V50 Electrics : - Replacing parking light bulb

AdrianP · Jan 31st, 2019, 12:57

Anyone faced with having to replace the wedge-shaped parking light bulb in a V50 (also S40) headlamp is faced with a problem - how do I get my fingers through the top opening in the headlamp to pull the bulb holder out? I realised if you take off the back cover you can reach the bulb holder through this opening using long-nose pliers. Works better if you shine a torch through the top-opening to help you locate the bulb holder. If you haven't got a pair of long-nosed pliers you can buy a pair (code 1133V) at Screwfix for 6.99.

StatusRed · Feb 1st, 2019, 09:21

It's quite doable with needle nose pliers!

LizardOfBodom · Feb 1st, 2019, 10:02

Is it really such a chore in FL models? on pre-FL its just a nice "pull" of the wires and whole socket comes out. Never spent a second thinking about it, why would they complicate it just to change the looks? :/

T5R92011 · Feb 1st, 2019, 10:37

By introducing the specific "light bars" for the parking lights on the FL model, they've pushed the bulb deep inside the headlamp, meaning its very tricky to reach them.

Why they didn't just use LEDs for this is anyone's guess. However, in a way I'm glad they didn't as I like to chose specific bulbs for specific purposes.

Fitted some extra long life 501s to my side/parking lights/number plate lights.

LizardOfBodom · Feb 1st, 2019, 13:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by T5R92011

...

Why they didn't just use LEDs for this is anyone's guess. However, in a way I'm glad they didn't as I like to chose specific bulbs for specific purposes.
...

thats what I thought so, tx for info. I like that vertical parking light but didnt think bulb position would be an issue. Agreed, Its a perfect place for LED or CCFL like those on Saab 9'3 2008+, imho.

Jan 31st, 2019, 12:57	#1
AdrianP New Member Last Online: Jan 31st, 2019 12:57 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Bromley	Replacing parking light bulb Anyone faced with having to replace the wedge-shaped parking light bulb in a V50 (also S40) headlamp is faced with a problem - how do I get my fingers through the top opening in the headlamp to pull the bulb holder out? I realised if you take off the back cover you can reach the bulb holder through this opening using long-nose pliers. Works better if you shine a torch through the top-opening to help you locate the bulb holder. If you haven't got a pair of long-nosed pliers you can buy a pair (code 1133V) at Screwfix for 6.99.

Feb 1st, 2019, 09:21	#2
StatusRed Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 19:28 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Glasgow	It's quite doable with needle nose pliers! __________________ 2009 S40 SE Lux 2.0i \| 2022 Suzuki V-Strom 650 \| 2002 Audi TT 225 Previous: C70 Coupe 2.4i \| Saab 9-5 Aero \| Daihatsu SporTrak

Feb 1st, 2019, 10:02	#3
LizardOfBodom WowIcanwriteAnythingHere! Last Online: Mar 26th, 2024 16:05 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Dublin/Meath	Is it really such a chore in FL models? on pre-FL its just a nice "pull" of the wires and whole socket comes out. Never spent a second thinking about it, why would they complicate it just to change the looks? :/ __________________ 2005 V50 T5AWD M66, Stage1 Hilton tune E-focus torque mount, E46 bi-xenon retrofit v2 , (also available in PDF form), DTSC fully-off mod, Brembo discs+ATE ceramic pads

Feb 1st, 2019, 10:37	#4
T5R92011 FCW Auto Service Last Online: Apr 22nd, 2024 19:40 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Gloucester	By introducing the specific "light bars" for the parking lights on the FL model, they've pushed the bulb deep inside the headlamp, meaning its very tricky to reach them. Why they didn't just use LEDs for this is anyone's guess. However, in a way I'm glad they didn't as I like to chose specific bulbs for specific purposes. Fitted some extra long life 501s to my side/parking lights/number plate lights. __________________ FCW Auto Service (Gloucester) https://www.fcw-autoservice.com

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