Vauxhall headlights

Gers

My '09 Vauxhall is now on it's third set of headlights - can this be caused by a wiring fault? Dodgy headlights? Something else.

AND it took 3 mechanics about half an hour to get the new bulbs in, ended up dropping the front bumper! :eek:

Thanks

custardy

you mean headlight bulbs?
what model?

Gers

custardy wrote: »

you mean headlight bulbs?
what model?

Yes - Meriva Design 1.7 CDTi

Gers

I'd really appreciate some advice about this please.

Thanks

johnnyroper

Gers wrote: »

I'd really appreciate some advice about this please.

Thanks

i would go to a vauxhall dealer and explain it has had numerous bulbs so there must be a reason for it,i know bulbs can go anytime but this many in such a short space of time is not right.
first off i would make sure it is not over charging.
when the astra g was first released that had similar issues the fix was to install a resisitor in earth wire for headlamp bulb.

oldagetraveller

I had a Meriva, same as your's and the front "bumper" does NOT need to be removed to change the headlight bulbs. It does require removal to gain access to a couple of headlamp assembly securing screws though. One side needs the air intake pipe removal (1 screw) and the other side a relay (1 clip) for proper access to the bulb holder. Your handbook explains how to do it.
Change your "mechanics" and don't fit cheap bulbs! Or have you fitted something aftermarket?
An '09 car is still under warranty so take it to a Vx dealer for checking. You maybe should have gone there first before letting your "mechanics" loose on it?:D Or is that where the "mechanics" were?

Gordon_Hose

Dropping the bumper to change bulbs, that's a first! lol

Gers

oldagetraveller wrote: »

I had a Meriva, same as your's and the front "bumper" does NOT need to be removed to change the headlight bulbs. It does require removal to gain access to a couple of headlamp assembly securing screws though. One side needs the air intake pipe removal (1 screw) and the other side a relay (1 clip) for proper access to the bulb holder. Your handbook explains how to do it.
Change your "mechanics" and don't fit cheap bulbs! Or have you fitted something aftermarket?
An '09 car is still under warranty so take it to a Vx dealer for checking. You maybe should have gone there first before letting your "mechanics" loose on it?:D Or is that where the "mechanics" were?

Haven't fitted cheap bulbs and only ever use vauxhall parts cos of the warranty.

The mechanics are really good and explained that the space to put their hands is so small that unless they were 16 years old it's not possible - they even looked up the vauxhall site (for mechanics) to see if there was a different way of doing it. Apparently there's one screw behind the bumper.

Anway, the issue is the bulbs blowing so frequently, so will have a chat to vauxhall about it, the explanation offered about overcharging is really helpful, thanks.
:beer:

custardy

Gordon_Hose wrote: »

Dropping the bumper to change bulbs, that's a first! lol

not really
theres plenty of cars out there where this is becoming the norm
the changes in design for pedestrian 'safety' are a factor

Gers

johnnyroper wrote: »

i would go to a vauxhall dealer and explain it has had numerous bulbs so there must be a reason for it,i know bulbs can go anytime but this many in such a short space of time is not right.
first off i would make sure it is not over charging.
when the astra g was first released that had similar issues the fix was to install a resisitor in earth wire for headlamp bulb.

Many thanks for this - I have reluctant to take it to a local dealer as I find them the reception staff so off-putting in their arrogant attitude! :mad: Had the first service done by a dealer 200 miles away to avoid them. Will have to bite the bullet now though.

My local, non-vauxhall, garage is stuffed full of really helpful and knowledgeable mechanics who I trust much more than the 'tied' ones. They tell me truth, don't overcharge and don't over exaggerate!

Cheers

oldagetraveller

Gers wrote: »

The mechanics are really good and explained that the space to put their hands is so small that unless they were 16 years old it's not possible - they even looked up the vauxhall site (for mechanics) to see if there was a different way of doing it. Apparently there's one screw behind the bumper.


:beer:

Yes but only if you don't remove the pipe (right side) and relay (left side) as I stated. Did you consult your handbook? I've done it and my hands are definitely not "dainty"!:D I agree, it is fiddly but possible. They must have removed the bumper to take out the whole lamp assembly because there's no way access to the bulbs would be made easier by only removing the bumper.
I don't have the car now, bought something more reliable,:cool: and it was a while ago.:)