Hi, does anyone know how to change a ford mondeo headlight bulb cos there's not a lotta room in there? Ive seen people say you have to remove the whole headlight case but this leaves problems with alignment and seems a lot of work just to change a bulb?

Mac, February 2008

as others state...whole headlight has to be removed...firstly removed the grill woth the 2 retaining clips at the top then it slides out,then remove the 2 screws and the 8mm one holding the unit in place...5 minute job each side

am glasgow, August 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzDMOtS9kw8&feature=plcp&context=C4a690a4VDvjVQa1PpcFPufPDurw1j0_GqBIeRvWm0AE7X6Dqte6A%3D
hi everyone read all the answers on this page to gather all information and its so easy once you know how,theres no need for realignment as the unit will just fit back exactly where it came from.
Copy and paste the above link to a video on youtube and it will help you through the process.
Thanks to all involved Jeff
ps if you do touch the bulbs with your fingers it will cause a grease hot spot on the bulb and fail when its switched on so clean it with white spirit before using it.

Jeffro, March 2012

Thanks to Derek, changing an offside headlight bulb on my '54 Mondeo went well.

One point for the newbie however: as has been pointed out in the thread, removing the grill can be a bit of a struggle. Rather than lifting the grill out: in fact you pull it forward from the bottom. There is a tab that positions the bottom rail of the grill into the bumper assembly.

Gareth, March 2012

I need help to change a headlight bulb on an MK2 1998 model? Any suggestions?

Tina, February 2012

followed Derek's excellent advice. both sides done in 10 minutes. L-clips were a little tight. the trickiest part was getting the sidelight bulb out, I used some pointy nose pliers. thanks again.

Dave Beesley, Knaresborough, December 2011

I just removed and refitted my near-side headlight in ten mins.
Mondeo MkIII (Estate Ghia X TDCI)

I undid the 2 x clips at the top of the grill (bonnet open) then undid the 8mm hex bolt top right of light (although I suspect that onlt the vertical tie-bar need to be pulled out) pulled upwards and removed the left vertical tie-bar. Pushed the light inwards towards the centre line of the car to clear the wing edge and rotated the unit upward and out. Once a little room was gained the power connector was unclipped and the unit was free - oh happy daze! Replaced offending bulb and reversed the process for re-installation.

I find it shocking that a garage would charge over £20 for this. (I know time is money and they need to make some but I have read £65 quoted!!!)

Rod, September 2011

2006 Mondeo Ghia: near side headlamp
Open bonnet / remove grill with two top quick turn retainers and press middle side clips then tilt top forward / unbolt one bolt head screw from fork retainer on right top of lamp unit / pull up and out one retainer slide keeper on left of unit / tilt lamp unit and unplug multipin electrics / remove total lamp unit / unclip bulb / refit bult and reverse above ...... took 15 minutes and no dirty hands.

Paul A, July 2011

I didn`t have any sucess at Halfords,as I went to 2 different ones . The first one didn`t even try and the second one had a go but it was hurting his hand so he gave up.I then went to the garage where I bought the car from and lo and behold the mechanic did the same as Derek suggested except he didn`t remove the grill completely ,as he said they have a tendency to snap.Job took him less than 5 minutes.

Alan, March 2011

Derek is a legend. Worked a treat to change indicator bulb that had the spare parts shop stumped. Five minute job. Cheers.

Bob, February 2011

Many thanks to Derek for his advice - nearside headlamp changed on my 2005 Mondeo in minutes. The tabs on the grill screws had been broken off so had to cut into them with a screwdriver to get them to turn - that was the hardest part!

clanadam, February 2011

fitted in 5 mins on a 05 mondeo thanks to the advice on here.many thanks.

gaz., January 2011

I have just replaced the headlamp bulb on my 2000 Mk1 Mondeo (H7 12v 55W )

It is quite a job and will probably require a large flat head long handled screwdriver as all the 6x screws requiring removal are large and probably rusted like mine.if you have the replacement bulbs to hand it is approximately a 10-20 minute job the first time.

