I've been trying to replace the driver-side low beam bulb, but I can't remove the retaining clip that keeps the bulb in place. Does anybody have any advise on removing that retaining clip?

 

find someone with really skinny fingers, and follow the directions in your owners manual. This was a real PITA cuz my hands are long and big so i couldnt fit my hands down there to replace it, instead of removing my bumper to get my headlights i just grabbed my friend and told him what to do.

 

Using a mirror helps you to see what you're doing too.

 

don't lose the retaining clip screw

 

Thanks for the tips guys

 

So? How did it turn out for you?

edit: WOW!! Post 6700!

 

Are you going in thru the fender well? I have tried on the right side earlier this year and broke the clip - be carefull - mazda wants $400-500 for a new lamp assembly. I am triing to figure out how to replace without going in thru the fender well. good luck

 

I've always went right from the top, it's kinda a PITA but with practice youll get it.

 

Agreed. on both counts. Except when I installed the HID conversion kit. Then I removed the bumper cover and the headlights. PITA!!

'Gotta' tell you guys, we just bought a Pontiac/Toyota Vibe for my wife recently, and between that and the 1st gen Saturn SL-1 she had before this car, the Masda is a PITA to work on. I actually ENJOY working on the Vibe.

It took me three hours and a week of reading instructions before to install the hood gas strut kit on the Mazda. It took me 10 minutes IN THE DARK to install the one on the Vibe.

I had to pull the bumper to add/install the new horn on the Mazda. It took me (you guessed it) TEN MINUTES to replace the weak factory horn on the Vibe.
What's wrong with this picture???

 

You mean you have to pull the bumber for the horn? Wow...