How to change a lightbulb on a Fairline?

[EugeneR]

Having seen the power consumption of my Fairline Phantom's saloon with 6+ bulbs, I want to change them all to LED but cannot see how to remove the bulbs. The lens is larger than the opening in the light unit so it seems like the whole light unit needs to be pulled out, however after about 1/2" there seems to be some spring mechanism pulling it back into the ceiling panel and I do not want to force it without knowing it is the right approach.

Anyone knows how to do it?

 

[kashurst]

they are held in by two springs that clamp the fitting to the ceiling panel, much the same as 12v halogen domestic lights. Keep pulling carefully and as the springs appear clamp them with your hand and ease the fitting clear. Once clear carefully let the springs relax outwards. The bulb holder part rotates out of the fitting.

 

[MedMilo]

It's quite easy - you need to prise the fitting away from the ceiling panel using a large flat head screwdriver or similar thin, flat implement. The two springs are a bit like mousetrap mechanisms and they hold the light against the ceiling by pushing against the other side of the ceiling panel. As you prise the fitting away you ought to be able to get your thumb an forefinger onto the ends of the springs in order to stop the springs springing too hard and breaking. I've tried to upload a picture of the fitting when it's out which might help to explain...

 

[EugeneR]

I was fearing lots of "how many ... does it take" answers but your answers were very quick, helpful and complete. Thank you.

 

[dj43]

Just to add, that if you pull the fittings down so that you can hold it,you then only have to twist the cover off to change the bulb

 

[symondo]

We have these fittings on our sedan. Just about took my fingers off when I removed 1.
After checking these bulbs out against the led equivalent, can you advise what the end result is like?

The ampage and lumen values seemed very nominal when I looked up the bulbs but like yourself, wishing to reduce drain as much as possible with a simple led swap if it provides decent light