How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster

irfant · 08-08-2008, 06:04

First, take the rubber cap...

Insert your long and thin fingers

and feel the bulb holder...

Try to twist bulb holder loose...

At the very firts time it is little hard to unplug the bulb holder, you can also use a thin plyers...

Don't pull the wiring....

pinkpanther · 08-08-2008, 16:05

I've tried this approach and totally failed. My mate who has the smallest hands in the world has also tried and failed

Anyway I gave in to the inevitable last week and asked my local main dealer how they change the sidelight bulbs. After a brief conference between the mechanics and service manager it seems the bumper has to come off and the headlights have to come out

Needless to say my Osram nightbreaker dipped beams will just have to put up with living next door to OEM sidelights.

Jonny5ive · 09-08-2008, 13:03

So you're F*cked if you have fat fingers then

jeff2003 · 10-08-2008, 03:18

I will try tomorrow... and let you know. I will post pictures of my hands before and after!

Jeff

jeff2003 · 12-08-2008, 03:38

I finally did it, must admit it was painful.

I tried the first time using my fingers as Irfant suggested but besides thin fingers you also need very strong fingerpads. I actually reached the bulb holder but failed at pulling it.

Second time I used pliers. What worked for me was holding the pliers with one hand while directing its arms with one finger (from the other hand) through the bulb holder, once in position open the pliers arms, grip the bulb holder and pulling out. It took me near 90 minutes to change both sidelights.

What to consider:
1. Do not use very long pliers (See the pic) medium size is ok, even small ones could help.

2. It was easier at the driver's side (L/H), but on the passenger's side its a different story because you have very limited space to work, because of the charcoal filter. So I had to remove the filter and also the parking light because of wiring (you are doing it blind and you have many wires that can be damaged). Small pliers are useful particularly on this side.
Good luck!

Jeff

Little Jo · 12-08-2008, 17:47

A very useful thread indeed. I just hope I don't have to change my sidelights too often! I do wish bulbs had to changable at the roadside with minimum tools. No wonder we see so many cars with defective lights!

I have small hands and skinny fingers, but not particularly stong fingers, so I suspect I might have problems.

Still, at least we know where to come for the know-how.

Thanks guys!

irfant · 13-08-2008, 06:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Jo

I have small hands and skinny fingers, but not particularly stong fingers, so I suspect I might have problems.

bahnstormer vrs · 13-08-2008, 07:15

I think I'll just settle for changing Headlights and Indicators.

pinkpanther · 13-08-2008, 22:51

congratulations Jeff2003, you have inspired me to try again!!

After several unsuccessfull attempts at changing the Roomster sidelights I thought I'd have a go at our other car - a Nissan Qashqai. Needless to say I managed to change both the dipped beam and sidelights in around 10 minutes flat, incurring only minimal damage to my knuckles in the process

I'm not sure how much relative input Renault and Nissan had in the development of the Qashqai, but it seems to have resulted in a decent product which gives at least some concession to owner maintenance. You only have to look at the difficulty involved in say changing a cambelt on a mark 1 petrol Octavia to see that ease of maintenance was pretty low down on the designers priorities (I speak as someone who has owned 2 Mk1 Octy vRS's and has had to stump up for 2 cambelt changes

)

That said I have enjoyed owning my last 3 Skoda's and will probably look at another one when time comes

parsko · 18-08-2008, 09:46

Just an Idea, would a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" heater hose with a slot cut in the end engage in the bulb holder and allow you to twist and pull it out?

bahnstormer vrs · 20-08-2008, 22:09

You thought changing bulbs in a Fabia/Roomster was difficult; try doing the headlight bulbs on a current Renault Megane; you have to get at them via the underside of the wheelarch liner (removing the wheel first); as shown on Fifth Gear on Monday this week!

mise · 06-09-2008, 20:02

Been lurking for a while, thought it was about time I posted

Thanks for the info and advice about the sidelights, although I gave up this afternoon after 2 attempts (with needle nose pliers on the 2nd attempt) and took the car to a garage to change them. The mechanic got it done in a few minutes, but he didn't find it easy either! Didn't get charged much thankfully, me and my family have been using them for years.

bahnstormer vrs · 07-09-2008, 15:22

Changed the headlamp and indicator bulbs today; as easy as any car I've had.

