General Headlights

[Night35]

Just bought a Activ Eco-2010.

What is it like to change the headlights in these cars? Neighbour said he thinks it's a major pain. Hope not!

Had a Corsa prior was fiddly but getting the impresson the Panda will be a joy.

Thanks

 

[A3jeroen]

Easier than in a Stilo

gr J

 

[DaveMcT]

The front bumper has to come off the car. Two awkward access bolts under each front wing and all the others are easy to find.
The large flat head screws with Torx socket and M6 thread do rust and can be a major pain to remove. But it's far better to replace them before they jam solid than suffer the consequences.

Mine were replaced with stainless socket heads (because that's what I had in the garage). The threads are coated top to bottom with anti seize paste. Otherwise, they will accelerate corrosion of any carbon steel or aluminium they contact. I used heavy duty 20mm repair washers under the wheel arches. Elsewhere use whatever covers the big holes. You might need to replace the M6 clip nuts (aka chimney nuts), so worth getting a pack before starting the job.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-x-Chimney-U-Nuts-Spire-Clips-Speed-Fasteners-Captive-Car-Panel-M4-M5-M6-M8/293472950712?hash=item445459d9b8:g:1SEAAOSwf2ZeRCdx

If you prefer to use the correct bolts, coat them all the way up with anti seize and they'll come out easily next time.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=233589942860&_sacat=0

 

[varesecrazy]

Just bought a Activ Eco-2010.

What is it like to change the headlights in these cars? Neighbour said he thinks it's a major pain. Hope not!

Had a Corsa prior was fiddly but getting the impresson the Panda will be a joy.

Thanks

Bulbs ..easy

Lamp units.. fair


You wont need to bleed the brakes like an Audi though

 

[koalar]

headlight units or bulbs


one of the bolts for the unit is behind the wheel arch liner.

I just take a few bolts out of the bumper. Just enough to push it down so the headlight passes out the front.


depending how well the car has been looked after. It could go either very well. To nightmare


If its something like a 05 and never been off before there's a Good chance the lower bumper bolts will be rusted solid. But you can replace the lights without bothering with them. There is also a Good chance the bolt behind the liner will be stuck and will rip the insert out before it lets go.

 

[DaveMcT]

I read this is possible - and it might be with the under wing bumper bolts removed. But having gone that far (they are the difficult bolts) might was well take the bumper off.

 

[Night35]

Was fairly easy enough.