I have the new shape Renault Scenic and I need to replace my headlight bulbs.
Does anyone know the best way to gain access to the back of the headlights. The handbook says 'we recommend you consult a Renault dealer for assistance'
Would it be best to remove the whole headlight unit or remove items within the engine compartment?
I just cannot get my hand in to reach and it's very frustrating knowing I may have to pay a dealer ridiculous prices just to change a lightbulb!!!!
The old days of fitting bulbs easily are long gone, many vehicles have to have the headlamp removed which is not as difficult as it sounds , usually a couple of bolts/screws ..then you find out you have to remove/drop the bumper to remove the headlamp !!..not saying a Scenic is like this but be prepared..
As Chas says, the days have gone when it took 1 minute to change a bulb.
So why is it law that you have to carry a set of bulbs in europe so if one goes you can change it, pouring with rain on the hard shoulder at night, especialy if your playing around with 30,000 volts which my xenons need to light the bulbs?
This is a problem for sure but is still possible to do yourself if you can spare an hour or two. For the left side, it involves removing the battery first giving you easier access. Pull off the soft rubber cover, hold firmly to the bulb and twist anti-clockwise popping it out. The bulb is in very tight and will need quite a tug to get out even prising your nails to free it from the connector. Good news it can only go back in one way.
On the right side is a little more tricky and it's all about how you position your hand which I learned the hard way and hand the stuffs and bruises to prove it. To remove the main beam is different to the dip beam and while for the latter you don't need to move over the window washer fill tube it won't hurt to do so. Use your right hand, feed it in with finger outstretched so you can cup the rubber cover and remove. Return your hand the same way and using your fingers grasp and twist the bulb anti-clockwise. It should come out very easy but if it resists it's because your hand is not positioned correctly. Once out you need to prise out of the connector. Replacing the new bulb is simply a reverse and its all about positioning your hand correctly and might take a bit of trial and error but it will only go back in one way. There is just enough room to do this and once achieved doing another won't seem as daunting.
To remove the headlight requires first removing the front bumper then four screws that hold the headlight in place. This to me seemed more daunting than the problem it was supposed to solve so managed to remove the bulb after some trial and error leaving the headlight in place. See my other answer on how to do this. I've now managed to successfully change both dipped headlights costing me a bit of time and £10 for both bulbs.