Car owners Skoda Octavia A5 Facelift is often faced with the need to replace optics, whether it is a burnt out lamp, a cracked body or the desire to install more modern LED lighting. The procedure for removing the headlights on this model has its own technical features, which differ from the predecessor of the A5 to facelift and from the subsequent version of the A7.
Incorrect dismantling can lead to damage to fragile plastic fasteners or violation of the sealability of the block, which subsequently cause fogging. To avoid unnecessary costs and maintain the factory state of the body, it is important to know the exact sequence of actions and tools necessary to work with the body. front and posterior headlights.
In this article, we will discuss the dismantling process in detail, paying special attention to the nuances of access to fasteners, which are often hidden behind the bumper. You will learn how to properly turn off the electrician and what tricks are used by the wizard to quickly remove the optics without risk.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you start to physically affect the body of the car, you need to organize an ergonomic workspace. For Skoda Octavia A5 Facelift you will need access to the wheel arches, so the car should stand on a flat surface. If you plan to remove both headlights, it is desirable to dodge the front part or use an observation pit.
The main set of tools includes a set of heads with a rattle, an extension cord and extension cords-cardans for work in hard-to-reach places. Also, it is necessary to have plastic blades for careful snapping of the bumper clips. Don't forget to prepare. Phillips screwdriver and 10 mm headBecause most of the stains are made for these sizes.
Pay special attention to the lighting. Since the main mount bolts are located deep in the arch, without a powerful flashlight or an additional light source, you risk breaking the thread or losing the fastener in the underwing. It is recommended to have gloves and a storage container for unscrewed bolts on hand, so as not to confuse them when assembly.
- ๐ง Set of end heads (especially 8, 10, 13 mm)
- ๐ฉ Ratch extension and gimbal connection
- ๐ชฅ Plastic blades for removing clip bumper
- ๐ฆ Powerful lamp or head lamp
- ๐งค Working gloves to protect your hands
Dismantling of the front bumper for access to the fasteners
On the restyled version Octavia A5 design of the front part of the body is such that it is almost impossible to fully remove the headlight without dismantling the bumper. Most of the mounts are hidden behind a plastic grille and a wing. This means you will have to go through the bumper removal procedure to get direct access to the fasteners.
We start with opening the hood and unscrewing the upper screws, which fix the bumper to the radiator grille and wing. There are usually two of them and they are at the top of the arch. After that, we move to the bottom: you need to unscrew the screws connecting the bumper with a protective plastic pallet. Their number can vary depending on the year of release and configuration.
Next comes the most delicate stage - snapping side fasteners in the area of wheel arches. Here you need to act carefully, using plastic shoulder blades, so as not to leave traces on the paint. When all screws are removed, the bumper is only held on clips. It is necessary to smoothly pull it on itself, starting from the corners until the latches come out of the slots.
โ ๏ธ Be extremely careful when snapping the bumper clips, as old plastic fixtures often become brittle and can break when moving sharply.
โ๏ธ Bumper preparation
Once the bumper is weakened, it does not need to be removed completely. It is enough to pull it 10-15 centimeters away from the body to access the back of the headlight. This will allow you to see the fastening bolts that were previously hidden behind the plastic wing shield.
- ๐ Unscrew the screws at the top of the wheel arch
- ๐ฉ Remove the mounts from the bottom, at the protective pallet
- ๐จ Use the spatula for a neat exit clips
- ๐ซ Do not pull the bumper with excessive force.
Removal of the headlights: step-by-step algorithm of actions
When access to the fastener is obtained, you can proceed to the main stage - the removal of the optics itself. Nana Skoda Octavia A5 Facelift the front headlight is fixed by three main points: two bolts on top (which are often visible only after removing the bumper) and one bolt from the bottom, accessed through the arch.
First, disconnect the electrical connector. It is located at the back of the headlamp unit and has a lock. Click on the plastic latch and smoothly pull the connector over yourself. Do not pull the wires, as this may cause the contacts to break inside the headlight housing. If you have xenon optics installed, make sure the system is completely de-energized, as high voltage may remain in the cylinder.
After the electrician is turned off, unscrew the fasteners. The top bolts often require the use of an extension cord, as access to them is limited. The bottom bolt is in the back of the arch, so use a cardan joint. After unscrewing all bolts, the headlamp should be free to move forward. Pull it carefully, without jerking, checking if any elements are caught.
Xenon difficulties
If you have xenon, be sure to remove the negative terminal from the battery before starting work. The cylinder of the xenon lamp retains a voltage of up to 30,000 volts, which can be dangerous if contact is accidentally touched.
If the headlight fails, check if you have forgotten to unscrew some hidden screw or clip. Sometimes during operation, fasteners can acidify, and then treatment with penetrating lubricant will be required. The main thing is not to apply excessive force, so as not to break the headlight body or bumper mounting.
- ๐ Turn off the electric connector with the lock
- ๐ง Unscrew the top bolts of the mounting
- ๐ฉ Remove the bottom bolt through the wheel arch
- ๐ Smoothly remove the headlight block forward
Features of dismantling the rear optics
Removal of the rear lamp Octavia A5 Facelift is different and is usually easier than the front block. In this case, there is no need to remove the bumper. Access to fasteners is carried out directly through the luggage compartment, which greatly simplifies the task.
