Changing front sidelight bulb?

[philKS2]

Hi I'm getting constant fuse blowing for the 5 amp that protects right side front and rear side and tail lights. I think front sidelight at fault. Looks like a mare to change front side light. Anyone got instructions please?

Looks like hv to remove some of headlight inside cover and poss part of air intake . Grrr

[newsh]

The turbo side headlight is not so easy to get at. Might be easiest to just take the headlight out.

The side light bulb is in a holder which just screws into the back of the headlight shell, it picks up it's power from the main connector.

[Christophski]

As John said, it's not easy. I just take the headlight out. It's less hassle, quicker and you don't ruin your hands either

[bungle74]

I've got the same issue on my 94 Coupe 16v, I change the fuse for the drivers side rear light, turn the lights on and it goes pop. What I did notice is that the drivers side front side light isn't coming on so I wonder if this is causing the issue??? I've spent several lunchtimes fiddling with the rear lights thinking I've inadvertently done something to make the fuse keep blowing.

[sidrick]

I had the same thing on my current S2 when I bought it. Had to replace both sidelight bulb holders to cure it (they're not very expensive and still available).

I didn't have to remove the headlight to replace the driver side, but it'd probably be a good idea if you want to avoid scratching your hand to pieces, lol.

[gripper]

What about LED sidelights ?
Any good ? Thinking of uprating mine when I switch to HID

[mcandmar]

Sissys, skinned knuckles is part of the ownership experience

[sidrick]

What about LED sidelights ?
Any good ? Thinking of uprating mine when I switch to HID

I used LED bulbs. Can't say there was much of a difference.

[andy10v]

What about LED sidelights ?
Any good ? Thinking of uprating mine when I switch to HID

I used ebay LED sidelight bulbs when I switched to HID, they match the HID colour nicely.

Not really much to say about them, its a sidelight and it lights up. They dont seem to project as much light though (minimal as it is), but a brighter light point if that makes sense.

[bungle74]

I've just changed the drivers side sidelight bulb by undoing the headlight screws & pulling the unit out slightly. It was fairly easy and as I don't have baby sized hands it was the only way I could see to do it.
I unplugged the rear lights then replaced the fuse before switching the lights on......the front sidelight worked I then turned the lights off before plugging in the rear lights and switching the lights back on again. The fuse blew straight away

I'm no auto electrician so what does everyone think the issue might be? Is it likely to be the bulb hold on the rear lights? Nothing else has been disturbed and the car went through the MOT in July and has only done 200 miles since.

I only brought it 2 weeks ago and all the bulbs worked when I went to look at it aside from the indicator bulb on the passenger side.....could this be as a result of me disturbing the bulb holder? I know it seems unlikely but aside from replacing the bulb holder (are the still available?) I don't know what to do next.......

Cheers

Lee

[newsh]

Swap the sidelight bulb holder over from the other side and see it the fault moves. Make sure the bulb holders are seated correctly.

[newsh]

Actually reading your post again it does seem like you've got a problem with the rear lights. Have you definitely fitted the correct bulb? (check against the other side).
Any trailer wiring?

[bungle74]

Well, I got to the bottom of it and may I present Sir Richard of Head

I finally managed to get hold of another bulb holder & at lunch today I swapped it over with the original. The result being.........a blown fuse!!! After a bit of fiddling & head scratching I turned the smaller of the 2 plugs (the grey one) round the other way, replaced the fuse and hey presto, the light stayed on!!!

So, 20 quid & lots of fuses & head scratching later it turned out to be sheer incompetence on my part!!!