Renault headlight

recovering_spendaholic

Hope this is the right place to put this query! I have a 2006 Renault Grand Scenic and last week the headlight bulb went. I bought a new bulb and OH said he'd put it in for me. As in matters of DIY and cars he usually makes Frank Spencer look well co-ordinated, I had my doubts, but agreed. Anyway long story short he got his hand stuck trying to fit the bulb and then pulled off this little thin metal cup-like part, which the bulb fits into. He then dropped this onto the floor and stood on it so it got all mishapen:mad:

I went to the local Renault garage who said that I would need a new headlight unit which costs megabucks. They didn't even look at the car either. Anyway does anyone know what this part is called and if I can get another one anywhere, and if it is easy to fit. Thanks!

societys_child

Is it not possible to reshape the "thin metal cup-like part" using a small pair of pliers or something?
Failing that, maybe a salvage or scrap yard?

jase1

I think you need a competent mechanic to replace the bulbs on these cars anyway (or is that just the Megane?).

A replacement salvage assembly will cost between £40 and £70, and if the car is anything like the Megane half the front end will need to come off.

Best speak to an independent garage -- will be far cheaper for this kind of work.

skiddlydiddly

I can't remember what that metal thing is called(looks a bit like a mushroom?) but I think it alters the pattern of the beam so unlikely you will get it back perfectly.I changed the bulb in my Laguna 2 easily enough, not sure how much harder the scenic is.

kerri_gt

I would get a quote from an independant garage, it might be that you do need a new headlight unit, or at least part of one - do you have a scrap yard near you, or perhaps have a look on eBay (and other sites for second hand units), if you could get the part your OH (if you trust him near the car now ) or the garage to fit it for you - I am sure that would work out much cheaper, if a little more legwork on your part.

I have a Clio and if the Scenic is anything to go by, the bulbs are a total **** to change. I've done both myself and one side in particular was a nightmare, there was some hose or something in the way and I really had to wedge my hand in to change the bulb - and trust me, I have hands and wrists the size of a small child

I'm not sure if it's bad design, or a ploy by the manufacturers to force people to take cars to the garage for simple maintenance tasks.

societys_child

skiddlydiddly wrote: »

I can't remember what that metal thing is called(looks a bit like a mushroom?) but I think it alters the pattern of the beam so unlikely you will get it back perfectly.

Ahh .. a kind of deflector thingy?

I know it's not nice but I was trying not to giggle when op described OH getting his hand stuck, dropping this part on the floor then standing on it:rotfl:.. sorry ra.

Hammyman

The thin metal clip is the retaining clip for the bulb. A scrapyard would probably give you one for free.