in the RH photo and the upper bulb is a standard 55w H7 halogen. This is your 'flash to pass bulb' and is primarily there for flashing using the pull of the light stalk, but on some comes on with main beam to supplement the other unit.

Designed that way as xenon (if you have it) in the other housing should not be flashed as they should really only be ignited every 15 minutes.

Does that help?

Condensation is not good but should clear if you use the lights as they are vented at the back. If not check the rear housing is clean and well seated.