hi im new here, just joined. i was wondering if anyone knows how to change the sidelight 501 bulbs on a focus. i have an 04 plate focus 1.6 zetec n have ordered some new xenon bulbs but duno how to fit em and i dont really fancy takin it to the garage cuz they'll probably charge, and i want to learn for myself anyway, thanks in advance :)

Are you driving a MK1.5 or a MK2?

If you have the MK2, you need to remove the headlight assembly. Start by unscrewing the screw at the furthest point from the headlights.then, take a long handled screwdriver and poke out at the bottom of the headlight assembly the two lugs that go to the back of the light cluster. Then pull the headlight out. You can leave the loom plugged in.

You can then push out the four lugs and remove the back cover, then find the sidelight (centre area) and just pull it straight out (twisting can help).

Unplug the old and plug in the new. Refit in reverse :)

I thought sure the forum had a guide on this,

Perhaps if Clive gets time he could create one if I had a mk2 Id do it.

Here's a video from YouTube on removing the headlight to help you visualise the information jeebo has given.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3-A_qkj2dE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

im not sure which mk it is tbh, i dint no u cud get .5s lol.. thanks for you help and thank you for the youtube vid i will check it out n let yuno how i get on :)

iv got the shape before the one in the youtube video if that helps and also is there any vids on the shape before that one as i tried it yday and had no luck

If it's the older shape (MK1.5) then you just need to remove the cover on the back on the lights to get at the bulbs. The cover is held on by a metal clip that you will need to 'swing' out of the way. The cover is a little tight to remove on the passenger side due to the battery tray getting in the way but it is do-able if you give it a 'tweak' in the right direction

Some people find it easier to remove the batter and tray but I have never needed to do this.

The driver's side is also relatively easy to get at.

Once you have the cover off it is simply a case of location the 501 bulb and pulling it out in its holder. The bulb will then simply unplug from the holder.

i did that yday when i chekd my h7 dipped bulb n it was hard as there wasnt much room to get my hand through and take the cover off lol i thought id have to remove the whole headlight to change the 501s lol

thanks for your replies i will try wat u have said when my bulbs have arrived n will post my results lol

thanks for your replies, i have changed all the bulbs, it was a bit of a struggle as there wasnt much room but i did it and i dint have to remove the headlight assembly. just put my hand thru.