Bulbs (exterior lights) - renewal

Body electrical system / Bulbs (exterior lights) - renewal

General
1 Whenever a bulb is renewed, note the following points.

a) Make sure that the relevant circuit is switched off before starting work.

b) Remember that if the light has just been in use the bulb may be extremely hot.

c) Always check the bulb contacts and holder, ensuring that there is clean metalto- metal contact. Clean off any corrosion or dirt before fitting a new bulb.

d) Wherever bayonet-type bulbs are fitted ensure the live contacts bear firmly against the bulb contact.

e) A/ways ensure the new bulb is the correct rating and is completely clean before fitting.

Headlight
2 To remove a headlamp bulb first open the bonnet. On G40 models it is necessary to remove the turbocharger inlet in order to gain access to the rear of the headlight. Move the hinged cover to the rear and pull it out upwards, then unscrew the crosshead screw and disconnect the inlet from the turbocharger.

3 Disconnect the wiring from the rear of the headlamp bulb (see illustration).

5.3 Disconnecting the wiring plug from the rear of the headlamp bulb

4 Remove the rubber dust cap.

5 Unhook and release the ends of the retaining clip and remove the bulb from the rear of the light unit. Withdraw the bulb (see illustrations).

5.5a Release the clips . . .

5.5b . . . and remove the bulb from the rear of the headlight unit

6 When handling the new bulb, use a tissue or clean cloth to avoid touching the glass with the fingers; moisture and grease from the skin can cause blackening and rapid failure of this type of bulb. If the glass is accidentally touched, wipe it clean using methylated spirit.

7 Install the new bulb, ensuring that its locating tabs are correctly located in the light cutouts, and secure it in position with the retaining clip
8 Refit the rubber dust cap and reconnect the wiring. On G40 models refit the turbocharger inlet.

Front sidelight
9 Carry out the procedure in paragraph 2.

10 Turn the bulbholder anti-clockwise and remove it from the reflector (see illustration).

5.10 Removing the front sidelight bulbholder

11 Depress and twist the bulb to remove it. If necessary the bulbholder may be removed by disconnecting the wiring.

12 Refitting is a reversal of removal.

Front direction indicator 13 Carry out the procedure given in paragraph 2.

14 Reach down behind the front direction indicator light, alternatively remove the indicator light first as described later.

Disconnect the wiring, then turn the bulbholder anticlockwise and withdraw it from the light body. Depress and twist the bulb to remove it (see illustrations).

5.14a Disconnect the wiring . . .

5.14b . . . then remove the bulbholder. . .

5.14c . . . and remove the front direction indicator bulb

15 Refitting is a reversal of the removal procedure.

Front direction indicator side repeater
16 Push/slide the repeater body to the rear, then withdraw the light from the wing (see illustration).

5.16 Push the front indicator side repeater to the rear to remove it

17 Pull the bulbholder from the body. The bulb is of the capless (push-fit) type and can be removed by simply pulling it out of the bulbholder (see illustrations).

5.17a Pull the bulbholder from the body . . .

5.17b . . . then remove the bulb

18 To refit the light, first check the seal and renew it if necessary. Insert the bulbholder in its guides then locate the light on the wing with the front tag in the small hole. Press in the light until the rear clip engages.

Front foglight
19 Apply the handbrake then jack up the front of the car and support on axle stands (see “Jacking and vehicle support”).

20 Reach up behind the front bumper and disconnect the wiring from the connector plug on the rear cap.

21 Turn the cap anticlockwise and withdraw it from the foglamp. Disconnect the wire connector attached to the bulb.

22 Release the clips and withdraw the bulb using a tissue or clean cloth to avoid touching the glass with the fingers; moisture and grease from the skin can cause blackening and rapid failure of this type of bulb. If the glass is accidentally touched, wipe it clean using methylated spirit.

23 Install the new bulb, ensuring that it is correctly located. The remaining procedure is a reversal of removal.

Rear light cluster
24 From inside the vehicle luggage compartment, squeeze together the plastic tabs and remove the bulbholder from the rear of the light unit (see illustrations).

5.24a Squeeze together the plastic tabs . . .

5.24b . . . and remove the rear light cluster bulbholder

25 Depress and twist the relevant bulb to remove it from the bulbholder (see illustration).

The stop/tail light bulb has offset locating pins to prevent it being installed incorrectly.

5.25 Removing a bulb from the rear light cluster bulbholder

26 Refitting is the reverse of the removal sequence ensuring that the bulbholder is securely clipped into position.

Rear number plate light
27 Slacken and remove the retaining screws and withdraw the relevant lens from the tailgate/boot lid (see illustrations). Recover the lens seal and examine it for signs of damage or deterioration, renewing it if necessary.

5.27a Remove the screws. . .

5.27b . . . and remove the rear number plate light lens

28 The bulb is of the capless (push-fit) type and can be removed by simply pulling it out of the bulbholder (see illustration).

5.28 Rear number plate light bulb removal

29 Press the new bulb into position and refit the seal and lens. Do not over-tighten the lens retaining screws. Make sure that the lugs on the lens engage correctly with the holes in the bulbholder otherwise the rear number plate light will not be fully illuminated.