Headlight Removal and Installation

[LastNotFirst]

Hey all!

This weekend I'm planning on replacing my broken P5 headlights for brand new shiny ones. (whistle)

I was wondering if anyone has experience with this. I've been searching around the web and reading the shop manual from mazdaspd.com. It says I have to take off the entire front bumper, which quite a big process from the looks of it.

So my question is, when removing the headlights, does the entire front bumper have to come off? This would include the wheel well screws, etc.
or
Is it possible to change the headlights by just removing the bumper from the bumper reinforcement.

For reference, this is the guide I'm currently looking at for removing the front bumper. http://www.mazdaspd.com/manual_files/09-10.pdf

Thanks

 

[hornsfan10609]

The bumper cover must be removed, it's very easy. Screws along the bottom, clips in the wheel wells and on the grille, remove the top screws and the screws attaching the bumper to the fender and it will pull right off. Not hard at all.

 

[LastNotFirst]

Alright, thanks

It makes me a little nervous to take the whole front of the car off to change the headlight housing, but it has to be done. And while I'm at it, I'll be changing a burnt out fog light too. Should make it a little easier with the whole bumper off.

 

[kms1990]

yeah i did one headlight on mine in about 1 and 1/2 hours and some of that was cursing myself for losing, and having to find the little pop tabs

 

[Hank3]

Use the Bumper Removal How-To:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123782943-How-To-Bumper-Removal-for-Protege5-w-pics!!!

And the Fog-Light How-To:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?98860-How-To-Installing-Fog-Lights-(w-pictures)

 

[CTt3P5]

Use those links that Hank posted and you will be just fine. I can get the bumper on/off now in under an hour and that's taking my time.

Do those shiny new lights have black housings?

 

[LastNotFirst]

Thanks for the links! I've been using the shop manual on mazdaspd.com which is awesome, BUT not quite as detailed as I sometimes wish (I'm a very picture oriented, detailed person). No black housings BUT with the old ones that I am taking out, I plan on spraying them black and if I'm comfortable with it, replacing the housings in the newer ones. Always nice to have backups (even if the plexi is all cracked). I'm also planning on restoring the fog lights using a RainX restore kit. Doing this all tomorrow. I'll try to take photos and post some. Maybe start my own build thread...