Technical Change Headlight in MKII (1999-2003) version: shall I give up?

[unlocated]

Hiya,

my Punto failed the MOT because of a headlamp that needs to be replaces (I tried to fix the level of the lights and broke one of the adjusters).

The garage wants to charge £60 for the work (1 hour of work they say...) and I could do with not spending all that money.

What do you suggest? is it a pain to change the headlight (drivers' side) or not?
how to do?

Thanks,
Unlocated

 

[FiatPuntoMad]

To change the whole headlight unit ? As far as im aware that requires taking the front bumper off.

Why not shop around for a headlight your self, and ask a few garage what they will fit it for ?

 

[Jamie MK2]

you need to take off the front bumper to do it

 

[benny279]

Ditto to everyone above, you don't need to take the entire front bumper off...why create extra work for yourself?!

You only need to drop the bumper slightly to slide the headlight unit out (obviously disconnect it!) then slide new one in and connect it up put bulbs in it, also try and get it the same height as the N/S (Passenger) headlight so you don't fail on low aim.

I've done it this way many times without a problem!

 

[unlocated]

Ditto to everyone above, you don't need to take the entire front bumper off...why create extra work for yourself?!

You only need to drop the bumper slightly to slide the headlight unit out (obviously disconnect it!) then slide new one in and connect it up put bulbs in it, also try and get it the same height as the N/S (Passenger) headlight so you don't fail on low aim.

I've done it this way many times without a problem!

what do I need to do the job? is it easy access to screw/unscrew the bumper parts? (the headlamp is easy..)
How long would it take?

thanks

 

[unlocated]

To change the whole headlight unit ? As far as im aware that requires taking the front bumper off.

Why not shop around for a headlight your self, and ask a few garage what they will fit it for ?

would do but I failed the MOT so I can't drive around. unless it's for MOT appointment.

 

[Ziggy122]

the bumper is 2 screws near bonnet catch (star ones)
4x under the bumper (star ones)
3x screws for the wheel arch covers (phillips normally)
then 1x 8mm hidden up into the front wing - but done through the bumper to remove the main fixings
The Bumper then is just sat on plastic lugs that allow you to pop the bumper out each side as you slide it off

Its 30mins MAX to change the light unit + bumper removal as well

Ziggy

 

[unlocated]

the bumper is 2 screws near bonnet catch (star ones)
4x under the bumper (star ones)
3x screws for the wheel arch covers (phillips normally)
then 1x 8mm hidden up into the front wing - but done through the bumper to remove the main fixings
The Bumper then is just sat on plastic lugs that allow you to pop the bumper out each side as you slide it off

Its 30mins MAX to change the light unit + bumper removal as well

Ziggy

thanks. I will check if I have the screwdrivers.

Is it there any video or manual for help? Just in case. I have tried to get to change a lightbulb that according to other should have been "easy" but I had to undo more than just the block on the back..

Thank again.

 

[Ziggy122]

o/s light is pips to do a bulb change

the n/s is PITA

are changing the whole light cluster?

if so - you only need to undo the top - the side you are on and the bottom ones to allow the HL unit to be exposed and pulled free

If its just a bulb
Fuse box undone and slid up + Light bolts undone to allow as much wiggle room as possible - then do it as required

Ziggy

 

[unlocated]

o/s light is pips to do a bulb change

the n/s is PITA

are changing the whole light cluster?

if so - you only need to undo the top - the side you are on and the bottom ones to allow the HL unit to be exposed and pulled free

If its just a bulb
Fuse box undone and slid up + Light bolts undone to allow as much wiggle room as possible - then do it as required

Ziggy

I need to change the whole I believe. The adjuster is broken so needs to be changed.

Re changing the bulbs, I have the battery not the fuse behind it. So I had to undo the screws of the headlamp so I could have more room and change the bulbs. not much room tough!

 

[unlocated]

I am giving a go to this today (plus seeing if the screwdrivers I have are for stars).
Still not sure what I'm doing tough!

no videos or manuals around?

thanks

 

[s and b]

i had to take a bumper off an 03 this week most of the stars sheared so i would tread carefully if i was you
you certainly want to oil the threads before you begin have a nice fitting unworn t27? and make sure it goes in fully or you will never get the bumper off

hth

 

[Ziggy122]

i tend to find the top set seize into and snap the heads
The bottoms just are rotten most of the time

If you refit the same bolts - give them a darn good clean with wire wool or a wire wheel or a wire brush, anything to remove the crap of them

and copper grease / anti-seize paste is your friend! a dollop in on the faces of internal thread, in the thread

Then a dollop on the screw (well a dip)
So it push's the threads out to seal it sorta and make a paste under the flat screw to help prevent water ingress

Take your time, dont force them

Remember if its coming out but very tight
Tighten it up - loosen it out a little further - tighten it up again - loosen it a little further

This allows the threads to clean themselves up and help for refitting

ziggy

 

[unlocated]

thanks for the advice!
I've spent the last hour and half trying to undo all the screws needed to take off the bumper but it's both never ending (I did undo the ones under the bonnett, then the Phllips under the wing. then had to undo another bolt for separating wing and bumper but the second one is hard to reach.. I don't have an hydraulic pump or anything that could make life easy but the one they give with the car..

I gave up and let the garage do it..they told me half an hour job when I picked up the car from MOT and on the phone the secretary told me 1 hour.. I will try and have them to stick to the first version!