Headlamp

[BigMonty]

Well the adventure continues.
Went to change my headlight bulb today and all the internals on the headlight have come loose.
You can waggle the reflected from the bulb, but the glass and caseing don't move.
So it looks like a replacement job. I have searched a bit and it seems the front bumper has to come off to take out the headlight. Is this a big job?
Tips and advice apriciated as always.

[Luxobarge]

Not necessarily - take the headlamp apart and look inside to see what's gone wrong. The headlamp levelling has a plastic arm that has a ball and socket joint, this can easily pop out and then it all appears loose inside.

First take the headlamp out - having taken off the electrical connector, there are 3 x long bolts that are pretty easy to get out, and the headlamp lifts out.

Then around the edge of the glass there are a number of metal spring clips - ping these off gently with a screwdriver and the lens comes off, from where you will be able to see the internals and spot what's happening quite easily. You may even be able to do it without removing the lens! Much easier with the headlamp unit out of the car though, and you might as well as it's super easy (unlike many modern cars!).

[acshortt5]

You don't have to remove the bumper.
Open bonnet, remove indicator by pushing the retaining clip down and slide indicator out (forwards).
Headlight is held in by 3x 10mm bolts.
Undo leccy connectors and remove bolts then pull headlight out.

[Martin Cox]

Removing and opening the headlamp units is very straightforward and is as Luxobarge and acshortt5 describe.

Just be mindful that the reflective coating is very easily damaged and usually responds to most attempts to clean it by disintegrating. Best not to touch it if at all possible.

If all else fails, I've found the aftermarket replacement headlamps sold by PFS to be entirely satisfactory.

Martin

1998 V70 Tdi auto, 226,000 miles

[turboboy]

Originally Posted by Martin Cox

If all else fails, I've found the aftermarket replacement headlamps sold by PFS to be entirely satisfactory.

Martin

1998 V70 Tdi auto, 226,000 miles

I'd second that and their service was very good. The one I bought arrived broken (due to the inner part flapping around in transit) so, after sending them photographs, there was no quibble and they dispatched a replacement which was packed with extra bubble wrap inside to hold the reflector in place during transit.

[patcal]

Originally Posted by Martin Cox

Removing and opening the headlamp units is very straightforward and is as Luxobarge and acshortt5 describe.

Just be mindful that the reflective coating is very easily damaged and usually responds to most attempts to clean it by disintegrating. Best not to touch it if at all possible.

If all else fails, I've found the aftermarket replacement headlamps sold by PFS to be entirely satisfactory.

Martin

1998 V70 Tdi auto, 226,000 miles

Newbe here. Who is PFS? Thanks.

[Luxobarge]

Originally Posted by patcal

Newbe here. Who is PFS? Thanks.

PFS = Parts for Saabs. It's the same company as PFV = Parts for Volvos, so search for "Parts for Volvos online" and PFV online should come up, in fact to save you searching, have a link:

https://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/index.php

[BigMonty]

All done. Exactly what you guys said it was. Took me 20 minutes with no adult supervision and no bolts or clips left over. Don't know where I would be without this forum.
Thanks again guys.
Read brake caliper tomorrow.