1. Remove the 3x plastic press studs along the top of the plastic cover to the front grille by prizing carefully with a screwdriver.
2. Undo 2x Lge head screws and remove the front grille.
3. Slacken the Lge head screw holding the bottom of the front light assembly.
4. Remove both the Lge head self tapping screws from the top of the front light assembly.
5. Release and remove the electrical connector to the main headlamp bulbs.
6. Release and removce the electrical connector to the indicator bulb.
7. Carefully remove the entire front lamp assembly.
8 Release the wire clip and remove the lamp cover
9. Check and replace bulbs (be careful to hold the bulb with tissue paper to prevent your skin touching the bulbs)
10. Reassemble in reverse order.
I hope that this detailed guide is helpful and will give even the reluctant DIY'er the confidence to tackle this job.

Peanut, December 2010

I was reading the various answers re the changing of headlight bulbs. I will be doing mine in next day or so. If Ford or any make or car PLEASE do not touch with fingers the bulbs (if halogen).

Curry Kid, December 2010

I have tried all weekend to work this out for myself; should have gone to the internet earlier!
The trick is to remove the front grill first and then follow the advice on this page...
Thanks for all contributions!

Mark, December 2010

I needed to replace the sidelight bulb on my 2005 Mondeo and can give the following advice. Follow Joaquim's advice and go to Halford's like I did. It cost £2.79 for two bulbs and £3.99 to fit plus vat. It took all of 10 mins. The guy removed the light unit and replaced the bulb exactly as Joaquim described. Now having seen how its done I feel confident enough to replace a bulb the next time.

kwmacc, November 2010

Many thanks to Derek Watts.
So simple, changed my bulb in minutes.

Colin Lavender, August 2010

I have a 2003 Mondeo and I took it to Halfords, they charged £9.99 for the bulb plus £6 for the fitting. All together took about 10-15 minutes. There is no need for tools. Took the grill out first, then pull up two hooks next the headlamps' unit (if looking down, slight above, one on the left and one on the right). The unit pops out. Remove the power cord, then there are two clips at the back on the edges in the middle. Push them inwards and the back cover comes out and then (bob's your uncle) you can see the bulb.

Joaquim, August 2010

DROP ALL TOOLS!!! ITS A 30 SECOND JOB GUYS AND GALS!!! Lean over engine bay and look at rear of light-there is a grey back cover-run fingers over cover in upwards direction till you feel small metal bar at top of cover-pull it up and it will click out from retaining catch, remove cover, and u will see the bulbs!! remember, it is THE LAW you change bulbs soon as they blow, so manufacturers have to make it possible to do by road side!

zander, May 2010

The instructions are v.good.
It really doent take long.
(i wish my focus was as easy)

Essexlol, March 2010

Yet more thanks to Derek (8 posts down). The internet is a wonderful place!

Neil Farmer, March 2010

I am just bothering to say thank you to Derek for his advice & instruction. I am a mechanical numpty but have just changed the front side light bulb on an 05 in less than 30 mins. The only thing i would like to add is that removing the 2 lugs that fix the grille in place is easy but be warned, it only pulls forward from the top so far! I was changing the off side and managed to wiggle the lamp housing out but it is tight. So thank you Derek couldn't have done it without you.

Paul in Dorset., January 2010

Check out this page... simples! http://www.fordmondeo.org/wiki/index.php/Headlight_Removal_-_Mk3

Dean, December 2009

Just followed Derek's instructions and made the job very quick and easy (was about to take it down the garage). Mine's a 2001 zetec

Andy, December 2009

The tricky bit is getting the grill off. Once the clips are removed from the top, ease the bottom of the grill forward so it pops out of the retaining clips that hold it to the top of the bumper. Mine was a pig, it took a lot of getting free and I thought I was going to break it! Once the edge of the grill is detached, the headlamp can be worked through the gap if you can't get it completely free.

