How to change headlights EF11

[Bec26]

Hi all

Sorry for the newb question, but have looked on this forum, and investigated under the hood around the headlight. I am just a little worried about breaking or pulling something out that I shouldn't.

I have taken the protector off the ps lght, but how do acces the bulbs inside? Also, how do you get to the right hand side?? do you have to take the battery out first?

The low beam isn't working on either side. I tried jigglng/removing the relays a few times, and it made no difference.

Again, apols for these "baby" questions, but you guys know a lot more than me

Cheers

edit:spelling

Originally Posted by Bec26

Hi all

Sorry for the newb question, but have looked on this forum, and investigated under the hood around the headlight. I am just a little worried about breaking or pulling something out that I shouldn't.

I have taken the protector off the ps lght, but how do acces the bulbs inside? Also, how do you get to the right hand side?? do you have to take the battery out first?

The low beam isn't working on either side. I tried jigglng/removing the relays a few times, and it made no difference.

Again, apols for these "baby" questions, but you guys know a lot more than me

Cheers

edit:spelling

Welcome to the Forums,

Its unlikely that both lights died a beautiful death together. Hows the fuse look? Test the low beam relay by replacing it with the high beam relay.

If you want to check the bulbs, there is a black cap, about 6" in diameter, with grip tabs around the outside. Give this a 1/4 turn and it should pull out. Inside this is sort of a "clip" holding in the lights, with one spade connector going into the end.

Remember don't touch the bulb with your bare hands, the oils in your finger will cause the light to blow (dunno how but it does)

BTW to get to the cap, the drivers side is difficult, better do it with the car cold, but is possible with rubber arms.

Do the passenger side first to see if the bulbs are actually shot. (you may have to move the airbox lid slightly aside

[The Dok]

Originally Posted by Bec26

Also, how do you get to the right hand side?? do you have to take the battery out first?

Yes it's easier to remove the battery if you wish to create enough room to see what you're doing, sometimes I prefer to do it this way (@40 %), it is possible to do it with the battery in, but it can be hard on the hands.

Originally Posted by BlackLS

Remember don't touch the bulb with your bare hands, the oils in your finger will cause the light to blow (dunno how but it does)

The oil creates a "cold spot", so when the bulb heats up it's more prone to failure because of the uneven tempreature.

[Bec26]

Thanks for the replies!

ok, have played around with the relays (switched them about) and it seems that I now have a RHS low beam out, and a LHS high beam out.

Pushing the relays in and out a few times must have cleaned the contacts a bit more. I tested both relays for the working lights, so they seem to be fine.

But, how do you reach the highbeam lamp, as I can't seem to see it when I open the cover? I can see the spade clip on the low beam lamp, but then the connecting wire snakes away from view.

Thanks for any further replies

Cheers

[The Dok]

Originally Posted by Bec26

But, how do you reach the highbeam lamp, as I can't seem to see it when I open the cover? I can see the spade clip on the low beam lamp, but then the connecting wire snakes away from view.
Cheers

Look on the top of the headlight above the highbeam bulb, you will see an oval (for the want of a better description) cap, unscrew it & there is the bulb, ensure the rubber seal is properly seated (not twisted) before re-installing it.

[Bec26]

Getting too dark now lol. Will try it out tomorrow!

Thanks again

[The Dok]

I forgot to add, you will need to remove the plastic cover panel that runs across the top of the headlights (to access the high beam caps), it's not difficult to remove, but the plastic screws can be a pain, usually I carefully "dig" them out with screwdriver. Best of luck!