anyone replace a burnt out light bulb on their car??? - GoFuckYourself.com

12-22-2008, 11:15 AM

is it easy to do this on your own? My dealer can not take me till FRIDAY... was curious if its an easy job that I can run to store and buy my own bulb and do this...

if anyone has done this, let me know... and any insider tips.

thanks

MetaMan · 12-22-2008, 11:16 AM

where is the bulb?

i do everything on my own car except engine work, you would be surprised a $100 job at the mechanic takes you MAYBE 5min.

moeloubani · 12-22-2008, 11:18 AM

I've done it, you might have to take out the battery but you have to make sure you don't rip any rubber pieces and not to break any metal springs but I did it when I was 16 without any help so it can't be that hard even though I'm a wonder kid

12-22-2008, 11:30 AM

the car is a 2005 clk conv. its the low beam bulb.

are there any special tools needed?

InternetIsForPorn · 12-22-2008, 11:31 AM

Wow, seriously?

Usually you don't even need any tools. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and you'll figure it out.

MetaMan · 12-22-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LilBro

the car is a 2005 clk conv. its the low beam bulb.

are there any special tools needed?

it should be honestly SUPER easy to replace, just jack the car up and have a look at the back end of the light, maybe put it on blocks to be safe up to you, just slide under and have a peak at the setup of the screws, should be extremely basic to do, even the electrical should just be a "plug" that snaps in the back of the casing.

remove the casing, open it up and replace the bulb, getting it back in will be easier.

i am talking about EXTREMELY easy to do.

Iron Fist · 12-22-2008, 11:34 AM

Go into a automotive store and read thew Haynes manual for your car and memorize how to do it and then go out and do it

stickyfingerz · 12-22-2008, 11:35 AM

Goto Autozone, if its one they can do they will change it for you, and I've changed probably 5000 headlight bulbs if not more over the years lol.

12-22-2008, 11:38 AM

alright... i will give it a shot manana... suppose to be 10 degrees warmer outside hahahahahaha way to cold today to be out there...

thanks y'all

Malicious Biz · 12-22-2008, 11:45 AM

You can probably find easy to follow instructions over the internet on how to change the bulb on your car. It shouldn't be too difficult.

rowan · 12-22-2008, 11:45 AM

Make sure you don't touch the lamp glass with your fingers, that leaves a faint trace of oil which can reduce the life of the globe. If it does have any smudges, wipe them off carefully with a tissue and some alcohol.

Depending on the size of the engine bay and what side headlight you're replacing you could have oodles of room, or it could be totally cramped... my headlight is a bitch to change on the battery side as even with the battery removed there's still not much room to move. I usually have a quick look at the other side first then do it purely by feel.

BTW, my car (a 2002 model) has several incandescent globes which are not user replaceable. When a 50c globe blows, you are supposed to replace the whole $80 module. Who said after-sales spare parts wasn't a lucrative business?

HorseShit · 12-22-2008, 11:51 AM

Most auto parts places will throw in the bulb for free if you buy it there

hjnet · 12-22-2008, 12:04 PM

Jeezus, even my ex-girlfriend was able to change bulbs on her car.....

grumpy · 12-22-2008, 12:08 PM

wow, no manual with that car???

Kudles · 12-22-2008, 02:51 PM

Very easy

baddog · 12-22-2008, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stickyfingerz

Goto Autozone, if its one they can do they will change it for you, and I've changed probably 5000 headlight bulbs if not more over the years lol.

You have major electrical problems.

Deej · 12-22-2008, 02:58 PM

unscrew cover if necessary ( i still dont know if youre talking taoil light head light or dome light)

pull bulb out...

replace new bulb...

cover and screw back in...

its usually that simple with the possibility of removing something in the way if its your tail light or twisting the bulb and you pull it out...

certainly dont take it in to a shop for that unless you have it under warranty

borked · 12-22-2008, 03:09 PM

huh, you don't have an owner's manual?? Mine explains in detail and is easy, except the headlights which takes ~5 mins.

borked · 12-22-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stickyfingerz

Goto Autozone, if its one they can do they will change it for you, and I've changed probably 5000 headlight bulbs if not more over the years lol.

Dude, your car either has serious problems, or you've got to stop pissing off the neighbours so they stop taking their baseball bats to your lights

deniska · 12-22-2008, 03:12 PM

If your car has HID head lights I would take it to the dealer..

12-22-2008, 03:18 PM

i do have manual... its in my car which is down the block in the parking garage. didnt know the manual would have DIY instructions to replace the headlight. in 12 years of driving i have never had a headlight burn out on me. this is the first car i have owned that will need this....hence my lack of knowledge on this. my dealer called me back about 30 mins ago to confirm the loaner car and told me they will replace it free of charge so i am just going to let them change the bulb for me... thanks for the feedback

stickyfingerz · 12-22-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baddog

You have major electrical problems.