Last time I had a sidelight changed it took 3 "mechanics" an hour! - they took the bumper off!! Fortunately they didn't charge me for this :)

Andrew, November 2009

Large branches of Halfords will do it for about £6 (+ about £10 for the bulb). Well worth it if you are a virgin mechanic like me. You might have to book it in, though they did mine on the spot.

Simon Thomas, November 2009

Followed Derek Watts instructions and took about 10 mins fantastic

Andy Millar, October 2009

After losing some skin and patiance fitting new bulbs to my MkIII (ST220), I've taken Derek Watts advice and his description was spot on, the full light unit is detached and access to the rear is no problem.

Alan., August 2009

I have just chaged one on a '55' reg. (early 2006) and it is very easy (1) Remove 2 plastic turnscrews on top of centre grille by turning them anti clock 1/8 turn ,remove turnscrews & then lift centre grille off
(2) The headlamp is merely held by 2 inverted metal 'L' shaped brackets - these are like an inverted 'L' with the lug facing forwards. Just lift these 2 'L' shaped brackets up and detach them completely from vehicle (may have to use pliers 'cos they are a little tight)
You can now hinge lamp forward,detach wiring and completely remove lamp . Very simple

Derek Watts, April 2009

Sorry this is a question. You lucky fellas all seem to have newer Mondeos, but mine is a MK1 95 N reg, highish mileage but I love it. I remember buying a replacement headlamp for it from a breakers and they said that almost the whole front of the car needed to be dismantled to change the unit, does this apply to the bulb replacement as well?

Paul, March 2009

Many thanks for the advice followed to the letter cheers mate

Cuinseville, March 2009

I didn't find it to be quite that complicated. I just changed the dipped lights on my 00 mondeo (contour). Behind the head light is a grey cover: pop this off first. The plugs on the bulbs should now be exposed. Unplug the blown bulb. A small wire clip holds the bulb in place: wiggle around to free the bulb. Now just pop in your new bulb, fasten the wire clip and put the plug back on.
Job done.

Hope your ford is the same.

Nick Fenlon, February 2009

There seems to be an easier way where tools and lamp recalibration are not necessary! See http://www.fordmondeo.org/wiki/index.php/Headlight_Removal_-_Mk3 .... it worked for me.

Old Paulie, February 2009

Just done mine now, passenger side (02 mondeo 2Litre Ghia). Remove the plastic grille at the front by removing the two half turn plastic clips. Then remove the hex head screw on the right hand side at the top of the headlight assy. Then remove the two T30 screws on the left of the headlight assy, about halfway down the thing. There is a plastic bracket in the way of the lower one, but ease the rubber fastener out and this will swing out the way. Partially lift out the headlight assy and pause to remove the wiring clip, (press down on its serrations) Lift headlight out and turn it over on a soft surface, face down. Remove the rear plastic assembly by undoing the clips and hinge the plate open. This reveals the bulbs. Unclip the plug on the back of the bulb affected. Using thin pliers, undo the wire holding clip and away comes the bulb. NOTE don't touch bulb glass, use a clean cloth. Bulb has a set insertion way with flats and serrations, rotate it carefully till it seats. Reverse the whole procedure to replace and the screws go back in the same place so the headlamp adjustment shouldn't move although a quick visit to any garage will align your lights. My mate at work was charged £65 for the bulb change at the Ford garage. Good luck y'all, Micky the Cat (hope my technical author training was easy to folllow)

Micky the Cat, March 2008

Thanks, i'll give it a try.

Mac, February 2008

Hi Mac, yes removal of the headlight unit is the way to change bulbs, in theory you should not need realignment as long as you get the light unit refitted to the same marks as it came out, me thinks its fords way of drumming up more work for their outlets!!

nigel, February 2008