Xsara Sidelight Bulbs

[Johndouglas]

MOT booked for tomorrow so yesterday an o/s sidelight bulb went. Spent ages trying to reach the b*****. Just not possible what with the washer spout right behind the headlamp. So it's been a three hour job removing the bumper and unscrewing the headlamp. Decided to replace both while the bumpers off. Great design Citroen :D Well done.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Come back ZX! all is forgiven!!!!!!! :lol:

[techbod]

I know some things are really barmy the way they build things its as if they know you will have problems changing things and hope to push you to the dealers to rape your wallet,

 

at least you didn't give in to that con trick but there must be an easier way like removing the headlight unit or undoing it to aid you getting in there?.

[Johndouglas]

there must be an easier way like removing the headlight unit or undoing it to aid you getting in there?.

 

Three bolts hold the headlamp unit in place. The top one is easy enough. The second is down below the lamp close to the washer reservoir. The third one is behind the crashbar which also has to come off. Even with the lamp unit out you need pliers to reach the bulb holder. Thought the C5 was a b****** to do the lights, but the Xsara's worse. Incidentally, Haynes says to pull the bumper forward to release the side clips. That's b******* - you pull the sides outwards.

 

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/Johndug/P1020572a.jpg

[techbod]

the new bimmers plus many others are the same they need to go into the garage just to change a bulb as it requires diagnostics to set it up now that CAN bus has taken over from EOBD so its better and cheaper to have your own diagnostics these days to save money,

 

that looks a pain to change yours though and all for a parking bulb :lol: .

[Johndouglas]

that looks a pain to change yours though and all for a parking bulb :blink: .

 

You're right. And the daft thing is that EU motoring law says that you've got to carry a spare bulb kit with you. Try replacing one at the roadside. :lol:

[Guest dymo5]

That is something for me to look forward to now the car is up MOT soon and I check all the lights and yes I will have to replace the sidelight bulbs and just replace the rear number plate bulb also (that was a bummer ) :unsure:

[Guest SortedTrainers]

I've also heard that you can turn the surround at the back of the bulb either clockwise or anticlockwise and it unscrews. LED bulbs won't need replacing again!

[Johndouglas]

I've also heard that you can turn the surround at the back of the bulb either clockwise or anticlockwise and it unscrews. LED bulbs won't need replacing again!

 

Don't know about that. According to Haynes it says turn anti-clockwise. You're right about the LEDs. I've put them on my C5.

[Roen]

I know this thread has been here for a while, but I have my first Citroen and now encountering the issues of access to the headlamp units.

I need to replace both on my 2004 Xsara 2.0HDi Estate.

Ok, I gather the bumper has to come off and have removed the top 2 screws by the bonnet release lever and the ones with the wheel arch liners. Also removed 3 screws holding the underside of the bumper to the car, but it feels like the is something more substantial holding the bumper in place.
I obviously don't want to damage the bumper by forcing it too much and create another problem in the process.

I am sure this is a simple process, but time consuming if I only knew how! 

Any help on this would be appreciated 

:unsure:

[Johndouglas]

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since I opened this topic. Since then, two bulbs have gone in the headlight units and on both occasions I've been abroad. Halfords have replaced the bulb each time - all apparently without removing the bumper.

 

However if you're removing the bumper, I think there are four bolts on the bumper to front panel - not three. Also the bumper is held by clips at each side. To release them pull the bumper forward slightly (about 2"), then outwards to release the clip. Better to release one side at a time. Here's a piccy showing the clip. It's on a C5 but the Xsara is similar. Take care - they're brittle.

 

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/Johndug/P1020093.jpg[/url]

[Roen]

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since I opened this topic. Since then, two bulbs have gone in the headlight units and on both occasions I've been abroad. Halfords have replaced the bulb each time - all apparently without removing the bumper.

 

However if you're removing the bumper, I think there are four bolts on the bumper to front panel - not three. Also the bumper is held by clips at each side. To release them pull the bumper forward slightly (about 2"), then outwards to release the clip. Better to release one side at a time. Here's a piccy showing the clip. It's on a C5 but the Xsara is similar. Take care - they're brittle.

 

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i53/Johndug/P1020093.jpg[/url]

John you are a star – that is very helpful.

I shall return to my shiny Xsara and try again to remove the bumper.... back later with a report

[Roen]

Well that was some great guidance Johndouglas!
All went well apart from the fact that someone had previously bodged the torx fixing (wrong size bolt and broken clip) on the nearside wheel arch. Had to drill it out and got a new clip from my friendly village garage – result as I live in the middle of the countryside.

It wasn't the easiest of jobs but as and when I need to change a bulb, I will know exactly what to do.

Having got off to such a great start here, I will look at more of the posts on this forum tomorrow  :)