LMAO Well I worked in auto parts for almost 12 years, you know that though ya smartass hehe.

Jdoughs · 12-22-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deniska

If your car has HID head lights I would take it to the dealer..

Aye, make me wonder if all these people saying its easy have driven a newer car.

Our Escape is about a 15-20 minute job (if you know what you are doing) to change a bulb. Blinkers for the front are 20 mins and must be gotten too from the underside of the drivers side wheel. Not an easy task for someone who isnt mechanically inclined.

uno · 12-22-2008, 03:22 PM

Yah if you can get it done for free and get a loaner you can beat on, why not. Usually changing those bulbs are super easy, at least they were on my old benz.

heymatty · 12-22-2008, 03:27 PM

I had a brake light that was out and I was right next to the dealers so I popped in there and asked them to swap it out. They told me it would be $38 for them to do it, so obviously screw that. So I went to Wal-mart to get bulb and do it myself.

While in walmart the guy said if I bought the part there he would put in in for a $1, so I went for that.

12-22-2008, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdoughs

Aye, make me wonder if all these people saying its easy have driven a newer car.

Our Escape is about a 15-20 minute job (if you know what you are doing) to change a bulb. Blinkers for the front are 20 mins and must be gotten too from the underside of the drivers side wheel. Not an easy task for someone who isnt mechanically inclined.

key word, "mechanically inclined" which i donot claim to be. Mix in the fact that i live in the city and do not have access to ramps or anything to prop my car to get under it. Plus these bulbs r not your standard go to sears auto....

getting loaner car because they have to road test my car. my climate control is messed up. 64 is cold and 65 through 80 all feel like 80. they r trying to tell me that i am doing something wrong. so i told them i think i know how yto turn teh dial to 66, 72, 74 etc... and i knwo the difference between hot and cold. so i am getting loaner for the day while they test it out.

Violetta · 12-22-2008, 03:30 PM

I have a French car, and it is EASY! But I have done some that has been a fucking pain in the ass!

The Heron · 12-22-2008, 03:36 PM

HAHAHA how useless are you that you can't change a fucking bulb. You should read your owners manual when you buy your car, then you'd know they give directions for basic maintance.
I've never needed to jack up a car to replace a bulb, that's stupid too.

Jdoughs · 12-22-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Heron

HAHAHA how useless are you that you can't change a fucking bulb. You should read your owners manual when you buy your car, then you'd know they give directions for basic maintance.
I've never needed to jack up a car to replace a bulb, that's stupid too.

Lets remember that this is a webmaster forum and not a muscle car forum, lots of computer 'geeks' and not motorheads. Granted we have some that are both, but I would imagine its not the majority.

12-22-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Heron

HAHAHA how useless are you that you can't change a fucking bulb. You should read your owners manual when you buy your car, then you'd know they give directions for basic maintance.
I've never needed to jack up a car to replace a bulb, that's stupid too.

hahahaha c'mon....

dropping the car off for other issues than a bulb, therefor i get my loaner car.
havent read the owners manual since the day i got the car. didnt recall that it had instructions. im sure im not alone that not to many people read the owners manual on a regular basis...
had a friend call me that owns the same car in coupe version and told me u have to go in from underneath to replace the bulbs....

anyways, u have yourself a great nite

12-22-2008, 11:15 AM	#1
LilBro Guest Posts: n/a	anyone replace a burnt out light bulb on their car??? is it easy to do this on your own? My dealer can not take me till FRIDAY... was curious if its an easy job that I can run to store and buy my own bulb and do this... if anyone has done this, let me know... and any insider tips. thanks

12-22-2008, 11:34 AM	#7
Iron Fist Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 23,400	Go into a automotive store and read thew Haynes manual for your car and memorize how to do it and then go out and do it __________________ i like waffles

12-22-2008, 12:08 PM	#14
grumpy Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Holland Posts: 9,870	wow, no manual with that car??? __________________ Don't let greediness blur your vision \| You gotta let some shit slide icq - 441-456-888

12-22-2008, 02:51 PM	#15
Kudles Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Here There and Everywhere Posts: 5,477	Very easy __________________ Free to Play MMOs and MMORPGs

12-22-2008, 02:58 PM	#17
Deej I make pixels work Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: I live here... Posts: 24,386	unscrew cover if necessary ( i still dont know if youre talking taoil light head light or dome light) pull bulb out... replace new bulb... cover and screw back in... its usually that simple with the possibility of removing something in the way if its your tail light or twisting the bulb and you pull it out... certainly dont take it in to a shop for that unless you have it under warranty __________________ Deej's Designs n' What Not Hit me up for Design, CSS & Photo Retouching Icq#30096880

12-22-2008, 11:16 AM	#2
MetaMan I AM WEB 2.0 Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 28,682	where is the bulb? i do everything on my own car except engine work, you would be surprised a $100 job at the mechanic takes you MAYBE 5min.

