Replacing C3 Passenger Side Headlight Levelling Device?

[Catty]

Hello, I've noticed several other people with complaints about C3 headlights & condensation.

 

My problem has been similar, I've had at least 2 main bulbs go a year & changed them myself, with lots of patience. The last to go was the passenger side which is difficult to do anyway.

 

Changed the bulb OK, but I must have ill fitted the back cover & seal, because condensation built up & it looks like it damaged the headlight leveller.

 

Now I've looked into changing the leveller, which Citroen parts says comes with the headlight & not separately? Phoned 2 garages in my area with a difference of £50 not including vat between them for the light. One at £125 & the other at £175.

 

I've looked on EBAY & found you can drop on new headlights for around £70 delivered. But when you question them, they say the leveller device is separate.

 

So I guess my question boils down to this:

is there a quick fix for the leveller device? does it come as a whole with the light (buy cheaper from EBAY).

Has anyone resolved this issue in other ways.

 

Any help would be much appreciated as my faith in Citroen parts departments isn't that high.

 

Thanks.

[newbornmole]

Hi there,

 

I have exactly the same problem as you! My nearside headlight unit was full of condensation so yesterday I took all the bulbs out and pointed a hairdryer at it (on cool) for about 3 hours. Although all the moisture has now gone, the electric levelling device does not seem to be working.

 

Did you ever fix yours.... or did you submit to the Citroen parts department?

 

Stuart

[willieabi]

Hi there,

 

I have exactly the same problem as you! My nearside headlight unit was full of condensation so yesterday I took all the bulbs out and pointed a hairdryer at it (on cool) for about 3 hours. Although all the moisture has now gone, the electric levelling device does not seem to be working.

 

Did you ever fix yours.... or did you submit to the Citroen parts department?

 

Stuart

 

 

Hi,

I had the same condensation problem when I bought the car (used), I returned it to the garage and it was fixed under the 3 month warranty, I then had lots of drivers flashing me as the lights were too high.

I then found that the levelling motor was running all the time that the headlights were on but did not seem to be connected to the light.

I have just had it back to the garage (now out of warranty) and they say I need a new headlight unit, Its booked in for repair on monday 21st July, so I don't know if I will be charged.

Its a big job as you have to drop the front bumper to get access to 2 bolts holding the light in, so it puts the cost up.

 

Willie.

[Catty]

Hi,

I had the same condensation problem when I bought the car (used), I returned it to the garage and it was fixed under the 3 month warranty, I then had lots of drivers flashing me as the lights were too high.

I then found that the levelling motor was running all the time that the headlights were on but did not seem to be connected to the light.

I have just had it back to the garage (now out of warranty) and they say I need a new headlight unit, Its booked in for repair on monday 21st July, so I don't know if I will be charged.

Its a big job as you have to drop the front bumper to get access to 2 bolts holding the light in, so it puts the cost up.

 

Willie.

 

Hello, Its been a while & still not sre as what to do, ebay often sell full headlights for between £50 & £70's. But when I request information about the levelling device they say its not part of the light unit. Yet when I contacted citroen it is? So I'm still in limbow, I've manually lowered the headlight so its passes the MOT. It better than paying £175 for aa new light & having the labour charged for the bumper removing as well.

 

Its easy enough to lower it manually as well. Email me if you need help before it goes in the garage.

 

Bye

[willieabi]

Hello, Its been a while & still not sre as what to do, ebay often sell full headlights for between £50 & £70's. But when I request information about the levelling device they say its not part of the light unit. Yet when I contacted citroen it is? So I'm still in limbow, I've manually lowered the headlight so its passes the MOT. It better than paying £175 for aa new light & having the labour charged for the bumper removing as well.

 

Its easy enough to lower it manually as well. Email me if you need help before it goes in the garage.

 

Bye

I now have the car back with a new headlamp and leveling device (and no bill yet) I told them that the problem had been there since I got the car, and they had it in to fix the condinsation problem, I had lowered the light manualy but was still too high, so it may have been jammed after they had done the last job on it. so I will wait and see if a bill comes in or not.

Willie.

[techbod]

condensation in the light is common due to a failed lens seal I just wish citroen would admit it but they use the age thing and expansion of the seal ( load of crap as ford do it ) check your warranty

[newbornmole]

Hello, Its been a while & still not sre as what to do, ebay often sell full headlights for between £50 & £70's. But when I request information about the levelling device they say its not part of the light unit. Yet when I contacted citroen it is? So I'm still in limbow, I've manually lowered the headlight so its passes the MOT. It better than paying £175 for aa new light & having the labour charged for the bumper removing as well.

 

Its easy enough to lower it manually as well. Email me if you need help before it goes in the garage.

 

Bye

 

Have just emailed you to find out how to manually adjust the light as I need to do this for the MOT.

 

Thanks

 

Stuart

[danielsydney]

Have just emailed you to find out how to manually adjust the light as I need to do this for the MOT.

 

Thanks

 

Stuart

 

I think I had my drivers side headlight replaced under warranty also here in Australia. Never had an issue since. I think the dealer said it was the leveling motor.