Oh, the simplicity...

[PomBstard]

Have just changed a headlight bulb on my MX5, and was refreshed by the simplicity of it all...

1. Unlatch and prop bonnet
2. Check back of headlight
3. Pull 3-slot connector off rear of bulb
4. Pull rubber boot from bulb
5. Unlatch beautifully simple spring latch - single finger operation
6. Remove bulb
7. Replace new bulb and spring latch
8. Replace rubber boot that goes back on just right - not too tight and pops into place
9. Replace connector to three pins at the back of the bulb
10. Close bonnet
11. Use as excuse to go for evening blast - "Just checking the lights work, love, will be back to help put the kids to bed!"

I reckon Steps 1-10 took less than 60 seconds and bought enough time for Step 11

What has impressed you with its sheer simplicity in this day of needing to remove body panels to change a knackered headlight bulb?

[5hero]

Only discovered yesterday the "low wear guide" on tyres. I was ready to buy a depth gauge and everything before speaking to my mechanic brother in law. I felt such a knob Such a simple thing.

Only issue now is, after checking both cars, I need 4 tyres soon

[Howard-]

It really is nice to find a car with easily-changeable headlight bulbs.

Steps 2-8 are the same on pretty much any car, however on newer cars, step 1 usually involves removing the gearbox or disconnecting the ABS pump and consequently re-bleeding the brakes or slackening off the mounts and dropping the engine or removing the bumper or a trip to the BMW dealer to re-code the bulbs. Or something equally ridiculous.

[Zoobeef]

I needs to change a brake bulb on the noble.it requiresme to cut a panel out, then clean all the old silicone off and re silicone it back in afterwards

[cuprabob]

5hero said:

Only discovered yesterday the "low wear guide" on tyres. I was ready to buy a depth gauge and everything before speaking to my mechanic brother in law. I felt such a knob Such a simple thing.

Only issue now is, after checking both cars, I need 4 tyres soon

I don't think you will be the only one. There are even little triangular marks on the sidewall to give you the location of the wear markers.

They are obvious on most modern performance tyres as they tend to have wider channels but far less obvious on a narrow tyre with thin grooves

[Rostfritt]

5hero said:

Only discovered yesterday the "low wear guide" on tyres. I was ready to buy a depth gauge and everything before speaking to my mechanic brother in law. I felt such a knob Such a simple thing.

Only issue now is, after checking both cars, I need 4 tyres soon

Or use a 20p coin

[NiceCupOfTea]

Presumably you don't have a Mk.1 MX-5 with sealed beam lamps then?

[5hero]

Rostfritt said:

Or use a 20p coin

20p coin = legal tread depth?

[PomBstard]

NiceCupOfTea said:

Presumably you don't have a Mk.1 MX-5 with sealed beam lamps then?

Spot on - early Mk2.

I remember when the washer pump gave out on my old 309 I just swapped it for the one powering the rear washer. Took about 10 mins. When I suspected a similar thing on the Forester I couldn't even see, let alone get to, the washer pump. Hidden behind swathes of plastic and wheelarch liner. Gave up after 20 mins.

[The Nur]

Zoobeef said:

I needs to change a brake bulb on the noble.it requiresme to cut a panel out, then clean all the old silicone off and re silicone it back in afterwards

That sounds like a right faff, I feel for you.

[Rostfritt]

5hero said:

20p coin = legal tread depth?

The border around the edge is yes.

[davepoth]

Rostfritt said:

The border around the edge is yes.

It's 2.5mm, a bit more than the legal minimum, but a very good guide since tyres atart to lose performance at around 3mm.

[Jimmy No Hands]

I wish it was that simple on a Clio RS. I changed both bulbs the other day and its a full bumper off jobby. Pain in the arse.

[Rostfritt]

Jimmy No Hands said:

I wish it was that simple on a Clio RS. I changed both bulbs the other day and its a full bumper off jobby. Pain in the arse.

Still law in some countries to carry spare bulbs at all times. But not to have the tools to do the job. I can't imagine someone removing their bumper by the side of the motorway at night because a bulb has gone.

[davepoth]

Rostfritt said:

Still law in some countries to carry spare bulbs at all times. But not to have the tools to do the job. I can't imagine someone removing their bumper by the side of the motorway at night because a bulb has gone.

France is one of those countries.

[philmots]

lol how ironic..

My old Meagane was the same. There was actually small holes (under a cover) in the inner arches to get your arm through.

Had no chance of doing it unless you were a child who could see through bodywork.

Bumper off was actually the easiest option.

[Oldandslow]

If you've got one of those cars try fitting LED bulbs. With luck you'll never need to go back in.

[Deva Link]

philmots said:

My old Meagane was the same. There was actually small holes (under a cover) in the inner arches to get your arm through.

Had no chance of doing it unless you were a child who could see through bodywork.

I changed a headlamp bulb on my daughter's Mitsubishi Colt the other night and that's the same, with access through a flap in the arch.

Actually pretty easy but you can't see what you're doing at all, you have to 'visualise' it. was a bit thrown (but also thankful in view of access) that there's no clip to hold the bulb, it's just a fairly tight push fit.