I read the thread entitled "Changing the fog lights and running lights" and purchased some PIAA 194 super white bulbs for the lights closest to the Mazda symbol and a pair of Advanced Optiks HID match bulbs for the Fog Lights. Many thanks to the contributors of that post for suggesting the lights and posting install instructions.

I am however having a hell of a time removing the original fog light bulbs from their housing. I have removed the three nuts on the underside of the car and can see and reach up and get to the fog lights...but I can't seem to remove them, and don't want to force them out and break them.

Anyone have any tips on how to undo the connector clip from the bulbs...and then how to actually remove the bulbs?

Should the bulb be removed first then the connector undone?

Do the bulbs come out with a counter-clockwise or clockwise rotation?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

lefty loosey. should be counter. I was thinking of the samething. How do you remove it? I wanna know as well.

 

I had a heck of a time myself. Until I realized what I was doing wrong...

I reached up there and could feel the back of the connector, it's bent at an angle like an "L". I kept twisting and I could see it moving just slightly from the front of the fog lamp. Eventually I realized that I needed to DISCONNECT the connector that attaches to the back of the lamp housing.

Depress the tab, remove the connector and it will twist to unlock it very easily. Then just pull it out.

Hope that helps. It should be extremely easy to get out, so if you're straining, or getting that feeling like you're going to break something - you're doing something wrong.

And be sure not to ever touch the glass of the bulb, and to preserve the life of your bulbs you should never turn them on unless the car is running.

 

ps: You can depress the tab with your thumb and pull down it should disengage. And I *believe* that in order to get it unlock the lamp, you turn it clockwise.

 

atl8,

I just ordered the super white 194 bulbs from autolumination.com last night, I hope they look good in the lights up front.

Where did you get the Advanced Optiks HID bulbs from? I'd hate to copy you, especially since I live in the Vinings area and we might cross paths and look awkwardly similar! ;-)

 

Thanks for the tips Tripwire..I'll be trying that this evening after work.

The AdvancedOptiks where ordered from http://www.europeanautosport.com/optik.htm

 

the instructions given by tripwire where exactly what I needed. The clip comes off easy with the slightest pressure in the right place.

The bulbs did come out clockwise. And I did note that it was much easier installing them by sitting directly in front of the light and reaching my hand up underneath the bumper while watching the slots on the bulb line up to the housing.

Thanks again tripwire.

 

Good deal. Glad I could help, especially having had such a hard time initially myself.