Hi, can you tell me whether there is a secret how to get the headlight out. I have removed the three screws and the unit is completely loose but it still won't come out.
Do you have to remove the front panel?
My XF is a 61 plate.
Thanks, Noel

ReplyDelete

 

If it's an HID headlight then it should have a headlight washer hose which you need to disconnect. It's under the light and held on with a small black half circle clip.
Also, don't forget to unclip the wiring plug.

 

If my memory serves me there is another mounting screw accessible through the wheel well.

 

Thanks for the info. But my problem is I can't get the headlamp unit out after having removed the two top screws and the one in the wheel arch.

 

What is a 61 plate?

 

61 plate means from Sept 2011 through to (I think!) March 2012.
So Noel probably has a "classic" or pre face lift XF.

Noel - once you have all three mounting bolts out and the power plug and washer hose disconnected, there is nothing further stopping the light assembly from coming out.
But it doesn't come out without a bit of a fight, you have to wiggle and tug it a fair bit.
Be careful with the top two plastic mounting brackets, too much bending and they will snap.
I find that the light assembly comes out a little easier if you pull the outside away first, then gently pull the edge of the grille surround out a few mm to allow room for the inner mounting bracket to clear.
Just keep wiggling away, after a while you will figure it out.
Tip - get the assembly out away from the grille before you unclip the washer hose.
There is plenty of slack/play in the hose to do this, and it's a lot easier to get at the clip that way.
Re-installation is the reverse, so reconnect the washer hose first.
Getting the assembly back in is a little more difficult than getting it out, and you need to be even more careful not to bend or stress either of the mounting brackets too much.

 

Fantastic, just what I wanted to hear. I will just have to fiddle a little more and be careful with the mounting bracket.
Thanks very much for the detailed explanation.