Then tried the sidelights; had fingers, long nosed pliers, torch and mirror available but all to no avail. I gave up after about 20 mins.

May try another day.

Decron · 07-09-2008, 19:05

I have just tried changing the sidelights today on my Scout and it's just not possible.

Passanger side - yes. It's fiddly and a pain but you can just get in there to access the bulb and twist it out. I can see how this would be easier on the petrol as the battery is smaller.

Drivers side- no chance. On the 1.9tdi the fuel filter is in the way. I thought I could remove it and it's housing like in the Mk1 Fabia but Two of the mounting bolts are inaccesable (One is even buried underneath an A/C pipe

)

It does say in the manual that some of the bulbs WILL require your dealer to fit. I had no idea it would be these....

In all honesty it looks like a headlamp out job.

mise · 07-09-2008, 22:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Decron

In all honesty it looks like a headlamp out job.

I'm not sure how the 1.9 compares to the 1.4 80 brake TDI but the mechanic managed to change mine without removing the headlights although he found the drivers side really awkward.
Worth the hassle though, the Philips blue vision sides match the X-Treme Power mains (which I fitted myself) perfectly, before I the got the new sides fitted you could really see the difference in colour from the OEM ones.

Dougal · 08-09-2008, 12:48

Looking at the access to the sidelight bulbs on our TDI Roomster, it looks like they may be accessible by removing the plasic liner from under the wing.

The torx tool to remove the liner is included with the tool kit(same tool to remove the rear lights).

Not tried to change the bulbs on ours but it does look easier than trying to get access past the fuel filter.

Hope this helps

Dougal

Decron · 08-09-2008, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dougal

Looking at the access to the sidelight bulbs on our TDI Roomster, it looks like they may be accessible by removing the plasic liner from under the wing.

The torx tool to remove the liner is included with the tool kit(same tool to remove the rear lights).

Not tried to change the bulbs on ours but it does look easier than trying to get access past the fuel filter.

Hope this helps

Dougal

I saw the route through to that from the other end although the gap looks a bit small

Ill take another look this weekend.

Organist · 09-09-2008, 11:18

I still find it absolutely beyond stupid that you can't change a simple bulb on some cars these days without dismantling half of the front of it first.

08-08-2008, 06:04	#1
irfant Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Istanbul ,TR Posts: 447 Members Car: 2007 Roomi 1.4 85 BHP Thanks: 111 Thanked 61 Times in 45 Posts	How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster First, take the rubber cap... Insert your long and thin fingers and feel the bulb holder... Try to twist bulb holder loose... At the very firts time it is little hard to unplug the bulb holder, you can also use a thin plyers... Don't pull the wiring.... __________________ *2007 Roomster 1.4 16V - after 3 years with 2004 Fabia 1.2 12V* *http://www.skodaclubturkey.com*

08-08-2008, 16:05	#2
pinkpanther Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 71 Members Car: Roomster2 1.9 TDi Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster I've tried this approach and totally failed. My mate who has the smallest hands in the world has also tried and failed Anyway I gave in to the inevitable last week and asked my local main dealer how they change the sidelight bulbs. After a brief conference between the mechanics and service manager it seems the bumper has to come off and the headlights have to come out Needless to say my Osram nightbreaker dipped beams will just have to put up with living next door to OEM sidelights.

