2014 Smart ForTwo Electric Headlight Bulb Replace

[Cjb4 0]

I have been looking for instructions on how to unclip the headlight clip.  Everything I have found shows a wire retaining clip that holds the bulb in.  The 2014 electric has a different type of clip which I can’t figure how to remove.  The instructions in the Manuel are of little help.  Rather than the simple wire retainer shown in many utubepost this appears to be a sleeve that surrounds the bulb housing.  I can’t figure out how to release it without damaging it. Any help would be appriciated.

[Willys 741]

Can you take a pic of it so we can see what you are speaking of...?  Just a thought...?

[Cjb4 0]

Here are some shots:  It looks like you should be able to pullit straight off the housing but it doesn't budge.  Don't want to bend or break.  The manual instructions are for the old style wire type

[Willys 741]

Looks to like you simply remove that outer ring clasp by lifting it out/up or carefully push back on each of the three tabs that are holding the bulb down and in place.  But I expect you take ring clip off then take bulb out.

[Cjb4 0]

Thanks Willys,  I thought that as well but it resists removal.  It looks simple enough but won't come off without forcing.  I'll try again but concerned about bending or breaking.

[Willys 741]

Just take your time and work it either off, OR use 3 small flathead screw drivers to hold the clips back. Somehow?  

[Willys 741]

OK, what if you squeezed the bowed section next to the end at each side, does that force the end to travel along the plastic and allow the end of the clip to become un-clipped off the plastic housing?  You are basically lengthening the circle which forces the ends up to the stop and perhaps that allows the clip to unhook?

If you look at the pictures it shows that the metal clip is hard against one side of the plastic housing and has a space towards the end of the clip, so squeezing the metal ring will force the end to travel to the opposite side and perhaps unhooking it so you can lift it out?

So you are squeezing at the 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock position.  Forcing the 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock to travel towards 12 o'clock....does that make sense to you?

 

Edited November 15 by Willys