Bulbs, Bulbs, *&$#@ Bulbs!

January 2, 2007

Had to replace the nearside headlight bulb on my 03 T3X estate. Took all the (unnecessary) trim off, took the Battery out, then JUST got my fingers in to change the bulb and the weak plastic housing broke! Couldn't believe it!. Well, took it to Mr T and they put in a new headlight and managed to get it done under the warranty (car got from a Toyota dealer in last 6 months)

Thought that was the end, but had to replace the brake bulb yesterday.... access is via tiny hole that one (I repeat one) hand can get in, then you have to simultaneously release 4 plastic clips - with the one hand!!!

Where do they design these systems!!!! Well, the trick is to slip a tiny bit of stiff card into the clips/lugs one by one then the unit will slip out!! Aha!! So there Mr T!! I will NOT pay for you to replace bulbs!!

This isn't just Toyota is it? Why won't modern cars allow us to change bulbs?? Oh yes, just read the profit projection for Toyota........

...has the world gone mad????

January 3, 2007

Had to replace the nearside headlight bulb on my 03 T3X estate. Took all the (unnecessary) trim off, took the battery out, then JUST got my fingers in to change the bulb and the weak plastic housing broke! Couldn't believe it!. Well, took it to Mr T and they put in a new headlight and managed to get it done under the warranty (car got from a Toyota dealer in last 6 months)
Thought that was the end, but had to replace the brake bulb yesterday.... access is via tiny hole that one (I repeat one) hand can get in, then you have to simultaneously release 4 plastic clips - with the one hand!!!
Where do they design these systems!!!! Well, the trick is to slip a tiny bit of stiff card into the clips/lugs one by one then the unit will slip out!! Aha!! So there Mr T!! I will NOT pay for you to replace bulbs!!
This isn't just Toyota is it? Why won't modern cars allow us to change bulbs?? Oh yes, just read the profit projection for Toyota........
...has the world gone mad????

It's not just bulbs, it's other components as well.

Changing the air filter on my Audi 90 was a nightmare, having to force the fuel injection pipes out of the way taking the skin off the top of your hands.

Changing the oil filter on my Polo necessitated a very long tool to mate with the 'nut' type bit which was welded to the top of the oil filter to enable you to rotate it off... only in my case the welded bit became unwelded and impossible for a mere mortal to remove.

Changing rear bulbs in the new Suzuki Swift is fun, no interior 'bulb doors'!!

I think it's a consequence of trying to cram everything in Vs cost.

Changing spark plugs in a Mercedes E class is a no goer, it takes about 3 hours! - near £300 for a spark plug change (doesn't help that there are TWO spark plugs per cylinder)