Replacing Headlight Bulbs...? By oldchopperguy (Read 7,490 times)

[oldchopperguy]

OK Doc,

Yer ol' buddy Leo needs a simple answer to a basic question... I know, everybody knows how to do this but me... LOL!

How do you replace the headlight bulbs? My scoot is the typical generic 150 with the big bug-eyed bulbs...

Please see pic below:



I can easily reach the back of the headlight fixture with my hands, and, it seems like the socket should simply pull out from the back to change the bulb, like a car tail light bulb. I gently tried twisting, pushing and pulling, but the socket didn't budge. I won't pull or twist any harder until i find out if the socket actually DOES come out this way. I'm only CRAZY, not STUPID... LOL!

I can't imagine having to remove the entire headlight unit from the plastic nose, just to change bulbs, and if the whole unit WAS removed, STILL how would the bulbs come out? BUT... enquiring minds want to know!

My reason for asking is that my right headlight comes on, then goes out, then back on... Wiring is all OK, so I'm thinking its a wonky filiment, or, bad socket. I'll upgrade to halogen lights while I'm at it... IF I can figger out how the little boogers come out! Cheesh, I just got the motor figured out, and now a $5 bulb is "dissing" me!

Thanks in advance!

Leo in Texas

[mthomas]

Leo,
I just changed mine yesterday. First, Bulbtown has them for $1.25 plus a flat $6.00 shipping so I bought 4 shipped to me for like $11.00. Take the cowl off as there are only 4 screws. Unhook the quick disconnect so you can work on the headlights. Put the cowl upside down on a blanket so you don't scratch it. Mine has a wire clip that has to be released on one side and is hinged on the other side. Move the wire clip out of the way and remove the socket, twist the bulb counterclockwise and remove. Good ides to check the contacts for corrosion. Also be careful about the ground wire, I broke mine and it was a devil to get it re-soldered on. Replace the bulb by putting in and twisting clockwise making sure it is seated fully. Replace the socket and there are three notches, make sure they are fitted correctly. replace the wire and cover. At this point what I did is hook up the connect and let the cowl just sit there and fire up the scoot. Check the light making sure it works before putting the cowl back together. You may need to wiggle it around if it is not working properly. That's it.

[oldchopperguy]

mthomas,

Thanks for the quick reply! Have a karma!

Sounds like you figured it out... The only part I'm not sure of is how the sockets remove from the headlight housing. I can reach them, but cannot see them. If they twist, then pull out, the bulbs could be changed without removing the cowl. (I hate to remove any plastic if not necessary... it is BRITTLE... LOL!).

Many thanks!

Leo

[speedracer]

Reply #2 is right on. I thought the same as you can reach your hands under and get at the light socket but that clip screws that idea up. I don't know why they just didn't mount the lens with several screws and just unscrew the bulb and put in a new one.

[Bashan]

Leo, remove the cowl, believe me, I've been there, there is no other way unless you have a tentacle arm. Keep your sanity and take off the plastic. Rich

[jake aka:ventoscoot]

Bashan is right, is seems counterintuitive, but the easiest way is to remove the cowel (cover) and remove the whole headlight assembly. MUUUUCH easier!

[oldchopperguy]

Thanks one and all!!!

Yes, the wire clips DO make it necessary to remove the cowl. I can see that now that I've done it... My cowl had 6 screws, but who's counting? LOL!!

It came off very easily, so I can recommend this procedure to all the other patients out there like myself, who haven't mastered the parts of these scooters north of the seat... The south end of these little wheezers usually gives us enough trouble to keep us busy! ;D Just remember, the plastic on these IS brittle... brittle as cookie dough! I've NEVER seen such fabulous, BEAUTIFUL lacquer paint applied to such absolute CRAP material!

I got creative, so as a test, I switched bulbs left to right, since the wires, connections and sockets seem good. Yup, the rebellious RIGHT bulb now acts the same way in the LEFT socket. BAD bulb... BAD BULB! SHAME on you... Oh well, I've wanted to try halogen lights anyway. Now I have a good excuse!

Thanks again to all who came to my rescue with good advice! And, mthomas: I just realized you're the one with that great $200 scoot... I still think a "rat-rod-scooter" would be fun! HeHeHe...

Thanks again, this is what the forum is all about!

Sincerely,

Leo in Texas

[goodharbor]

Read about it at :

www.flickr.com/photos/goodharbor/4507493443/

I removed the small front access panel between the headlights, and I can then access the back of the bulb with my hand. Just release one side of the spring, and the bulb may be removed and replaced. Snap the spring back in, and you're all set. No major panels to remove.