Headlamp bulb replacement

[james12345]

Been outside in the rain for the last hour, just trying to get the old bulb out! It's a 97 4.0 Chim, so has the flap in the wheel arch.

Only thing is, I can't work out how to undo the metal clip to remove the bulb! Can't be that difficult, surely! Don't fancy the idea of jacking up with the crummy jack and taking the wheel off just to stick my head in the arch with the risk of it all coming down on top of me, and there seems to be plenty of room with the wheel on full lock, but for some reason the clip, although undone, just doesn't want to let go of the bulb!

Any tips / pointers, PLEASE????!!!!???

James.

[jonnyb]

I have a 1996 chim so it may be differant. There are two metal clips at the back of the light that fit over the rear of the bulb. First pull the plug off the bulb then squeeze the two metal clips together at the bottom of the bulb holder. once you have squeezed them together you should feeal them unlatch (you may have to push them in a bit aswell) then they rotate upwards and the bulb can be pulled out. Replacement is the reversal of removal.

[ian8542]

The clip hinges up out of the way. Have you unclipped both sides of the clip?
You may find it easier to remove the road wheel rather than turning the wheel to full lock to remove the wheelarch cover.
Removing the bulb connector might make it easier to get the bulb out and once you do check that TVR have not fitted one of their 100W items as they get very hot and discolour the reflector. Use a 60/55w Zenon instead.

[jonnyb]

ian8542 said:

Removing the bulb connector might make it easier to get the bulb out and once you do check that TVR have not fitted one of their 100W items as they get very hot and discolour the reflector. Use a 60/55w Zenon instead.

Nah, use the 100w its much better, you can actualy see where your going!! Although my other half says she dosnt want too

[ian8542]

jonnyb said:

ian8542 said: Removing the bulb connector might make it easier to get the bulb out and once you do check that TVR have not fitted one of their 100W items as they get very hot and discolour the reflector. Use a 60/55w Zenon instead. Nah, use the 100w its much better, you can actualy see where your going!! Although my other half says she dosnt want too

The Zenon 60/55w gives the same light output as the 100w with less heat generated and current drawn.

[david beer]

You can fit the 100w jobbies, they will only produce 70 ish as the wiring aint exactly OTT. Much better to go Philips or Osram who are the new "best" economical, a rewire of the drivers side will increase both sides as well. Also check out HID on ebay, they use much less current, tell your insurer though !

[james12345]

Thanks for all thre advice guys - managed to get it done last night in the rain. It was the second metal clip that threw me - couldn't get it undone. Once it was, it only took two minutes to change the bulb and get the flap back on. Just need to get some sealant, to make it all watertight again, and I'll be done!

Cheers!

[soapbox]

Funny but the same thing happened to me. Bulb went, struggled for an hour getting the bloody screws out of the flap (!), then couldn't see / feel anything other than wires and sharp things. I ended up taking the wheel off. 2 hours to change a bulb! My advise to anyone reading is next time get the wife to do it.

[ian8542]

david beer said:

You can fit the 100w jobbies, they will only produce 70 ish as the wiring aint exactly OTT.

Exactly why you should use the Zenon's. About £4 each and no rewiring.
How many people with Chimaera's can change a light bulb easily, never mind finding out how to rewire one?