Headlight bulb replacement?

**lencuff** · 22nd December 2010, 10:39

How difficult is it to replace the dip beam driver's bulb on a facelift Vectra C (56 plate)?
Been told horror stories about the entire unit having to come out to get at it?

**george1987** · 22nd December 2010, 10:46

To get at the headlights on a facelift there are two options. Take the bumper off (can leave the rivets in on the splash guard, resting the bumper on something so as not to scratch it) or you can remove the airbox (all of it) and the screen wash extension pipe thingy. Done

To remove the front bumper there are two screws in each wheel arch, about 4-6 underneath the splitter and then the four on top (between headlights).

**JagRigger** · 22nd December 2010, 11:55

Depends how small your hands are

**LeeU** · 22nd December 2010, 12:03

I did this a few weeks ago, I removed the airbox to do it, I didn't fancy dropping the bumper.

**luke4487** · 22nd December 2010, 12:04

Piece of cake mate, just fitted HID's to mine on a facelift.

Left side: Twist out the washer fill pipe from its clip on the cross member and gently twist and pull out, then you can get your hands in and untwist the cover plates.

Right side: Remove the airbox, just undo all of the air pipes, and sensor and then the whole box can be pulled out. First from the bottom mount and the bottom pipe, then work out the top two mounts. 10 minute job, and again you can access all

(oh and don't forget the wiring harness thats ziptied on as I snapped my mount for it lol :P

Really not as difficult as others have made out in the past

**Big Dave** · 22nd December 2010, 14:26

Originally Posted by luke4487

Really not as difficult as others have made out in the past

Nor is removing the bumper, which is the prefered route I would take.

**Grumpy1954** · 22nd December 2010, 18:13

I found it easier to take the washer fill pipe clip off the slam panel, twist the pipe free for passenger side, and, as above, remover airbox for drivers side. Plenty of room then. Too cold to lay on floor.

**luke4487** · 22nd December 2010, 18:46

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Nor is removing the bumper, which is the prefered route I would take.

The main negative to dropping/removing the bumper is that your going to scratch the paintwork on the floor... thats the only reason I wouldn't want to use that technique..

Also from past experience putting a bumper on single handed can be a pain in the backside

**Big Dave** · 22nd December 2010, 20:28

Originally Posted by luke4487

The main negative to dropping/removing the bumper is that your going to scratch the paintwork on the floor... thats the only reason I wouldn't want to use that technique..

Sorry, but unless you're a complete bufoon and stupid enough to lay the bumper face down, then you won't scratch the paintwork. Just take it off and keep it the same orientation as when it was on the car. If still worried, then lay down an old dustsheet or blanket first. Not rocket science.

Originally Posted by luke4487

Also from past experience putting a bumper on single handed can be a pain in the backside

It's light as a feather. Hook one side on the wing, then the other side. Simples.

If only changing one bulb you don't even need to remove the whole bumper anyway. Just undo one side far enough to undo and remove the headlight.

**elanmac** · 23rd December 2010, 17:33

I have just come in to the warm again after changing the front offside dipped bulb. It took me 30 minutes from going out to coming back in. I used the removal of the air box method as the snow is still a bit too deep for kneeling on to remove the bumper. I did as someone suggested and did it with the engine warm to help soften the pipes but i still needed to use WD to fit the small rubber pipe. Next time it needs changing I can cut the time needed in half as I will know what tools to take out with me.