12-22-2008, 11:18 AM	#3
moeloubani Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 4,235	I've done it, you might have to take out the battery but you have to make sure you don't rip any rubber pieces and not to break any metal springs but I did it when I was 16 without any help so it can't be that hard even though I'm a wonder kid

12-22-2008, 11:30 AM	#4
LilBro Guest Posts: n/a	the car is a 2005 clk conv. its the low beam bulb. are there any special tools needed?

12-22-2008, 11:31 AM	#5
InternetIsForPorn Confirmed User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 848	Wow, seriously? Usually you don't even need any tools. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and you'll figure it out.

12-22-2008, 11:35 AM	#8
stickyfingerz Doin fine Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 24,983	Goto Autozone, if its one they can do they will change it for you, and I've changed probably 5000 headlight bulbs if not more over the years lol.

12-22-2008, 11:38 AM	#9
LilBro Guest Posts: n/a	alright... i will give it a shot manana... suppose to be 10 degrees warmer outside hahahahahaha way to cold today to be out there... thanks y'all

12-22-2008, 11:45 AM	#10
Malicious Biz So Fucking Banned Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Put Shoe On Head Plz Posts: 4,575	You can probably find easy to follow instructions over the internet on how to change the bulb on your car. It shouldn't be too difficult.

12-22-2008, 11:45 AM	#11
rowan Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 17,393	Make sure you don't touch the lamp glass with your fingers, that leaves a faint trace of oil which can reduce the life of the globe. If it does have any smudges, wipe them off carefully with a tissue and some alcohol. Depending on the size of the engine bay and what side headlight you're replacing you could have oodles of room, or it could be totally cramped... my headlight is a bitch to change on the battery side as even with the battery removed there's still not much room to move. I usually have a quick look at the other side first then do it purely by feel. BTW, my car (a 2002 model) has several incandescent globes which are not user replaceable. When a 50c globe blows, you are supposed to replace the whole $80 module. Who said after-sales spare parts wasn't a lucrative business?

12-22-2008, 11:51 AM	#12
HorseShit Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 17,513	Most auto parts places will throw in the bulb for free if you buy it there

12-22-2008, 12:04 PM	#13
hjnet Confirmed User Join Date: May 2002 Location: European Union Posts: 3,815	Jeezus, even my ex-girlfriend was able to change bulbs on her car.....

12-22-2008, 03:09 PM	#18
borked Totally Borked Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 6,284	huh, you don't have an owner's manual?? Mine explains in detail and is easy, except the headlights which takes ~5 mins. __________________ For coding work - hit me up on andy // borkedcoder // com (consider figuring out the email as test #1) All models are wrong, but some are useful. George E.P. Box. p202

12-22-2008, 03:12 PM	#20
deniska Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Miami Beach, FL Posts: 1,053	If your car has HID head lights I would take it to the dealer..

12-22-2008, 03:18 PM	#21
LilBro Guest Posts: n/a	i do have manual... its in my car which is down the block in the parking garage. didnt know the manual would have DIY instructions to replace the headlight. in 12 years of driving i have never had a headlight burn out on me. this is the first car i have owned that will need this....hence my lack of knowledge on this. my dealer called me back about 30 mins ago to confirm the loaner car and told me they will replace it free of charge so i am just going to let them change the bulb for me... thanks for the feedback

12-22-2008, 03:22 PM	#24
uno RIP Dodger. BEST.CAT.EVER Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: NYC Area Posts: 18,450	Yah if you can get it done for free and get a loaner you can beat on, why not. Usually changing those bulbs are super easy, at least they were on my old benz. __________________ -uno icq: 111-914 CrazyBabe.com - porn art MojoHost - For all your hosting needs, present and future. Tell them I sent ya!

12-22-2008, 03:27 PM	#25
heymatty Confirmed User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Scottsdale :) Posts: 2,188	I had a brake light that was out and I was right next to the dealers so I popped in there and asked them to swap it out. They told me it would be $38 for them to do it, so obviously screw that. So I went to Wal-mart to get bulb and do it myself. While in walmart the guy said if I bought the part there he would put in in for a $1, so I went for that. __________________ Cashlantis ~ Black Book Cash

12-22-2008, 03:30 PM	#27
Violetta Affiliate Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 28,735	I have a French car, and it is EASY! But I have done some that has been a fucking pain in the ass! __________________ M&A Queen

12-22-2008, 03:36 PM	#28
The Heron Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 4,487	HAHAHA how useless are you that you can't change a fucking bulb. You should read your owners manual when you buy your car, then you'd know they give directions for basic maintance. I've never needed to jack up a car to replace a bulb, that's stupid too.