Help installing headlight bulb
 

Hi all,
I tried to read the faq but the server can't find it (/emann/protegefaq not found on server....) and did some searches so if anyone has something mean to say, please just don't post.

I installed a new H7-55 bulb in my headlight but it doesn't seem aimed properly (lowbeam). I'm sure it's how I'm installing it, as opposed to the headlamp needing adjustment. My manual (there seem to be many versions, some leaving details out) shows the slot in the bulb pointing up, so I'm assuming it goes like that, however the bulb doesn't seem flush with the headlamp, and it seems to aim upward slightly. This is a GE bulb, so maybe different brands fit better?
Are there are tricks to getting the bulb to sit properly? Any tips for aiming your headlights?
This is the left headlamp since I believe they're aimed slightly differently than the right (for oncoming traffic).

Thanks for any help.
Josh

I haven't installed new headlight bulbs on my protege yet so I can't help you there.

For reference, the new address to the FAQ is:

http://web2.airmail.net/theman/protegefaq/

Aditionally - i don't think you're problem is on the FAQ. Surry

Thanks for the link Esquire. Maybe I'm being paranoid but the bulb seems less than straight. I'm not sure how hard I'm supposed to push it in so it's completely flush, don't wanna break it. The other bulb from Mazda (my good bulb) seems to fit better, so I'm thinking it might be a generic versus manufacturer issue. But I can live with it. :)

For starters, make sure your bulb orientation is right. The contacts have to be vertical, i.e. like that ( | | ). That leaves you with only 2 positions, 180 deg apart. The bulb is uniquely notched, so there is only one way it'll go all the way in. Try looking thru the headlight lens from the outside as you are fiddling with the bulb from inside. the steel plate of the bulb has to cover the hole in the light assembly completely and evenly. Just be careful not to scratch the matte grey coating on the tip of the bulb.

I replaced mine with Phillips bulbs. Unless you got yours from a dollar store, they all have to follow the standard, so you should have no prob. Having said that, it DOES take some fine fingerwork to get it right, especially on the right side :P

which gen you talkin bout? I change my bulbs all the time.

The post is in Protege 5/MP3/3rd Gen. Give josh02p5 a credit:D

i have the same problem the first time i changed one then i cahgned ti agian and i sadi screw it becuase its a pain. ill fix mine when i get around to it.

i thought it was jsut me

akaveli> it's a 2002.5 MP5

malibu4bbl> no, I don't think it's just you. it's at least "us". :)

AlexB2> Thanks for the tips. I did some more fiddling with it and it's straighter now, although it still doesn't seem to fit as well as the other stock bulb. I'll try another brand next time one burns out and see if it fits any better, but it's good enough for now.

Thanks all!

AlexB2 - :the finge

anyways I'm not familiar with the MP5. :(

You know what I changed my light bulbs today and I bought some PIAA'S and for some reason I had the same problem. I have a MP5 2002.5 I dunno maybe i didn't put them in right but I tried to line up the little notch and it still wouldn't go in just right.