Headlamps

1. jockyb Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2013 Derby Posts: 150 Wicked Red Citroen Saxo 1.6 VTR 2003

   #1 13th February 2014, 15:04

   Just got the car back from the MOT. One of the things it's failed on is the headlamp aim too high on both h?lamps. Had a look and one of them is cracked where the top bracket holds it (inside the engine compartment) allowing the h?lamp to drop slightly. If I replace both h?lamp units from the scrappy, all I need to know is, are h/lamp units the same across the range? Mines a VTR
   
   Also, is there any way to know what the h/lamps aim should be adjusted to (ie park it on level ground near a wall and take measurements where the h/lamps strike the wall.
2. user_39461 Super Moderator Joined: Nov 2009 Cambridge(ish), UK. Posts: 10581 BMW 5x M50d.

   #2 13th February 2014, 17:29

   All headlamps are the same for the series (IE, Mk2 headlights are all the same as other Mk2 headlights, but different from Mk1 lights). They are of course sided - can't use a left on a right side obviously.
   
   As for adjusting it, best thing to do is park next to a car that you know is fine and have both sets of lights on and set it to roughly the same.
3. jockyb Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2013 Derby Posts: 150 Wicked Red Citroen Saxo 1.6 VTR 2003

   #3 13th February 2014, 17:59

   Cheers Ross. I'm off to the scrappy tomorrow to see if there's any knocking about off Mk2 Saxo's. I've seen how to remove them, so re-fitting should be a reversal of this.
4. jockyb Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2013 Derby Posts: 150 Wicked Red Citroen Saxo 1.6 VTR 2003

   #4 14th February 2014, 12:02

   Well, managed to get one headlamp off about 4 cars at the scrappy this morning. The fixings at the back of the bottom nut all seem to turn as soon as the bloody spanners put on them. Started to pee it down so beat a hasty retreat with the single headlamp (and when it's dry again (if ever it is damn country), I assume I'll have just as much fun getting mine off.
   Any hints on doing this job a bit easier would be very much appreciated. I now realise the bumper's better coming off the car before undoing the bottom nut too. What a fookin palaver.
5. jockyb Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2013 Derby Posts: 150 Wicked Red Citroen Saxo 1.6 VTR 2003

   #5 17th February 2014, 15:03

   Quick update (which may be of some use to others)
   I eventually found that of the three bolts holding the headlamps on, the bottom one is by far the most troublesome, Not because the bumper is in the way (a few screws/bolts and that's outta here) The bottom bolt on the headlamps is invariably seized solid. The back bit (awkward to get to) starts turning as you undo the bolt from the front. Way I did it was to drill the bolt out, using a 2mm, then 4mm drillbit. When replacing the headlamp, you need a new M6 nut/bolt and a few washers (don't forget to knock out the old back nut before re-assembly)
6. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #6 17th February 2014, 15:39

   With your headlamp alignment,when you take it for a re-test ask the garage to line them up.Sometimes they`ve got a machine.