Help with headlight

[labob]

I'm after some advice on changing a bulb on a Clio Mk3 55 plate. It's the main headlamp bulb that's gone. In the past I've noticed that if you undo the clip and replace the bulb it won't work until the bulb is sat correctly in the housing. Is this correct?

I've just changed the bulb again and the new one won't come in. I'm trying to determine if it's because it's not sat right or if there is faulty wiring.

If it looks like it's going to be the wiring, could I test it without a bulb in using a multimeter. If so, what am I looking for.

Any help appreciated.

Edit Just noticed this is in the new to cliosport forum. Could the mods move it if it's in the wrong place. Thanks

 

[Brian]

Hi labob, welcome to ClioSport!

 

[labob]

Anyone?

 

[glowworm105]

Have you got projector lenses with the h1 bulb? If you have then yes I think you're right I think (I could be wrong) it uses the headlight as the earth so until it's sat in its housing it won't come on, try connecting the bulb while it's out of the headlight housing and putting the base on a metal surface in the engine bay, if it still doesn't work I'd try another bulb first before looking at the wiring tbh

 

[Owen92]

First thing I'd do on any lighting fault where I've replaced a bulb and it still isn't working, would be to check the voltage at the bulb holder. If there is no voltage, then you have a wiring fault.

 

[Joe#]

What headlights are they. It could be the ballast that has gone.

Have you checked fuses?

 

[labob]

Have you got projector lenses with the h1 bulb? If you have then yes I think you're right I think (I could be wrong) it uses the headlight as the earth so until it's sat in its housing it won't come on, try connecting the bulb while it's out of the headlight housing and putting the base on a metal surface in the engine bay, if it still doesn't work I'd try another bulb first before looking at the wiring tbh

​I think they are. It's definitely a H1 bulb.

What headlights are they. It could be the ballast that has gone.

Have you checked fuses?

I'm not sure. What different types are there. I could take a photo if that helps. I'm not too good with cars so sorry for sounding a bit thick. I've not checked the fuses but do both lights run off different fuses as all other lights work apart from the one.