How Difficult Can It Really Be To Change A Bulb?, Headlamp won't co-operate

Hi everyone

Now, I know what you might be thinking - what the HELL is someone doing with an XM if they can't even manage to replace a headlamp bulb? Well, not that I'm mechanically minded but I've never had so much hassle over such an easy bit of maintenance.

The NS (left hand) dipped bulb blew last night. Been spending most of the day trying to replace it but I cannot remove the black screw cap from the back of the unit. It unscrews and begins to come away but there's some kind of electrical component rivetted to the underside of the black cross member that the bonnet latches on to. This electrical gubbins (I haven't a clue what it is) is right behind the back light cap and won't budge, hence the cap won't actually come off.

Is there something really easy I'm missing or should I unbolt the cross member at the NS only to give a little bit of room?

Finally, on an unrelated note, is it possible to remove the electronic (buttons only) climate control (without making a mess of the dash) to replace some of the back lighting within the unit?

Cheers

Keith | carliterature

Hi Keith,

I've just nipped out to the garage to check my car headlamps, The black gubbins doesn't unscrew, it's a bayonet fixing. Turn it about an eighth of a turn anticlockwise (viewed from the back) and it will just pull off.

Sorry, can't help you with the A/C control panel.

Derek

Hi Keith

A digital aircon panel is held in place by flat spring clips fitted around its edges. If you lever gently with a thin blade you will get the panel to spring out and the wiring plugs will stay attached. When I get a chance I will find a spare one and have a look at the number and type of bulbs. I think they are the same as the dash bulbs. The manual aircon panel is a real pig to remove and take apart.

Regards

XMexc

Hi - I've got that bit - both the offside ones are fine, as is the main beam one on the nearside. It's just the bl**dy dipped beam on the nearside. That 'thing' is fixed so close to it that I can only unscrew it but not actually pull it off. I can get my finger inside and can feel the wires and the back of the blown bulb but can't get it out!

Do you think I can get away with unbolting the dark grey/black cross member on the nearside only as a temporary measure when changing the bulb?

Cheers

Keith | carliterature

This post has been edited by carliterature on January 07, 2006 10:37 pm

Sorry Keith, I was fooled by your description of unscrewing. It's a bit late now - and as the song said, baby it's cold outside- so I'll have another look in the morning.

Derek

Hi Keith,

There must be some structural difference between our two cars, on mine the black electrical gubbins, riveted to the underside of the plastic cross member, is just above the dip light. By standing at the front of the car and feeding my left hand in I was able to remove the black protective bulb cap without too much difficulty. Putting the thing back on is proving more difficult!

As the plastic cross member carries a load of relays and the bonnet catch, as well as the aforementioned black electrical gubbins and the headlamp adjusters, I think I would avoid removing it if at all possible. Because it's fitted under the front panel you would have to unbolt that and then slide the cross member back, so you wouldn't be able to lift it on one side only.

If all else fails, it might be easier to remove the front unit.

Derek

Hi Keith
Well done for even attempting something as advanced as bulb changing.After last weekends charade with the suspension hose I am limiting myself to pumping the tyres up only now!
I am surprised that with the wealth of knowledge about these French designed icons on this site nobody has suggested removing the back exhaust box,and as the problem is near the engine all work here seems to involve unbolting an engine mount or 2..or 3!
Of course you could adopt one or both of my repair philosophies.a)Hit it with a hammer and if it breaks it needed replacing anyway,or .If you can't fix it your hammer isn't big enough.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!
Regards Rob

Hi again Keith,

You'll be pleased to hear that I managed to duplicate your fault.

As I said, I had no difficulty in removing the cover, but when I put it back on I succeeded in attaching only the bottom bayonet clip. I then found that I couldn't get it off again. Like you, I could lift the upper part clear enough to get into the bulb wire but the cover was well and truly stuck.

The good news is that the thick cable harness at the bottom doesn't stop the cover from coming off. I still don't know what was hooked up but I eventually (in desperation) pulled the cover as far clear as possible at the top and wiggled it furiously. Oh joy! Oh bliss! It came free. In case there was a fault with the cover I then swapped it with a more accessible one and was very careful when I refitted it.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Derek

This post has been edited by DerekW on January 08, 2006 03:56 pm

Anyone who runs an XM should know that for all operations attempted under the bonnet, the instructions should read : First remove the engine and transmission.....

Peter.N.

What the hell have I bought..................

Hi Keith
I don't want to brag...but I have just changed a rear indicator bulb and a rear light bulb as well!!! Mind you it has taken me 4 1/2 hours and involved removing both front and rear bumpers This must be one of the few jobs that dosen't involve engine removal!
I put my new nose cone on today,£7 off Ebay and the right colour,my 2 newish sidelights for £17 and hey presto!!!Mini damage is now a distant memory. Before you ask the light on buzzer is still working as well...O happy days!!!
Thanks again John for the fog/indicators-they cleaned up very well.
When we read the tails of woe on this site it is easy to get disheartened.I was ready(again) to sell mine last week,one week later all is rosy,the car is cleaned and polished and I am just enjoying these precious minutes until the next problem.
Regards Rob