Other 70 Problem: How do I replace both headlight units on '06 VX70?

[samster101]

Hi,

I have just bought a 2006 XC70 only to find that, oddly, it has European headlights fitted to it and not UK ones. (Annoying).

I have purchased some UK headlights off ebay for a reasonable price, but before I set about the front of the car with assorted tools, wonder if anyone could offer a few pointer on how to remove both units? (Have read about bumpers coming off, etc). Basically, can I do this myself without special tools? (Pretty OK on cars generally, but mostly on older ('60s) models)

BTW, I have checked the search forum, but cannot find anything that relates to my car. (Although I am new to this forum, so am fully prepared to be sent 20 or so similar links with long explanations).

Many thanks for any tips.

James

[Clan]

Did you buy it from a dealer or import it from abroad , or was it built incorrectly ?
If you are just doing the one side you can withdraw one side of the bumper enough to get at the headlamp retaining bolts but doing two it's easier to take of fthe bumper , there are bolts behind the concealing trims and the rear edges are secured in front of the wheels , and a row of pop studs along the top its quite easy and not heavy as it is only the cover ..

[samster101]

Clan,

Thanks. It's both units. It was a private purchase. I think the car was used in Europe or something. I will try taking off the bumper. I assume this is pretty self explanatory - if there are any tricky bits to watch out for - air bag sensors?? - I'd be grateful for a steer.

Otherwise, thanks.

JH

[Clan]

no its fairly straight forward , pull off the bumper corner trims and that will reveal a bolt each side , the pop studs on top and if 2005 onwards a torx screw or two under the wheel arch , then pull the bumper forwards and pull the sides out of their clips ..

[b1g1an]

You need to pull the sides out at the wheel arch before it will move forward and don't forget the fog light connectors before you start.

[samster101]

B1g1an/Clan - thanks for the advice.

To be clear for anyone else who has to do this:

You will need a torx set and a set of small sockets (10-16 mm will cover it). 2 people make it easier when it comes to pulling the bumper off (you will need to remove it, but as stated here, it's no biggy).

Pop off the grey plastic bolt covers on the front of the bumper - similar shaped things to the tow hook receiver cover. Undo the 2 bolts (12 mm I think).

Open the hood. Pop off the 5 (?) plastic poppers on the top by pushing down in the centre of each. (Loose one, serach for 5 minutes, give up, move on).

With the wheels set straight ahead, using a small torx head undo the bolt on each side of the inside wheel. Take it all the way out - it's easier.

Those are the only bits you need to undo. With the XC70 it looks to have a bumper within a bumper - ignore this red herring.

Pull the thing off having fiddled with the brackets held on by the torx bolts (self explanatory when you do it). One person per side makes it easier.

You don't need to unplug the fog lights as the bumper will - just - rest on the ground.

Undo the 4 retaining bolts for each light (10mm). To do the side one in each case you will have to insert the ratchet into the inner plastic bracket on the side of the car to get to the head.

Pull the light out a bit, and unplug the fitting held on by a plastic and metal clip on top of the light. It's pretty tightly on.

Remove the light.

Replace the light.

As they say, refitting is the same in reverse. Just test the lights before you put the bumper back on.

Job done. 30 mins.

Thanks for the advice - it would have taken very much longer without your help.

JH