fly in the ointment...errr headlamp assembly
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8
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C280, ML350, E500 4Matic
fly in the ointment...errr headlamp assembly
I have no idea how this little guy got trapped; however, does anyone have any suggestions on how to get him out?
I was thinking of using Scotch double sided tape wrapped around a straw or pipe-cleaner; then, using my makeshift tool, fishing him out via the turn signal bulb socket.
This is where I ran into my first issue. How do I remove the turn signal bulb without removing the entire lamp? If I have to remove the lamp, is there a way to do this without removing the bumper cover?
I was thinking of using Scotch double sided tape wrapped around a straw or pipe-cleaner; then, using my makeshift tool, fishing him out via the turn signal bulb socket.
This is where I ran into my first issue. How do I remove the turn signal bulb without removing the entire lamp? If I have to remove the lamp, is there a way to do this without removing the bumper cover?
Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 110
Likes: 6
2014 E350
the only way to really get him out is to remove the headlamp, put the headlight in an oven (150 degrees for about 5 min) and then pull the clear plastic lens and separate from the headlamp. But to remove the headlamp you need to pull the front bumper. Not sure if it's worth it to you. But if you are removing the headlamp you could always throw in some bi-xenons in there.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 280
Likes: 12
From: Fort Myers, FL
'23 EQE 350 4MATIC
One time, I had a bee trapped inside the headlamp assembly. My car was still under warranty at that time so I took it to the dealer. They managed to get the (dead) bee out ... no problem. How? I don't know exactly. My SA said something about vacuuming it out.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 7
From: Fairfield County, CT
2007 E350 4matic- winter edition
LOL! Funny enough, the day I went in to purchase my 07 E350 there was a dead bee in my tail lights as well. Saw it as I was doing my visual inspection! The dealership had it removed before i took delivery- not sure how this was achieved either. Arent these things supposed to be airtight?
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91
Likes: 1
From: Auckland New Zealand
E500 2002. Supra TT 97, Supra NA-T 94, Glanza 96, Starlet 90
What a funi guy !!
I am about to do this to my rears, got a bug in there.
Best and easiest i would think is vettdvr's suggestion, just go to a garage they should be able to help you and shouldnt charge more than 5-10bucks. ust their time to take your bulb out and then blow away
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8
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C280, ML350, E500 4Matic
Managed to get it out!
The factory workers in Graz that assembled this car must have small hands! I managed to contort my arm behind the headlamp, remove the turn signal bulb, and using a flexible drinking straw wrapped in double sided tape, fish the fly out of the assembly. A vacuum would have been easier, but I did not have a nozzle small enough to fit behind the lamp.
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 244
Likes: 4
From: PA, USA
2004 E320 4matic Sedan
How to remove an insect from the front headlight turn indicator
Yes, it can happen.
I had a (dead) yellow jacket in the top part of the headlight assembly where the orange turn signal lamp is. A yellow jacket is a wasp, for those of you who are not in USA.
Materials: about 3 feet of 1/4 inch clear plastic flexible tubing.
1) Check that your turn signal works so you are not left wondering if you damaged it doing this procedure
2) Remove the orange lamp bulb by turning counter-clockwise about 30 degrees and pulling backwards. The lamp is fairly easy to access, on the right hand side, anyway. There are no wires/leads on the lamp insert to worry about. The current is supplied by contacts on the lamp insert. Therefore nothing to plug or unplug.
3) Insert the tubing carefully in the hole where the lamp was and get it past the "lens/reflector" that is in front of where the bulb goes in. This may be a little fragile, so don't snap it off by just jamming the tubing in carelessly.
4) Manipulate the tubing close to the insect/debris
5) Use lung power to blow the insect toward a corner, if needed
6) Exhale as much as you can, but not into the tube this time. You are going to need empty lungs to make a vacuum.
7) Suck the insect into the end of the tube. Maintain vacuum while you draw the tube, with insect, out of the lamp assembly
8) Re-assemble bulb into assembly
9) Check signal still works
10) Don't tell anyone what you did. They'll laugh at you. Under no circumstances post instructions on the net if you want to maintain any kind of credibility.
I had a (dead) yellow jacket in the top part of the headlight assembly where the orange turn signal lamp is. A yellow jacket is a wasp, for those of you who are not in USA.
Materials: about 3 feet of 1/4 inch clear plastic flexible tubing.
1) Check that your turn signal works so you are not left wondering if you damaged it doing this procedure
2) Remove the orange lamp bulb by turning counter-clockwise about 30 degrees and pulling backwards. The lamp is fairly easy to access, on the right hand side, anyway. There are no wires/leads on the lamp insert to worry about. The current is supplied by contacts on the lamp insert. Therefore nothing to plug or unplug.
3) Insert the tubing carefully in the hole where the lamp was and get it past the "lens/reflector" that is in front of where the bulb goes in. This may be a little fragile, so don't snap it off by just jamming the tubing in carelessly.
4) Manipulate the tubing close to the insect/debris
5) Use lung power to blow the insect toward a corner, if needed
6) Exhale as much as you can, but not into the tube this time. You are going to need empty lungs to make a vacuum.
7) Suck the insect into the end of the tube. Maintain vacuum while you draw the tube, with insect, out of the lamp assembly
8) Re-assemble bulb into assembly
9) Check signal still works
10) Don't tell anyone what you did. They'll laugh at you. Under no circumstances post instructions on the net if you want to maintain any kind of credibility.
