How do you Change a headlight on a citroen xsara?

Answer 1

I have just replaced the nearside headlamp in my Xsara Picasso (2001) and after some headscratching I did it so I feel quite pleased. So much so I thought I'd pop down a few words here.

First gently pull out the electrical connector gripping the square plastic body not the wires (!). Might need a wiggle.

Next carefully prise up the robber boot cover thingy - get your fingernails under the edge of it and it should pull away. Pull it off the back of the bulb as well so it is entirely free and put it somewhere safe.

Next, the tricky bit, getting the old lamp out. I fiddled about with fingers of both hands to no avail. So I got a screwdriver and pushed down with the blade carefully on the bare wire that hooks under the fitting. A little pressure will cause it to depress and pop out and away. You hinge it up clear of the back of the lamp and then retrieve the lamp. Keep the wire bit out of the way.

Carefully unbox the new lamp - DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS - hold by the metal end and pop it into the gap in the headlamp housing keeping the glass bulb clear of the sides etc. Wiggle/rotate it into place.

That done bring over the bare wire clip thingy and firmly push down and it should ping into place locking the bulb in place.

Put the rubber boot thing back on. Then firmly but carefully push in the electrical connector - this may need some aligning.

Before you close the bonnet switch on the headlights to check you have done it right!

Check the oil and water levels while you're at it!

Close bonnet, lock car and go back in the house and boast to your family what a clever chap you are not letting on you read how to do it on the web!

Maybe someone will post a video on YT on how to do this....