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[kman]

embarrassed to ask but am at my wits end...how the devil does spring clip release off my halogen bulb??

Its an 01 cadillac catera with a circular style clip containing three tabs

[Nick W]

Using a screwdriver, gently pry one of the bottom tabs outwards while pushing the bulb the other way. This will release the bulb.
Don't remove the clip, because refitting it with the lamp fitted to the car is unpleasant.


To refit the bulb, just push it into place past the tabs.

[kman]

thanks, I'll give it a go....but I can't imagine the designers intended bulb replacement as such?

[Andy B]

embarrassed to ask but am at my wits end...how the devil does spring clip release off my halogen bulb??

Its an 01 cadillac catera with a circular style clip containing three tabs

IIRC the H7 bulbs are held with a clip that you squeeze togther to release it ....

[Andy B]

I think it's something like fig 2 here http://ahw308.blogspot.co.uk/2010/03/how-to-install-h7-hid-conversion-kit-on.html

[kman]

my catera doesn't have that type fastener, the halogen is held in by a circular three tab clip that I, nor the boys at napa up the road can figure out.  going to try the gentle screwdriver pry method in the morning and hope for the best at this point.

who would have thought changing a headlight could be such a PITA

[Andyv6]

http://www.audiworld.com/forums/attachments/a4-b8-platform-discussion-128/15957d1300627688-headlamp-bulb-retaining-ring-img_1547.jpg
Yep they can be a pain at times but as soon as one of the retainers is compressed it should come out easy just be careful when fitting the new bulb I've known the adjusters in the lamp to break. 

[kman]

yes yes yes....Andyv6-you have the same retaining clip as I. 

So are you saying the retainer comes completely off just by depressing one of the tabs?  Or does the bulb sneak around it?(one tab depressed and ring still in place)

napa thought all three rings should compress together for clip removal

[flyer 0712]

yep they are the same on a 2.2 omega and can be a barstewerd to get out.....i found it is easier with the headlamp off the car..ten minute job using a 1/4 drive socket and extension...once out you can clearly see the clip....and as suggested on here..gently with a small flat blade screwdriver  push the middle holding tag towards the outside while at the same time grasping the prongs of the bulb and push/lift in the opposite direction and out comes the bulb...then put new one it by pushing it down on to the clip and it will clip in..

[flyer 0712]

Just to add...the clip remains wherei t is in the lamp...do not try to remove the clip as it will break and besides there is no reason to remove it...hope this helps.

[Nick W]

my catera doesn't have that type fastener, the halogen is held in by a circular three tab clip that I, nor the boys at napa up the road can figure out.  going to try the gentle screwdriver pry method in the morning and hope for the best at this point.

who would have thought changing a headlight could be such a PITA

The Audiworld photo is what you have, and is easily removed by doing what I suggested.
Using that photo as a guide, you would move the clip at 1 o'clock outwards, while pushing the bulb electrical connector towards 7 o'clock(the opposite direction.) It doesn't take much force - finger pressure is enough - and the only reason I suggested using a screwdriver is because access is tight.


It's doable by touch in the dark so it can't be that much of a PITA. Removing the headlight is another level of faffing about that is simply unnecessary.

[flyer 0712]

I tried,,and failed to remove bulb in situ.....not a pita.to remove light..easy peasy as they say  but each to their own as they say,,

[kman]

Happy to say the audi world (pry, bend, rotate, pull, push, screwdriver) method worked.

Cheers and thank you everyone