I'm a stupid noob: changing headlight bulbs

[Migoreng_Noodles]

I tried to change my headlight bulb (which I've done numerous times to other cars) on my EG Civic.

So I popped the bonnet pulled the clip that sticks out of the rubber grommet for the headlight. When I undid the clip, the loom disconnected but the bulb and the 3 prings were still in the headlight. I couldn't get to the bulb itself. Is this right?

Has my wiring room corroded with water?

Or am I meant to twist the clip around the grommet to pull it all off?

I tried to push the clip back onto the 3 prongs, but it didn't wanna go. One of the corners didn't wanna clip in. I was thinking if I clipped it back on, maybe I need to pull the rubber grommet back then I could maybe twist the clip and it'll undo the bulb and 3 prong bit?

I only have one headlight at the moment :zip:

[g_kn]

i would help, but im confused.
what sort of bulb type is it?

[SiReal]

i wouldnt say ur a stupid noob. civics i find are harder to change than other cars.

theres a clip which is very tricky to get off. keep playing with that.

u also need to take off the rubber seal after u take the wiring loom plug off.

[aaronng]

Don't H4 bulbs have a bayonet mount which requires the bulb to be rotated anticlockwise to be removed?

[Migoreng_Noodles]

i wouldnt say ur a stupid noob. civics i find are harder to change than other cars.

theres a clip which is very tricky to get off. keep playing with that.

u also need to take off the rubber seal after u take the wiring loom plug off.

So I've unplugged the wiring room.
Then I've removed the Rubber seal.

Now I'm looking at the 3 metal prongs the wiring loom plugs into which is still connected to the headlight casing. How do I remove that? I assume once I undo that I can easily swap the bulbs then put it back together?

[SiReal]

my civic one is simply remove plug, take off rubber seal and unclip the clip (no duh).

Then the bulb should be free to move around and take out.,

plug can get stubborn so u really have to use force.

[Sydsyd]

So I've unplugged the wiring room.
Then I've removed the Rubber seal.

Now I'm looking at the 3 metal prongs the wiring loom plugs into which is still connected to the headlight casing. How do I remove that? I assume once I undo that I can easily swap the bulbs then put it back together?

i assume u'll be looking at the 3 metal 'plugs' that are built into the bulb's base...u don't need to worry about those...

from ur description, i'm guessing that what u need to do is to reach into the headlight housing, then there should be a metal wire that u need to push in and wiggle (forgot up or down) which will release the whole bulb assembly...

hope that helps;)

[NightKids]

My plugs melted that's why I couldn't get em' out. HOpe you have better luck

[bennjamin]

guys H4 bulbs are 2 part - it goes like this


wiring connector thru rubber boot to the back of the bulb.
The bulb is then held in place in the housing by 3 "guides" on the bulb - it is held by a small metal spring. You need to push this down and pull slighty towards the centre to unhinge it and thus pull the bulb out.

installation is opposite.

[Migoreng_Noodles]

Update!

So I took a proper look at it just then.

I still couldn't unclip the bulb. Any ideas? I tried pushing it in, moving it in and out etc but no luck. I tried what you said ben by pushing it in, then pulling it into the centre, but it's not moving.


Also, it looks like my wiring room has melted as well. How much would I be looking at roughly to get an auto electrician to fix it up so I I know if I'm getting ripped off?

[tiksie]

Yeah, changing bulbs in a EG are soo annoying, especially on the left headlight with the powersteering reservoir in the way.

Sounds like your having trouble taking that hinge off ? Just push it in and wiggle it around and it will eventually get unhooked lol, its a tad tricky but and CAN take a while, just make sure u dont bend or break it.

[Boban]

i got so frustrated with the little metal clip spring thing that i took the headlight out ust to change the bulb. Those with egs know how much work that is :p

[tiksie]

i got so frustrated with the little metal clip spring thing that i took the headlight out ust to change the bulb. Those with egs know how much work that is :p

Not really, all in all about 4 bolts ? Can't remember.

[Zilli]

sorry to drag this thread back up but it was the best one i found post-search

the actual loom/plug that needs to come out as the first step, does that need to be twisted to get it out? or just pull straight out... i had a look at my mrs' brothers eg sedan the power steering reservior is right behind it and i didnt want to put too much force without knowing 100% what needed to be done...

[Boban]

just pull out, also pull the p/s reservoir up and that should give you a bit more room to stick your hand in there

[90LAN]

if you are having trouble with the light bulb clip you can

use a screw driver to take out the clip that holds the light bulb in

it is only held in by the screw

after you take the screw out the other side should just come out

make sure not to lose the little screw

bulb should come straight out