How can I replace headlight bulbs without removing the whole light?
If the lights have to be removed what is the easiest way?

Jack, December 2008

I have just taken my 2002 citroen C5 to Halfords where they fitted me a new halogen bulb on the nearside headlight while I waited and did the job in less than 15 mins!

They charged me a mere £13.50 fitted and gave me a voucher for a free MOT into the bargain!!!

I have had the car 12 years and this is the third time I have had to replace a headlamp bulb. The first time it was the offside bulb and I did it, but it took me all day, despite my having relatively small hands and being reasonably practical.

It was a truly terrible challenge and reminded me of the time in the early eighties when I tried to replace the bottom radiator hose on a mini clubman: a diy nightmare....

The second time the main dealer wanted two hours labour to dismantle the entire front end of the car so I went to a local small garage and they struggled with it for days and eventually charged me £45.

This time I went to Halfords and their fitter didn't flinch, it took him longer to get the battery in and out than it did to change the bulb.

He seemed puzzled by my amazement, "They are one of the more difficult ones" he conceded.....

It is a no brainer: just go to Halfords....

Vic Wyatt, September 2018

I have just taken out my headlight bulb on my 2003 citroen but the metal clip has fallen out of place how can i put this back in?

Natnat, June 2015

Iv just not of the metal clip on my 2003 c5, how do i get that back on?

Natnat, June 2015

I don't know what all the fuss is about. I called the AA. He fixed it in 20 minuets and it was free!...

Pete the pain, June 2014

I have pair of new LHD headlights for my 2010 C5 Tourer , need to remove completely RHD headlights for driving in europe , how do I do this please ?

denis, March 2014

16.99 halfords fitted i tried it to myself and gave up the lad at halfords made it look easy

rastadonkey, December 2013

near side is relatively easy.
Remove battery
Remove rubber cap on light housing to get access to bulbs and wiring looms
pull off wiring loom
undo retaining clip. This is tricky because you either have to do t by feel or get head in place to see and work in restricted space
Bulb just lifts away, note position of bulb housing to refit new correct first time
Fit new bulb (not so easy to do and will sit loose until retaining clip reset)
Reset retaining clip - Difficult when you go by feel so lots of tries needed
Refit loom, rubber cap and battery.
Shoot designer!

mark, October 2013

I have just done this on my C5 2004 The dip bulbs are very difficult access. At first I thought remove bumper and light unit but after thinking about it I had ago. First thing I did was go to my fishing bag and get my long reach forceps but found I did not need them. The hardest thing was removing the wiring plugs for the bulb to start with . Once off you have to get your finger on the clip and push it to one side to release it. then the bulb will just come out. Be careful not the drop it inside or it will be bumper off job if you don't have long reach forceps. Replace in reverse order with the cut off on mounting plate at top dead centre. Push back plastic plug to bulb. Close cover plate. The nearside is quite easy as you just remove battery.Put plaster on back of hand to stop bleeding. OK now to call who ever designed this car a few like words.

John, November 2010

This would be helpful if the C5 had an access panel in the inner wing, but it doesn't.
LHS bulb (xenon or HID dip) can be accessed by very thin hands, or more practically by removing the battery. Main beam is a little easier.
RHS you really need to remove the head light. This needs the bumper to be loosened on the RHS to allow access to the three mounting bolts (one on top, one right front, one bottom left).

To loosen bumper 1x10mm bolt in wheel arch (at the edge of the arch holding the bumper to the steel wing. can be accessed with the wheel on) and four plastic pins at front top of bumper. These look like special bolt heads and are covered by the bonnet.

Gently pull the bumper out and forward on the RHS only, with the bolts removed it will clip out easily. you can then access the lower bolts on the headlight and maneuver it out. sounds harder than it is and will certainly be quicker than trying for hours to squeeze your hand down the narrow gap.

One other thing, if you have HID bulbs they are £100 at the dealers or £20 from ebay.

Smartalex, November 2009

with some effort, a pair of tongs, patience,and a long thin rod its easy just pop the hood look at the light and get at it

adam Kinloch, July 2009

how can i remove my xenon head lights?

dave, April 2009

this is most tricky but with patience and a few small cuts it can be done without removing major parts or ask a mechanically minded woman with smaller hands im 6ft and i managed to change em it is possible with patience.

Richard, February 2009

At the back of each headlight there are plastic cups covering bulb compartments from the rear.You turn them anticlockwise and they open.Bulbs are held by springy wire clips which have to be uncliped.That is a bit fiddly and you need small hands to do it.The new bulb has to be rotated until it falls in its groove.Locking it with a clip is simple.

Marius, February 2009

if you are trying to replace the headlight bulb try looking in your wheel arch for a removable panel which you unscrew. this should give you access to your headlight bulb. i have to be honest i have'nt tried this with a c5 but i know most modern cars use this procedure. good luck

shaffick, December 2008