C5 Headlight Bulb change

stuartmunn · Post by **stuartmunn** » 07 Feb 2006, 09:17

Hellllpppp!

Trying to change the dipped headlight son my C5 estate (2002)...

Is there a "technique to doing this as it appears impossible ....

How do you remove those plastic covers... is there a special tool. or do you just break them

I can't believe I have to go to a delaer to change bulbs...

Cheers

Stuart Munn
Stonehaven
Scotland

mezuk04 · Post by **mezuk04** » 07 Feb 2006, 09:26

Im not sure but im sure ive read that the bumper has to come off or something similar

stuartmunn · Post by **stuartmunn** » 07 Feb 2006, 09:39

Mexuk04

Surely you are winding me up!!

Though with Citroens ... I can almost believe it ...

Nice car though and so far no problems...

Cheers

Stuart

ralph · Post by **ralph** » 07 Feb 2006, 10:23

The studs that hold the plastic covers over the battery etc are in two parts. Prize up the centre part (which you'll see is a pin), then the rest will come out more easily.
Once you've got to the back of the headlamps, unscrew the big plastic cover and marvel at how bad access is.
The bulbs are held by a metal spring clip, then they come out with a slight turn. The bulb fittings are conventional, but take your time.
I did a mate's bulbs last week and it took half and hour of fiddling - since you can't see what your hand is doing.

Enjoy!

mezuk04 · Post by **mezuk04** » 07 Feb 2006, 10:47

Zx's arent too Bad
Xantia's well i took one look and moved on to the washer jets
C5's never it would seem

So you dont need to remove the bumper, did I scare you hehehehe

stuartmunn · Post by **stuartmunn** » 07 Feb 2006, 11:11

Yes I was scared...

Thanks for the advice guys, I recall similar access issues with my old Mini ... you needed arms the size of a 9 years olds but with the strength of a wrestler to work on it....

Seems my plastic clips are in one piece but then its possible my eyesite is failing me!

I'll have another go at the weekend, one the scars heal up!

My Jag S type is much easier in the headlight area...5 minute job.

Cheers

406 V6 · Post by **406 V6** » 07 Feb 2006, 12:18

Remove the battery first if it's in the way. It will prevent a lot of cursing (i know, i had to change that lamp the other week

)

Post by **Peter.N.** » 07 Feb 2006, 13:41

...And then buy a new radio, because you've forgotton the code!

wheeler · Post by **wheeler** » 07 Feb 2006, 18:15

Peter.N. wrote:...And then buy a new radio, because you've forgotton the code!

C5 radios dont have codes as they are programed to the cars chassis number.

mezuk04 · Post by **mezuk04** » 07 Feb 2006, 18:35

Theres always one

Mr. Smarty Pants

hhehehhehehe

johnway · Post by **johnway** » 07 Feb 2006, 21:05

Hello,
Yes they are a pain, but perseverence wins the day!! Remove the battery first, then remove the large black plastic cover, exposing the bulbs and retaining clips. I found that the wife's vanity mirror was ideal for watching my fingers perform the unclipping/removal and replacement of the bulbs. The offside is a little b....r !! Much jamming and skin scraping required but with the mirror as an aid I eventualy got the job done. Be careful to get the bullbs seated correctly before re-clipping. Have fun!!
Regards,
John.

406 V6 · Post by **406 V6** » 07 Feb 2006, 21:14

Be careful to get the bullbs seated correctly before re-clipping.

Guess where most of the cursing came from... i got the new H7 stuck the wrong way, and with no pliers to help getting it out it was a pig of a job...

Post by **Sir Clive** » 08 Feb 2006, 07:45

The H7 lamp goes in with the flat at the TOP, not the bottom, as you might think. I too have spent an hour trying to put one in upside down....once

I found it possible to do without removing the battery, but it isn't an easy job whichever way round you do it.
Good luck!!!!!

stuartmunn · Post by **stuartmunn** » 08 Feb 2006, 08:58

Gents

Thanks for all your help as my hands are starting to heal up... I'll have a go on Saturday daylight permitting... taking the battery off is a good suggestion.

The mirror is a good idea and I now have my own vanity mirror for doing such jobs, trouble is I can never find it in the garage...so I still end up borrowing my wifes. Which gves me an excuse to poke about in her makeup bag...which is always a pleasure... but you don't want to hear about my perversions do you?

I like the quick battery take off clips, a great idea! anyone know where I can buy them? they'd be ideal for use in my boat.

Cheers

Stuart

Kowalski · Post by **Kowalski** » 09 Feb 2006, 17:17

Off topic but...

C5s are getting cheap now to the point where I'm tempted to upgrade to one. My major gripe with the Xantia (mostly with it being winter) is that the dipped headlights aren't so good, especailly when the car is covered in salt like it is now.

How do the C5 dipped beams compare to the Xantia dipped beams? Are the HID/Xenon headlights worth upgrading to on the C5?

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