One of the front fog lamp bulbs needs replacing on my 2009 X type. The manual tells me to take it to a dealership. Is this really necessary?

I am not very good at DIY.

Thanks,

Robert.

 

Robert, can you change a light bulb in your house? If you can, then you can replace the bulb in your car. The biggest trick will be getting your hand to the fog light. The easiest way to do this is to stop by the hardware store and get yourself a socket wrench and a set of Torx bits (the end will look like a screwdriver, but will have a 6 pointed star pattern). If I remember right, you need the T-25 or T-27 bit. But, you will put that on the socket wrench and you will remove the plastic cover that attaches to the underside of the bumper cover (the plastic cover on the front of the car that goes from the headlights to the under side of the car). Remove all the screws (should be like 6 of them) on the side that needs the bulb replaced. There will be a line of them where the front of the car rolls under the car, one in the middle of the plastic plate that is on the front of the car on the under side, and 2 back by the wheel. This will allow you to pull the plastic cover down some so you can stick your hand up and in to the fog light. From there, you can undo the plug and then give the bulb a quarter twist in the counter clockwise direction. At this point, the bulb should pull straight out. Do not forget to note the orientation of the bulb. This is easily done by simply noting by clock position where the plug was attached.

Installation is the reverse of what you just did.

One note of caution. When installing the new bulb, make sure not to touch the glass with your bare hands. There are oils on your skin and they will transfer to the bulb and create hot spots which will shorten the bulbs life. You can use a terry cloth (or other soft cloth) to wipe the glass if you happen to touch the glass. But, for the most part, you should be able to open the package, grab the bulb by the plastic end and guide it into the opening.

You can do this. You may find it a little bit easier to do if you can get a jack and lift up the car some to give yourself more room between the ground and the underside of the car.