Reflector/deflector Has Fallen Off

[Windinherhair]

Hi folks.

I was just changing the sidelight bulb in the front passenger side headlight unit.

Whilst down at it, I noticed that the reflector/deflector that covers the headlamp bulb has snapped off and is loose within the unit.

I took at look at the other headlight, and as I removed the clip to access the headlight bulb, the part on that side fell off too! What are the chances of that? I'm not heavy handed and am guessing they just got to that stage at the same time?

What I was wondering is, can I legally drive without them? Am I right in thinking that the unit is sealed, and the parts therefore irretrievable/ irreparable?

I think our 8 year old Rav is showing it's age

[anchorman]

I've never heard of those coming off. It will effect the focus of the lamp so you find the beam looks odd at night. You may also have trouble getting through MOT.

My guess is that some previous owner has been trying to modify the lights or putting a bulb in that is too big.

They do pop up on eBay.

[Big Kev]

More than likely some door opening device(knob) tried fitting non EEC over - wattage bulbs and melted them directional deflectors.

You may find your car lights now searching for enemy aircraft, Winderz.....expensive bummer.

[CharlieFarlie]

Gotta clean ours the morrow Kev ......

[Windinherhair]

Drat, drat and double drat...looks like I will have to buy whole new headlight units?

I've seen this on eBay...looks fair enough?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290951171725?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Am I allowed to post this link?

[Windinherhair]

I managed to fish the broken off reflectors/deflectors out of the headlight assemblies yesterday. It was quite a footery job, but I got there.

I used a length of wire and a pickled onion lifter! How happy I was when they fitted out through the bulb opening.

One of the retention spring clips pinged off when I was first examining the lights on Friday, due to being held by the same damaged part...I can't find it, so that was another annoyance.

Anyway, I phoned a scrapyard this morning and they have a 2003 plate in. It has front end damage, so the headlights can't be sold on as intact assemblies.

They sold me the full assemblies for £20 the pair. I've taken what I need (2 deflectors and 2 spring clips) and am well pleased. I don't know if the rest is of any use to anyone? The brackets that attach the assemblies to the car are damaged.

Here are photos of the parts I was trying to describe earlier in the post...

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/gallery/album/1607-reflector-deflector-thingies/

[Davrav]

Nice one

Hope they go in without too much trouble.

[Windinherhair]

Nice one

Hope they go in without too much trouble.

They went in fine. Although it was a bit footery and tricky trying not to drop anything into the engine again.

All sorted for £20, and I now have a spare retention spring clip and two spare working headlight bulbs into the bargain...am very pleased. :D

[Big Kev]

Ya must be a part time brain surgeon, Winderz.......and deffo Scottish using "footery".......LOL.

[Windinherhair]

LOL...nothing like the auld Scottish words my gran used. They're so descriptive!

Incidentally, the scrappy I went to is out your neck of the woods...Coatbridge (or Coatbrig)

[Big Kev]

Oi......ah'm only in Stepps FGS, not where deliverance was filmed.....!!!

[Windinherhair]

Hub reckons Deliverance country is further out from you...Cumbernauld!
That's where he works.