Stuck H7 headlight bulb

DriveSkill

Hi,

So have a blown dipped headlight bulb, can do what I thought was the more difficult part of getting access through the wheel arch, getting the bulb and holder out of the headlight but I cant pull the bulb out of the holder itself!!

Not helped by trying to do it blind and having very little room. I dont think there is any clip or anything, it should just pull straight out....any suggestions ? Afraid of actually breaking the bulb and causing more problems.

Car is a BMW F11

Thanks!

Avns1s

There is a clip that holds the bulb in the headlamp. After undoing this, the bulb should easily come away from the headlamp with the cables attached. These should just pull off but sometimes take a bit of a pull.

Can you clarify what you mean by "holder"?

DriveSkill

Avns1s wrote: »

There is a clip that holds the bulb in the headlamp. After undoing this, the bulb should easily come away from the headlamp with the cables attached. These should just pull off but sometimes take a bit of a pull.

Can you clarify what you mean by "holder"?

Sorry to clarify, I can get it out of the headlamp so I have the bulb and the "holder" or "connector" or whatever it is called which is then loose apart from the wires.



My issue is I cant pull the bulb itself out - this part should have been the easy part I guess as they are just push in right ? However it appears to be pretty stuck and hard to get a good grip due to limited space.

joujoujou

Wiggle it. Take your time.

mgbgt1978

Avns1s wrote: »

There is a clip that holds the bulb in the headlamp. After undoing this, the bulb should easily come away from the headlamp with the cables attached. These should just pull off but sometimes take a bit of a pull.

Can you clarify what you mean by "holder"?

You are referring to a H4. The OP is dealing with a H7. Two totally different Bulbs.
...and the BMW F10/F11's are known for being a ba$tard to change the dipped bulbs.

Avns1s

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

You are referring to a H4. The OP is dealing with a H7. Two totally different Bulbs.
...and the BMW F10/F11's are known for being a ba$tard to change the dipped bulbs.

I'm referring to the H7, I have the same car!

I broadly agree with your last point! There's a bit of a knack to it, small hands and a bit of ingenuity help.

Avns1s

This might help the OP....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VgvUFJf1oE

You'll have to pull or lever off the connector.

corks finest

DriveSkill wrote: »

Sorry to clarify, I can get it out of the headlamp so I have the bulb and the "holder" or "connector" or whatever it is called which is then loose apart from the wires.



My issue is I cant pull the bulb itself out - this part should have been the easy part I guess as they are just push in right ? However it appears to be pretty stuck and hard to get a good grip due to limited space.

Tighten and loosen ( gloves on)gently

9935452

Use the camera on your phone . It will let you see the clips easier

DriveSkill

Just a quick update and thanks for the replies.

Bulb is now replaced

In the end it was just a case of wiggle, pull, wiggle, pull repeat until it eventually got loose - took perhaps 10 mins. Thankfully LED headlights becoming the norm we will finally be rid of changing damn awkward bulbs!

If there was one thing the EU should have done it should have been a law that all bulbs should be replaceable without tools and within 5 mins by ordinary Joe Soap following simple instructions

TheBoyConor

They don't want normal motorists to be able to change bulbs because that would mean the main stealer doesn't get to rape their wallet to change a light bulb.

corks finest

TheBoyConor wrote: »

They don't want normal motorists to be able to change bulbs because that would mean the main stealer doesn't get to rape their wallet to change a light bulb.

You'd want concert pianists hands to change my bulb( Honda insight) or bribe one of the kids to do it under instruction