09-08-2008, 13:03	#3
Jonny5ive NAPPYMASTER!! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Stonehouse, Glos. Posts: 2,186 Members Car: Fabia vRS Thanks: 81 Thanked 45 Times in 36 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster So you're Fcked if you have fat fingers then __________________ Modified Fabia vRS & Roomster Scout* THE FULL 8mins 39sec

10-08-2008, 03:18	#4
jeff2003 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South America Posts: 14 Members Car: Roomster Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster I will try tomorrow... and let you know. I will post pictures of my hands before and after! Jeff

12-08-2008, 17:47	#6
Little Jo Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Herts Posts: 196 Members Car: Skoda Fabia 3 estate 1.4 16v Thanks: 24 Thanked 15 Times in 13 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster A very useful thread indeed. I just hope I don't have to change my sidelights too often! I do wish bulbs had to changable at the roadside with minimum tools. No wonder we see so many cars with defective lights! I have small hands and skinny fingers, but not particularly stong fingers, so I suspect I might have problems. Still, at least we know where to come for the know-how. Thanks guys! __________________ Jo

13-08-2008, 07:15	#8
bahnstormer vrs Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Herts Posts: 2,685 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDI - Koni FSDs & RallyFlapz Thanks: 46 Thanked 156 Times in 141 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster I think I'll just settle for changing Headlights and Indicators. __________________ Mine - '07 Octavia vRS TDI, Superchips BlueFin (210bhp/293lbft) 'Winter wheels' 7.5J x 17" Audi S-line, Ultrac Sessantas 225/45 17, xenons, rear parking sensor, heated seats (driver's Recaro Style full leather), climate/jumbo etc., Koni FSDs, Neuspeed Rear ARB & Short-Shifter, K&N induction kit, RallyFlapZ - Colin McRae memorial decals. Wife's - '08 Roomster Scout 1.6 Tiptronic, Cruise, parking sensors Son's - '02 Fabia 1.4mpi, vRS 16" alloys, Michelin Pilot Exalto 2 195/45 16, vRS front bumper, Koni Sport shocks.

13-08-2008, 22:51	#9
pinkpanther Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 71 Members Car: Roomster2 1.9 TDi Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster congratulations Jeff2003, you have inspired me to try again!! After several unsuccessfull attempts at changing the Roomster sidelights I thought I'd have a go at our other car - a Nissan Qashqai. Needless to say I managed to change both the dipped beam and sidelights in around 10 minutes flat, incurring only minimal damage to my knuckles in the process I'm not sure how much relative input Renault and Nissan had in the development of the Qashqai, but it seems to have resulted in a decent product which gives at least some concession to owner maintenance. You only have to look at the difficulty involved in say changing a cambelt on a mark 1 petrol Octavia to see that ease of maintenance was pretty low down on the designers priorities (I speak as someone who has owned 2 Mk1 Octy vRS's and has had to stump up for 2 cambelt changes ) That said I have enjoyed owning my last 3 Skoda's and will probably look at another one when time comes

18-08-2008, 09:46	#10
parsko Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 544 Members Car: ............... Thanks: 15 Thanked 27 Times in 23 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster Just an Idea, would a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" heater hose with a slot cut in the end engage in the bulb holder and allow you to twist and pull it out? __________________

20-08-2008, 22:09	#11
bahnstormer vrs Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Herts Posts: 2,685 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDI - Koni FSDs & RallyFlapz Thanks: 46 Thanked 156 Times in 141 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster You thought changing bulbs in a Fabia/Roomster was difficult; try doing the headlight bulbs on a current Renault Megane; you have to get at them via the underside of the wheelarch liner (removing the wheel first); as shown on Fifth Gear on Monday this week! __________________ Mine - '07 Octavia vRS TDI, Superchips BlueFin (210bhp/293lbft) 'Winter wheels' 7.5J x 17" Audi S-line, Ultrac Sessantas 225/45 17, xenons, rear parking sensor, heated seats (driver's Recaro Style full leather), climate/jumbo etc., Koni FSDs, Neuspeed Rear ARB & Short-Shifter, K&N induction kit, RallyFlapZ - Colin McRae memorial decals. Wife's - '08 Roomster Scout 1.6 Tiptronic, Cruise, parking sensors Son's - '02 Fabia 1.4mpi, vRS 16" alloys, Michelin Pilot Exalto 2 195/45 16, vRS front bumper, Koni Sport shocks.

