Clio Mk3 Headlight Bulb Change

thescouselander

Does anyone know how to get to the drivers side dipped headlight bulb on a MK3 Clio? I just went out to change the bulb on the wifes car expecting it to be a two minute job but there's no way I'm getting my hand in there due to an air conditioning pipe and some other bits and pieces in the way.

Any ideas?

TadleyBaggie

If it's anything like my Megane, it is supposed to be done via small panel in the wheel arch. I've found it easier to remove the front of the car!

thescouselander

I has a look for a panel but there's nothing there.

poppy12345

Trying youtube plenty of videos on how to do this.

Richard53

And this, folks, is why you see so many cars going around with a headlight out. For many people, it is no longer a DIY prospect.


It ought to be mandatory that any car for sale must be able to have any of its lightbulbs changed in five minutes without tools.

thescouselander

So not so much on YouTube and lots of differing info everywhere but in the end I think I've got it.

Apparently the answer is to remove the washer bottle filler tube.

At least it's not as bad as the other side which requires the removal of the battery and housing.

Stupid design. I agree with Richard53 - it should be mandatory that bulbs can be changed at the roadside quickly and without tools.

jbainbridge

I've a vague recollection of shoving my phone in and taking a picture. Then get your hand in and do it all by feel. I've got slim hands which helps ... but you'll still end up taking some skin off!

I did one of the 'side lights' recently. Although the manual says to pull the bulb holder out ... you need to twist aswell. Managed to do that without any cuts or scrapes!

In any case it's not the 1 minute job changing a bulb should be ... good luck!

unforeseen

TadleyBaggie wrote: »

If it's anything like my Megane, it is supposed to be done via small panel in the wheel arch. I've found it easier to remove the front of the car!

I've got a Megan's III. Apart from the fog/spot lights that need to be done from underneath, the rest can be done by unbolting the light unit with the tool supplied and pulling the light unit forward. No scraped knuckles.

AdrianC

Richard53 wrote: »

And this, folks, is why you see so many cars going around with a headlight out. For many people, it is no longer a DIY prospect.

It ought to be mandatory that any car for sale must be able to have any of its lightbulbs changed in five minutes without tools.

Perhaps a simpler solution is just to require people to not drive around with a bulb out? It won't take a garage long, or cost much, to change the bulb...

Tinks74

thescouselander: Exactly the same on my old Peugeot 206, after being unable to initially figure it out I stumped up the £5.99 for Halfords to do it.
The young lad came put with the bulb, flipped the bonnet and after about 40 minutes spent squeezing his hand in the gaps, huffing & puffing and half dismantling the light fitment, he finally admitted he couldn't do it and went back in store to ask for help, the young girl came out, reached in and twisted off the neck of the washer bottle and changed the bulb in a couple of minutes.
People have a go at Halfords, but on that day it was worth £5.99 for me to learn how it was done, I changed my own bulbs after that

phoenix_w

AdrianC wrote: »

Perhaps a simpler solution is just to require people to not drive around with a bulb out? It won't take a garage long, or cost much, to change the bulb...

That just seems a completely upside down way of looking at the problem. Forcing everyone to keep a spare and making them straightforward to replace keeps everyone safe and ensures you don't need to drive any distance without a bulb out. I fear a world where you need to postpone your plans and wait until the garage is open because a bulb blows.