Changing a car light bulb

How often do you see a 'one-eyed monster' at night? You know, a car with only one headlamp working. There are always a lot of them around after the clocks go back. And how frequently does a vehicle with a duff brake light catch you out?

Faulty lights are one of the commonest faults and a frequent cause of MOT test failures. Obviously they can cause accidents and are also against the law.

Of course, the ones on your car are working perfectly. Or are they? When was the last time you checked? Next time before you drive off, switch the lights and indicators on and get out to see if they are working. You can reverse close to a wall or the garage doors to check the brake lights in the rear view mirror. You should check your vehicle's lights at least once a week and before each long journey.

If a bulb is not working, don't phone your garage - replacing it could be a simple task that you can do yourself. It's one of the many DIY tasks covered by Haynes Manuals. Haynes is the world's leading publisher of automotive repair manuals and renowned for teaching millions of car owners how to carry out routine maintenance and repairs. Haynes publishes manuals for more than 500 cars and motorcycles as well as useful glovebox guides such as Your Car and Driving Abroad.

You'll need a bulb of the right type - it's a good idea to carry a set of spare bulbs as required in France and many other countries. You may need to remove some trim to get at the bulb holder - see your car's handbook, or your Haynes Service and Repair Manual, for details. Headlight bulbs on some newer cars must be replaced by a garage - again, check your handbook or your manual.

Before explaining how to replace a light bulb, here's a warning:

A bulb which has just been in use may be extremely hot. Allow it to cool before removing it. And don't touch the glass of a headlight bulb with your fingers, as the grease from your skin may cause it to blacken.

To replace a bulb, follow these steps:  

1. Disconnect the wiring plug from the bulb or the light unit.
2. Peel back the rubber cover or remove the bulb holder from the light unit.
3. For a headlamp bulb, squeeze together the legs of the spring clip to release it. Move the clip out of the way and pull out the bulb. For most other bulbs, push and rotate them gently to release them (a similar action to a household light bulb).
4. A headlamp bulb will probably have tangs around the edge so it can only be fitted one way. Fit the new bulb, making sure it's the right way up, and secure it with the spring clip. Remember, don't touch the glass.
   Other bulbs have locating pins arranged to ensure they are fitted correctly.
5. Replace the rubber cover or bulb holder and reconnect the wiring plug.
6. Check that the bulb is working.

Now here's a tip, similar to the many useful Haynes Hints in the Haynes Service and Repair Manuals. If you replace a bulb but it still doesn't work, look for corrosion in the bulb holder or the wiring connector. Squirt some water dispersant spray onto corroded contacts. And if more than one bulb seems to have failed at once, remember it could be a blown fuse.

For more advice on model-specific procedures, please refer to the appropriate Haynes Service and Repair Manual or view a video. Haynes Manuals are available from this website and all good car accessory retailers and bookshops including: Halfords, Motor World and WH Smith. Please use our comprehensive Stockist Locator in the left margin of this page.