06-09-2008, 20:02	#12
mise Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Renfrewshire Posts: 2 Members Car: Roomster 1.4 TDI Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster Been lurking for a while, thought it was about time I posted Thanks for the info and advice about the sidelights, although I gave up this afternoon after 2 attempts (with needle nose pliers on the 2nd attempt) and took the car to a garage to change them. The mechanic got it done in a few minutes, but he didn't find it easy either! Didn't get charged much thankfully, me and my family have been using them for years.

07-09-2008, 15:22	#13
bahnstormer vrs Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Herts Posts: 2,685 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDI - Koni FSDs & RallyFlapz Thanks: 46 Thanked 156 Times in 141 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster Changed the headlamp and indicator bulbs today; as easy as any car I've had. Then tried the sidelights; had fingers, long nosed pliers, torch and mirror available but all to no avail. I gave up after about 20 mins. May try another day. __________________ Mine - '07 Octavia vRS TDI, Superchips BlueFin (210bhp/293lbft) 'Winter wheels' 7.5J x 17" Audi S-line, Ultrac Sessantas 225/45 17, xenons, rear parking sensor, heated seats (driver's Recaro Style full leather), climate/jumbo etc., Koni FSDs, Neuspeed Rear ARB & Short-Shifter, K&N induction kit, RallyFlapZ - Colin McRae memorial decals. Wife's - '08 Roomster Scout 1.6 Tiptronic, Cruise, parking sensors Son's - '02 Fabia 1.4mpi, vRS 16" alloys, Michelin Pilot Exalto 2 195/45 16, vRS front bumper, Koni Sport shocks.

07-09-2008, 19:05	#14
Decron It's all good Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cwmbran - South Wales Posts: 3,558 Members Car: Vroomster Thanks: 67 Thanked 264 Times in 191 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster I have just tried changing the sidelights today on my Scout and it's just not possible. Passanger side - yes. It's fiddly and a pain but you can just get in there to access the bulb and twist it out. I can see how this would be easier on the petrol as the battery is smaller. Drivers side- no chance. On the 1.9tdi the fuel filter is in the way. I thought I could remove it and it's housing like in the Mk1 Fabia but Two of the mounting bolts are inaccesable (One is even buried underneath an A/C pipe ) It does say in the manual that some of the bulbs WILL require your dealer to fit. I had no idea it would be these.... In all honesty it looks like a headlamp out job.

08-09-2008, 12:48	#16
Dougal Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Lancashire Posts: 244 Members Car: Fabia Comfort Diesel Estate Thanks: 2 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster Looking at the access to the sidelight bulbs on our TDI Roomster, it looks like they may be accessible by removing the plasic liner from under the wing. The torx tool to remove the liner is included with the tool kit(same tool to remove the rear lights). Not tried to change the bulbs on ours but it does look easier than trying to get access past the fuel filter. Hope this helps Dougal

09-09-2008, 11:18	#18
Organist Briskodian Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southampton, England Posts: 706 Members Car: Skoda Fabia VRS and Skoda Octavia II 1.9 Tdi Thanks: 9 Thanked 16 Times in 15 Posts	Re: How to change sidelights - Fabia II & Roomster I still find it absolutely beyond stupid that you can't change a simple bulb on some cars these days without dismantling half of the front of it first. __________________ 2008 Skoda Octavia II Elegance 1.9 Tdi Estate in Storm Grey, factory fitted with High Intensity Discharge Lights, Light Assist, Maxidot, Multi-function Steering Wheel, MP3 with Aux in and Sunset Glass. 'Supertooth' phone unit. Also 2005 Black Skoda Fabia VRS. Best of both worlds! 60+MPG

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