Main headlight bulb wire clips fell off?

[Zhan]

I was looking through more of the stuff my previous owner just left for me and I saw a bunch of bulbs (Polargs). So I decided to install them tonight. However, as I was taking out the main headlight bulb, the wire clip (called a "retaining spring" in the manual) came out, not just on one end where it's supposed to latch and de-latch but also where it pivots. And then I realized there weren't any main headlight bulbs in the plastic bag. Oh well.

I couldn't figure out any way of putting the spring back in, so I just inserted the headlight and the sealing cover without it. It's now kind of loose; I'm not sure about alignment, either. And then, I tried to take out the other main headlight bulb in order to find out a way to put the wire clip back in... BUT I ended up having this one pop out as well! (eekfu)

So now I have two main headlights that are loose, probably not aligned, and probably might just explode sometime soon because I probably left some oil on them. Does anyone know any way of putting the wire clips/retaining springs back in, at least?

 

[SpaceProtege]

wow how can 2 people have the same problem the same day
though mine is my own dumb ass fault for taking them both apart at the same time I looked at them and know sorta how they go but can't get them to fit come on guys help us out!

 

[ZenProtege]

Junkyard is your best bet. I don't think those clips are sold individually



nevermind that, I thought you lost them from putting them in wrong

 

[Zhan]

Oh, no, I still have the clips right here in a plastic bag. Just... How do I put them back on?

 

[ZenProtege]

brb, let me take a pic for you

 

[ChopstickHero]

i believe it is held in my some kind of screw.

 

[ZenProtege]

here ya go

thread the screw in just a few threads
1.Put the red circle in first, there is like a hole or slot in the metal you have to put it in.
2.then seat the yellow circled part of the clip
3. get the part of the clip circled green in their, it sits in a track, it will be able to slide a little in it
4. slide the green circled part of the clip forward until it will slide under the head of the screw

 

[ZenProtege]

here some more pics for reference

 

[Zhan]

I GOT THEM IN!

Thanks, ZenProtege!

Apparently the screws were too loose for some reason. Which is why the wire clips came off in the first place. After putting clips loosely in the right place and screwing the screws in much tighter, there were no problems.

Thanks!!!

 

[ZenProtege]

oooooo rep points, thnx

 

[SpaceProtege]

you guys rock thnx for the help /bow

 

[Dimitrios]

Bump on this; I tried to replace my bulb this AM before work san a flashlight and the clip popped out too....

So the clip sits under the screw head, right? I don't have the manual with me and I was comtemplating needing a new goddamn headlamp assembly because I thought the clip sat under a plastic "arm".

Just validating before I make an ass of myself at the dealer...

 

[mark2000]

Has anyone attempted this fix lately? There is one inherent problem doing it the way as suggested... how do you get the bulb to sit at the right angle while trying to secure the clip back under the metal screw, after the fact? Isn't that the point o the clip, to secure the bulb fixture?

I can't seem to attach the clip with the bulb already in the hole, without messing everything up... because you need a way to hold the bulb centre, and then two hands to deal with the clip.

I have found a way to make sure not to lose the clip though...I have tied two long threads to the clip and dangled them outside the hood...so if it drops during the process, I should be able to fish it out.

Assistance anyone...please... this is killing me...and my back.

 

[diymazda]

Just ran into this issue on my 03 Mazda Protege which had a failed driver-side headlamp bulb. Using the FSM, got the connector off, then the rubber boot, then...wait, what's this strange metal clip that the cartoon in the FSM has latching from the side of the headlamp on which mine has a screw? I guess that means to loosen the screw, right? Ok...here we go...oh crap the whole thing sprung out. Great...how in the world am I going to get this contorted paper clip back into its rightful position? Google here we come...and arrived at this thread.

So here's the deal...the picture in post #7 above helped me greatly in at least knowing the correct final position of the retaining clip. However...putting it back using the associated procedure requires 3 hands and a telescoping eyeball. In addition, the thought was always running through my mind, putting this thing back in has to be somehow related to the "proper" method of releasing the clip (i.e. not having it spring out)...so even if I miraculously get this thing back in there using this procedure, how do I release it properly the next time I need to replace a headlamp bulb? So, after quite a few attempts and much frustration, I decided to just start with step 4 of post 7's procedure (i.e. screwing down the "blue" portion of the clip first). Whoa...lo and behold, not only does it hold but this thing swivels in that position...wait a minute it also easily latches and unlatches on the opposite side...by George I think I understand this contraption now.

So long story short, using the picture in post #7, simply insert the "blue" portion of the clip underneath the screw (as shown), tighten the screw down, and you'll find yourself with a nice little gate and it's obvious latching point...perfect for engaging and disengaging the headlamp blub in its socket.