Changing a headlight bulb on a Ford Ka- JEEESUS!
Discussion
Presuming we're talking about a Mk1 Ka, neither of these need wheels taking off..
With the Ka, a big flathead screwdriver is helpful because it lets you pin the plastic cover back out of the way, but whatever you do don't take it off completely. This gives you enough room, even on the more space-hungry later engines, to get to the dipped beam fine. The main beam is harder and you could spend five minutes or so fiddling to get the plastic cover back on, as you've no choice but to remove it, thankfully very rare that they go.
Astras, lock the wheels right over to the opposite side to the bulb you're changing - ie, full left lock to get to the driver's side - pop and use the little hatch you're given in the arch lining to reach through. Easier than Meganes, that's for sure, as the clips are a lot less swivel-eyed than the ones Renault use, though the bigger the wheels the more ballache you'll have.
The most awkward one I've seen recently is the current Fiesta's dipped beam, you get maybe half an inch of space between the cover and the bulkhead.. Still doable in a couple of minutes, but on first sight ridiculous!
ETA - If you haven't done loads of bulbs before, mind, a Ka does look like a right mission!
With the Ka, a big flathead screwdriver is helpful because it lets you pin the plastic cover back out of the way, but whatever you do don't take it off completely. This gives you enough room, even on the more space-hungry later engines, to get to the dipped beam fine. The main beam is harder and you could spend five minutes or so fiddling to get the plastic cover back on, as you've no choice but to remove it, thankfully very rare that they go.
Astras, lock the wheels right over to the opposite side to the bulb you're changing - ie, full left lock to get to the driver's side - pop and use the little hatch you're given in the arch lining to reach through. Easier than Meganes, that's for sure, as the clips are a lot less swivel-eyed than the ones Renault use, though the bigger the wheels the more ballache you'll have.
The most awkward one I've seen recently is the current Fiesta's dipped beam, you get maybe half an inch of space between the cover and the bulkhead.. Still doable in a couple of minutes, but on first sight ridiculous!
ETA - If you haven't done loads of bulbs before, mind, a Ka does look like a right mission!
Edited by McSam on Thursday 27th January 09:44
McSam said:
Astras, lock the wheels right over to the opposite side to the bulb you're changing - ie, full left lock to get to the driver's side - pop and use the little hatch you're given in the arch lining to reach through.
Didn't work on my Sporthatch. Standard 17" Design spec wheels. The hatch wouldn't open past the tyres.Mondeo is a pain as well. Had to take off the Grille, a couple of bits inside the engine bay and remove the headlight unit to replace main beam....
fair enough it was about a 10 minute job, but the elderly or the inept would struggle. Probably why you see so many cars going around with 1 healight out or headlights being substituted with fog lights.
HellDiver said:
McSam said:
Astras, lock the wheels right over to the opposite side to the bulb you're changing - ie, full left lock to get to the driver's side - pop and use the little hatch you're given in the arch lining to reach through.
Didn't work on my Sporthatch. Standard 17" Design spec wheels. The hatch wouldn't open past the tyres.As for the Mk3 Mondeo, I thought that was a wonderful design! Two twist-clips to get the grille off, then two clips that you simply pull upwards, and the headlight's free and you have the easiest fit possible. So long as you know what to look for, two minutes out and maybe as long back in. I'm not sure whether the manual gives you instruction or not, but to most it's a nice solution.
The very best in terms of an elegant solution are Volvo S/V40s (at least, I think it's the 40s) - one clip and the whole unit swings out and off the car
ETA - Meganes are similar to the Astras, never need the bumper off but do need you to stick your arm up to the elbow through the wheelarch access hatch to fiddle blind with dodgy bulb clips. Not ideal for Joe Public, that one, but technically achieveable at the roadside
Edited by McSam on Thursday 27th January 10:05
TonyHetherington said:
Hope you never have to change a bulb on an early S2 Elise
wheel arch liner off, unbolt entire headlight cluster from behind, then bring forward and detach.
You don't need to remove the wheel arch to access the three bolts but yes, it is a bit of a faff. Not more so than, say, a Fiesta, though. Thankfully my daily has easily-accessible bulbs.wheel arch liner off, unbolt entire headlight cluster from behind, then bring forward and detach.
Negative Creep said:
hora said:
Are you SURE about Halfords? Using Google theres a few stories of Halfords struggling.
Halfords won't change a bulb if it involves removing components from the vehicle (insurance reasons)McSam said:
Negative Creep said:
hora said:
Are you SURE about Halfords? Using Google theres a few stories of Halfords struggling.
Halfords won't change a bulb if it involves removing components from the vehicle (insurance reasons)We must just be a particularly determined bunch of nutters, then 
I don't see why we shouldn't take components off/move them around to get to fit bulbs, if the manufacturer designed it to be removable and it doesn't look in ridiculously bad condition I can't see a problem. I've been operating this policy for years and it's not bitten me yet - touch wood - and it's refreshing how many people appreciate the £6 charge when many bits come off their car or my arm disappears up a wheelarch
I don't see why we shouldn't take components off/move them around to get to fit bulbs, if the manufacturer designed it to be removable and it doesn't look in ridiculously bad condition I can't see a problem. I've been operating this policy for years and it's not bitten me yet - touch wood - and it's refreshing how many people appreciate the £6 charge when many bits come off their car or my arm disappears up a wheelarch Gassing Station | Ford | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff