I made the problem of getting the clips open slightly better by cutting a slot in the end of a spoon, and use that to push the clip in. Sounds daft, but it does make it easier.
This is the device I made to push the clip in and over to release it. The two slots fit over the clip next to the loop at the end opposite to the hinged end.
Not changing headlights, but both bulb retaining springs for the dip bulbs have come off. I have the one that came off in my hand. I assume the previous owner also still has the one that came off in his. So, if headlight removal was reasonably easy, it would be handier to do that to put the spring(s?) back on.
You should be able to get the clips back in if you have them in your hand. The ends just poke through the holes and swing over the back of the bulb and then clip at the other end.
It is a PITA though and on the passenger side it is possible to unclip the neck of the washer fluid neck so that you can move it over for more room.
Removing the headlights does involve removing the bumper, and of course the undertray...
Had a look at this YouTube video trying to flog expensive Philips LEDs.
Might not have to take the whole bumper off, just the top bolts to allow the light to come out.
Hopefully this is correct, I'll let ye know.
Those clips are a pain when you have big hands I opted to whip bumper off as it’s fairly straight forward to do. I don’t recall removing the undertray to get bumper off though?
The end is padded as well. I found those clips hard on my thumbs or fingers and I'm not a wimp either!
Why manufacturers insist on using those fixings I cannot understand. Even if they turned over the ends of the wire at the ends that would be an improvement. I've recovered a few dislodged clips, not my fault, using a magnet on a flexible holder. The HB type of bulbs in my GTV are so much easier.
Got the LED H7 and H1 bulbs fitted today.
No need to take the under tray or bumper off.
The video above is exactly what to do. Removing the 4 front bolts on top of the bumper allows it to move it enough to get the light assembly out.
There are 3 bolts holding the light, 1) top at the back onto the wing, 2) the nearest of the 4 bolts to the holding the bumper also holds the light and in from the wheel arch is the third. Easy to spot with a light.
Thankfully for me, I found the other wire bit lost by the previous owner in the assembly but no magnet or twisted wire would have gotten it out - took a good bit of shaking when removed.
If putting in anything besides standard bulbs, I recommend taking the light assembly out.
Changing the bulbs is tricky, I'm lucky due to the fact I'm built like a racing snake (not through exercise), small hands & thin arms allowed me to change all four bulbs in 30 mins, even then it was just down to 'feel'. Worth it for the better brightness though.
Put it up against a wall and triple check the alignment, and check the cutoff pattern.
Very few LED conversions are any good in halogen projectors and are illegal (in Australia at least) for good reasons. Make sure yours are not glare central for other road users, but at the very least make sure the extra brightness is really well aligned.
Did that. Pattern looks fine, bit low I would think. Dims don't look particularly better than the Std bulbs. Heads do light the place up. My main objective was to find the bulb retaining wire so some form of bulb could be held in.
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