Stupid Clips - LotusTalk

Icedog_16 · 01-12-2006, 01:27 PM

Am I the only one who thinks that the method used to retain the headlights in their sockets is one of the most infernal ideas on the planet? If you gather that I just replaced a headlight for the first time, you'd be correct. I got the headlight cover and everything off in about 10 minutes or so and then spent the next hour figuring out how to 'release the retaining spring clip' as it was so quaintly put in the owner's manual. I ended up taking the entire assembly out in order to get a better view, which helped a lot. I got a bonus in that an articulating 8mm socket was left in there when it was at the dealer.

ChrisH · 01-12-2006, 02:35 PM

So, are you going to give us some hints about how to do it?

Hollywood · 01-12-2006, 06:19 PM

yea let soemone else do. its a pain in the ass to change them.

Arno · 01-12-2006, 10:39 PM

C'mon guys! It's just a simple bog-standard H1 bulb like on millions of other cars. Takes about 10 seconds the release them..

They all use these types of 'clips', just like H4, H7, etc.

Unless you're all used to the 9004, 9006 and 9007 types with the bajonet style.

Bye, Arno.

Surferjer · 01-13-2006, 05:48 AM

TimMullen · 01-13-2006, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arno

C'mon guys! It's just a simple bog-standard H1 bulb like on millions of other cars. Takes about 10 seconds the release them..

Yep. But it can be a bit tough to get you fingers into the tight spaces. If you aren't familiar with "spring clip" type of bulb holders, get a small mirror to see what's going on in there. I wouldn't (and didn't) remove the assemblies to change the bulbs...

Icedog_16 · 01-13-2006, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimMullen

Yep. But it can be a bit tough to get you fingers into the tight spaces. If you aren't familiar with "spring clip" type of bulb holders, get a small mirror to see what's going on in there. I wouldn't (and didn't) remove the assemblies to change the bulbs...

I used a dental mirror to look in there, but it still didn't make any sense. I was under the impression at first that you squeeze the "wings" (for lack of a better term) of the clip together and that would release the bulb. That is why I took out the assembly. In retrospect, I would not have done that either, but it wasn't until I could play around in there that I could figure it out.

Bascially, for those not in the know. What you have to do is compress the spring clip to the point that the one end of the clip (on the side of the bulb where the side where there is a notch in the housing) will be released. Once released, the clip will pivot to the other side and you can remove the bulb. I don't know if that is 100% right, Tim, but that worked for me so I am sticking with it.

SweetDaddyD · 01-13-2006, 03:54 PM

So.... you might not want to tackle doing an intake, or changing your own oil, or cleaning your battery terminals then? LOL. Safe bet that you never rebuilt an engine? Just kidding. I told this chick I would change her headlight bulb in her honda. Well she brings it over at night when I can't see anything, and it was behind the airbox and just a major PITA all around. That MF-ing spring gave me fits, challenging my manhood. LOL. Just be glad our headlight aren't like those on a New Beetle! What a cluster(beep)! You have to take out the whole headlight and that stupid plastic retaining device breaks just looking at it wrong.

Icedog_16 · 01-13-2006, 03:59 PM

Well, the last headlight I had to change was a 9004-type bulb (my last two cars had HIDs), so this was a rude awakening. I'm learning and I do plan on changing my oil - first time ever. I guess there's just something about a Lotus (not just the mechanic's bill

) that makes you want to be all mechanical or somethin'.

01-12-2006, 01:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Icedog_16 I drank what?!? Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 4,212	Stupid Clips Am I the only one who thinks that the method used to retain the headlights in their sockets is one of the most infernal ideas on the planet? If you gather that I just replaced a headlight for the first time, you'd be correct. I got the headlight cover and everything off in about 10 minutes or so and then spent the next hour figuring out how to 'release the retaining spring clip' as it was so quaintly put in the owner's manual. I ended up taking the entire assembly out in order to get a better view, which helped a lot. I got a bonus in that an articulating 8mm socket was left in there when it was at the dealer.

01-12-2006, 06:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Hollywood The Real Slim Shady Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Riverview, FL Posts: 799	yea let soemone else do. its a pain in the ass to change them. __________________ 2005 Lotus Elise Magnetic Blue/Touring/Black (orderd 1/10/04)(Received 10/21/04) #528 QuickSilver exhaust, Larini De-Cat Pipe, custom intake, Xtec HID, Avic-N1, Chase Cam, Polk Speakers f&r My pictures! Elise/Exige Owners Map

01-13-2006, 05:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
Surferjer No more cone damage! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Exton, PA Posts: 8,885	__________________ Jer-2005 Elise (retired from autox) 1993 MR2 autox car 2002 Ford Excursion DIESEL 4 X 4 1993 Miata (throwout bearing or clutch failure) 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 Lemons car (needs new head) 1984 Chevy Citation Lemons car (needs a motor)

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01-12-2006, 02:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
ChrisH Mountain Road Nut Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ramona,CA Posts: 2,291	So, are you going to give us some hints about how to do it?

01-12-2006, 10:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
Arno Nerd on wheels Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,044	C'mon guys! It's just a simple bog-standard H1 bulb like on millions of other cars. Takes about 10 seconds the release them.. They all use these types of 'clips', just like H4, H7, etc. Unless you're all used to the 9004, 9006 and 9007 types with the bajonet style. Bye, Arno.

01-13-2006, 03:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
SweetDaddyD BANNED Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: ATL, GA Posts: 7,644 Images: 2	So.... you might not want to tackle doing an intake, or changing your own oil, or cleaning your battery terminals then? LOL. Safe bet that you never rebuilt an engine? Just kidding. I told this chick I would change her headlight bulb in her honda. Well she brings it over at night when I can't see anything, and it was behind the airbox and just a major PITA all around. That MF-ing spring gave me fits, challenging my manhood. LOL. Just be glad our headlight aren't like those on a New Beetle! What a cluster(beep)! You have to take out the whole headlight and that stupid plastic retaining device breaks just looking at it wrong.

01-13-2006, 03:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
Icedog_16 I drank what?!? Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 4,212	Well, the last headlight I had to change was a 9004-type bulb (my last two cars had HIDs), so this was a rude awakening. I'm learning and I do plan on changing my oil - first time ever. I guess there's just something about a Lotus (not just the mechanic's bill ) that makes you want to be all mechanical or somethin'.

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