To begin, open the trunk and find the skin on the inside of the wing, behind which the rear headlight is hidden. You will need to gently bend the skin or remove the plastic plug to access the nuts of the attachment. There are usually three of them, and they are located around the perimeter of the headlight.
Unscrewing the nuts, you can take the headlight out through the opening in the body. Be careful when extracting: the wiring has a limited margin of length, so do not pull the block too much. Unplug the connector and remove the headlight completely for replacement or repair.
When resetting, make sure the headlight sits tightly in the seat to avoid vibrations and possible damage to the body.
- ๐ Open the trunk and bend the inner skin.
- ๐ฉ Unscrew three mount nuts through access in the trunk
- ๐ซ Do not pull the headlight too hard so as not to break the wiring.
- ๐ Disconnect the electrical connector
- Replacing lamps
- Installation of diodes
- Housing replacement
- Repair of broken headlamp
Restoration of tightness and installation of new optics
After removing the old headlight and preparing a new one, the installation process should take place in reverse order, but taking into account some important nuances. Before you screw a new block, be sure to check the condition of rubber seals and gaskets. If they are deformed or damaged, they must be replaced to avoid getting moisture inside.
Make sure all the mounting holes match. When twisting the bolts, do not pull them over, as the plastic of the body can crack from excessive force. Use a dynamometer key if you have one, or twist with moderate effort to check the reliability of the fixation.
Connect the electrical connector to a characteristic click to ensure reliable contact. If you install LED lights or xenon, check all light modes before the bumper is finally assembled. This will allow you to quickly eliminate possible connection errors.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If after installation the headlight begins to fog, this is a sign of leakage. Carefully check all joints and condition of seals.
Before the final tightening of all bolts, make sure that the bumper and headlight fit tightly together, without gaps and distortions. This ensures an aesthetic appearance and proper operation of lighting devices.
The final step is to install the bumper in place. Combine all the clips and grooves, then twist all the screws that you unscrewed earlier. Check the reliability of the mounting by slightly pulling the edges of the bumper. Make sure all gaps are uniform and meet factory standards.
- โ Check the seals' condition.
- ๐ง Tighten the bolts without stretching.
- ๐ก Test the lights.
- ๐ Put the bumper back in place and fix it.
| Mounting type | Key size | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top bolt | 10 mm | Under the radiator grille | Access only after removal of the bumper |
| Bottom bolt | 10 mm | In the back of the wheel arch | Requires an extension cord and a cardan |
| Rear headlamps nuts | 10 mm | Through the luggage compartment | Three attachment points |
| Bumper screws | Phillips screwdriver | In the arches and below. | Plastic clips require caution |
| Grid fastenings | Phillips screwdriver | Upper part | Fixing the bumper to the radiator |
Common mistakes and ways to prevent them
Many owners Octavia A5 make mistakes when self-removing headlights, which leads to additional problems. One of the most common is an attempt to remove the headlight without removing the bumper. This is not possible due to the body design, and such attempts can end in broken mounts or scratches.
Another mistake is using metal tools to snap the bumper clips. This inevitably leads to damage to the paintwork. Always use special plastic blades that minimize the risk of scratches.
It is also important not to leave the headlight hanging on the wires after unscrewing the bolts. The wires are not designed for the weight of the headlamp unit and this can cause them to break or damage the contacts in the connector. Always hold the unit with your hand or hang it on a rope until you turn off the electrics.
The main cause of damage to the headlights during removal is an attempt to remove the block without first snapping all the bumper locks and arched linings.
If you are not confident in your abilities or do not have the necessary tool, it is better to contact specialists. Professionals know all the nuances of the design Skoda Octavia They can do the job quickly and without risk. However, if you decide to act on your own, follow all the recommendations and be extremely careful.
- ๐ซ Do not attempt to remove the headlight without removing the bumper.
- ๐จ Use only plastic spatulas
- ๐ Do not leave the block hanging on the wires.
- ๐ Check the condition of the seals
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions from owners
Do I need to remove the bumper to replace the lamps with the A5 facelift?
No, to replace the usual lamps bumper is not necessary to remove. However, to remove the entire headlight or install LEDs where access to the rear of the unit is required, removing the bumper or at least pulling it aside is a must.
How to check the tightness of the headlight after installation?
After installation, you can use the air compression method or simply pour some water on the joints and see if any gets in. You can also leave the headlight overnight in high humidity and check for condensation in the morning.
Which bolts should I unscrew first?
It is recommended to first disconnect the electrical connector, then unscrew the lower bolt in the arch, and then the upper ones. This will ensure maximum freedom of movement for the unit and reduce the risk of damage to the wires during removal.
Is it possible to remove the headlight without unscrewing the fender liner?
On the restyled version this is extremely difficult. The fender liner blocks access to the lower bolt. It is best to loosen the fender liner mounts in the arch to gain sufficient visibility and access with a tool.
What should I do if the headlights fog up after installation?
This indicates a violation of the tightness. Check the rubber seals, the tightness of the bolts and the integrity of the housing. It may be necessary to additionally treat the joints with sealant or replace the seal.