c5 bulb replacement
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
c5 bulb replacement
Just noticed yesterday that the drivers side running light bulb has gone out. When I turn on the left turn signal now it flashes a lot faster than it should. That's how I figured out that it had burned out. How hard will this bulb be to replace? Any way to get to it without lifting the front of the car? Look forward to hearing back from the forum, I've never been let down. You guys/gals rock!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 3
From: Boise Idaho
Here is a video on another method. Seems simple, never had to replace one yet.
Changing Your DRL's in 2 Minutes! - YouTube
Changing Your DRL's in 2 Minutes! - YouTube
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
Here is a video on another method. Seems simple, never had to replace one yet.
Changing Your DRL's in 2 Minutes! - YouTube
Changing Your DRL's in 2 Minutes! - YouTube
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,182
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
I used the method shown in the youtube video. The only small issue was the direction the clip turned to remove it is opposite for one side or the other, don't remember which. Took less than five minutes to change without removing anything.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 419
Likes: 3
From: North Lauderdale FL
I used my other hand palm down, which was easier for me.
I was having trouble with my passenger side light. It wasn't burned out, just not making good contact. I cleaned the contacts, but eventually I had to gently pry the contacts out some so they created more pressure on the bulb. Haven't had any trouble since.
I was having trouble with my passenger side light. It wasn't burned out, just not making good contact. I cleaned the contacts, but eventually I had to gently pry the contacts out some so they created more pressure on the bulb. Haven't had any trouble since.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 49
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'Yo Chris, your way worked like a charm! I just want to say thanks to all of you that replied to my thread. As usual it worked out great. I tried the Youtube way first but had trouble getting the housing out. Taking off the headlamp plastic cover (2 screws) worked great. It gave me much more room to work with and a better angle. If you try either way, make sure you press the clamp on the housing before you try to twist and pull out the housing. I don't think that little safety tip was mentioned earlier.
Again, many thanks to all.
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Glad you got it to work the way you used. When I replaced my DRLs and side running lights, I went ahead and removed the lower access panel under the fascia but then again, I was changing out the light housings at the same time.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Wichita KS
'Yo Chris, your way worked like a charm! I just want to say thanks to all of you that replied to my thread. As usual it worked out great. I tried the Youtube way first but had trouble getting the housing out. Taking off the headlamp plastic cover (2 screws) worked great. It gave me much more room to work with and a better angle. If you try either way, make sure you press the clamp on the housing before you try to twist and pull out the housing. I don't think that little safety tip was mentioned earlier.
Again, many thanks to all.
Again, many thanks to all.
Thanks,
Van
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Just pull the low beam fuses 8 and 10 first.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,039
Likes: 2,592
From: Del Boca Vista FL
I have changed the DRL bulbs in my C5 using the method demonstrated in the video a couple of times. Works well.
Slight thread hijack here but directly related. I have also changed the sockets. My replacement of the sockets was the second time as there were already a pair of "CHEAP" replacement sockets installed by a previous owner (I am number 4 on this car). If you have to change the sockets don't buy the ones with three tiny white wires. Buy the ones from NAPA that have the factory gauge, properly color coded wires and, if you have the ability, wire the existing harness and the replacement sockets with Delphi connectors so that if you ever have to change them again you won't have to shorten the harness in the car again. Don't be afraid to use a copious quantity of grease when seating the bulb in the socket. Keeps the moisture out that causes the damage to the socket in the first place.
Slight thread hijack here but directly related. I have also changed the sockets. My replacement of the sockets was the second time as there were already a pair of "CHEAP" replacement sockets installed by a previous owner (I am number 4 on this car). If you have to change the sockets don't buy the ones with three tiny white wires. Buy the ones from NAPA that have the factory gauge, properly color coded wires and, if you have the ability, wire the existing harness and the replacement sockets with Delphi connectors so that if you ever have to change them again you won't have to shorten the harness in the car again. Don't be afraid to use a copious quantity of grease when seating the bulb in the socket. Keeps the moisture out that causes the damage to the socket in the first place.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 4
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Just changed the passenger side turn indicator bulb using the method in the video, i.e., popped the brake air duct out of the way, etc. It's not the hand size so much as the circumference of your wrist. Couple of ideas that worked for me: 1) lotion-up your hand and wrist; if you're near the fit limit it sure helps. I also used a little plastic & rubber assembly lubricant ("P80") on the bulb receptacle to help it go back in much easier. FYI, the bulbs face "up", and the connector wires are on the in-board side. The receptacle rotates such that the wires pivot toward the front of the car. On the passenger side, that's clockwise as viewed from the top, looking down.
