S40 (New) Electrics : Trouble getting to parking / city light bulbs

[StatusRed]

Hi,

Last weekend I swapped out my new S40's (post facelift) high, dipped, door puddle, number plate and running lights for new xenon white bulbs.

I also intended the change the parking / city bulbs on the front but found it impossible to get a hold of the connector which holds the W5W bulbs. The manual says just to "pull it out", but I don't see how unless your fingers are tweezers!

There is literally no room to get a grip of this thing and pull it out, in the end I started pulling on the wires before I realised it's not worth potentially breaking the connector.

One of the parking lights has gone anyway so I need to know the trick to getting to these bulbs if anyone knows?

I think I might need to get some sort of tool (thin pliers?) but I'm unsure as to what exactly I need.

Thanks.

[iainmd]

There's very little option other than to tightly squeeze bot wires to the lamp holder and gently pull straight backwards with ever increasing pressure until the bulb holder pops out. I use a large flatblade screwdriver to coax it back in when refitting.

I've not broken the wires yet. It's a somewhat sub-optimal design.

[SouthWestWanderer]

1. Pair of long-nosed pliers in from the main bulb access flap at the back.

2. Using the access port on the top to see what you are doing, grab hold of the 'rubber bung' bulb holder and pull rearwards. Then use the pliers to pass it up through the access port on top

3. Refitting is the reversal of the removal (but with more swearing and with your tongue poking out).

4. Wash hands to remove blood and examine cuts and grazes.

5. Drink beer to lessen stress and frustration.

[StatusRed]

Originally Posted by SouthWestWanderer

1. Pair of long-nosed pliers in from the main bulb access flap at the back.

2. Using the access port on the top to see what you are doing, grab hold of the 'rubber bung' bulb holder and pull rearwards. Then use the pliers to pass it up through the access port on top

3. Refitting is the reversal of the removal (but with more swearing and with your tongue poking out).

4. Wash hands to remove blood and examine cuts and grazes.

5. Drink beer to lessen stress and frustration.

Haha made me actually laugh reading this, I know exactly what you mean.. Cut my hands up just trying last weekend.

I'll give this a go, can you recommend any pliers that will be up to the job? Bearing in mind I don't want to pay a lot since I don't do much DIY.

[SouthWestWanderer]

Glad to've brightened your day!

There's a fair bit of space going in from the rear flap, and I *think* I just used a fairly standard pair of pliers which I kind of held at finger's length to get there, sort of like a pair of chopsticks.

Otherwise, something like this: Clicky should do it. Always handy to have around anyway for when you drop a nut or screw and it is tantalizingly close, yet just out of reach...

[StatusRed]

Originally Posted by SouthWestWanderer

Glad to've brightened your day!

There's a fair bit of space going in from the rear flap, and I *think* I just used a fairly standard pair of pliers which I kind of held at finger's length to get there, sort of like a pair of chopsticks.

Otherwise, something like this: Clicky should do it. Always handy to have around anyway for when you drop a nut or screw and it is tantalizingly close, yet just out of reach...

Alrighty thank you. I'll order some tonight.