Hi all,

I was wondering is anybody has a video of how to change the headlight bulbs on a MK8 Fiesta. I’ve seen the pictures in the manual, but I’d like to actually see it being done before I attempt it. Taking out a headlight is not something I’ve ever done before, so I want to make sure I don’t mess it us and break anything!

I haven't found a video but just tried it, about 3 days after I got the MK8. It's a pain in the *** to get the lights back in, have to admit. It's pretty easy to get all the bolts undone and then clip the light out, but I had some issues getting it back in. Don't overdo it and keep pushing, just keep moving it around, and it should click back in after a while. 

However, I did see a topic about this not too long ago where someone said both bulbs were interchangeable without getting the lights out... That might be worth trying first.

Replacing the bulbs is perfectly possible without the need to remove the headlamp assembly ; I have just replaced both the 'H1' and 'H7' bulbs on my car. OK it's a bit fiddly but certainly no worse than in other cars I have owned. Ford told me that in order to change the bulbs it was first necessary to remove the headlamp assembly, so I gave that a go. Unfortunately, like many people on the forum, I struggled and I was also worried about breaking something. As a consequence I thought I would try replacing just the bulbs ; hey-presto, within ten minutes I had replaced all four bulbs. No special tools and no excessive force, automotive bulb changing as it should be ! My only suggestion would be attempting the job while the engine bay is slightly warm, that ensures all the rubber seals and plastic connectors are that bit more pliable.           ReplyForward

I upgraded my wife’s bulbs this evening in her Mk8 and I found the headlights impossible to get back in, due to the locking pin.. no matter what I done, it was about 1/3 of an inch out ... after 3 hours I took a hacksaw to the pins and both were back in, within 25 seconds.. never in my life have I had so much hassle putting back in a set of headlights ...I tried every angle just couldn’t see a way of getting them to click into that pin retainer without damaging either the paint or cracking the headlight.

What exactly is the purpose of the locking pin as mentioned in Jonny2400's post? Had a 2011 Fiesta and don't remember having a problem getting the light back in. I too removed the pins but found that they unscrew (10mm socket), The unit seems secure without them

On 11/1/2019 at 11:07 PM, Jonny2400 said:

I upgraded my wife’s bulbs this evening in her Mk8 and I found the headlights impossible to get back in, due to the locking pin.. no matter what I done, it was about 1/3 of an inch out ... after 3 hours I took a hacksaw to the pins and both were back in, within 25 seconds.. never in my life have I had so much hassle putting back in a set of headlights ...I tried every angle just couldn’t see a way of getting them to click into that pin retainer without damaging either the paint or cracking the headlight.

 

On 6/6/2019 at 10:15 AM, Grizzly B said:

Replacing the bulbs is perfectly possible without the need to remove the headlamp assembly ; I have just replaced both the 'H1' and 'H7' bulbs on my car. OK it's a bit fiddly but certainly no worse than in other cars I have owned. Ford told me that in order to change the bulbs it was first necessary to remove the headlamp assembly, so I gave that a go. Unfortunately, like many people on the forum, I struggled and I was also worried about breaking something. As a consequence I thought I would try replacing just the bulbs ; hey-presto, within ten minutes I had replaced all four bulbs. No special tools and no excessive force, automotive bulb changing as it should be ! My only suggestion would be attempting the job while the engine bay is slightly warm, that ensures all the rubber seals and plastic connectors are that bit more pliable.           ReplyForward

Thanks Paul, your post is now 5 years old but still very useful. I have a 2021 MHEV Fiesta which needs the main beam bulbs changing and i'm definitely going to give it a go. I'm sure i can wriggle around and get them replaced without removing the headlamp. 👍 Ha! famous last words! Wish me luck!