I have a Civic 2003 LX and recently tried to change a burnt out headlight. The part referred to in the instructions as the "hold-down wire" came off instead of pivoting. I replaced it several times by unscrewing the screw to hold it in place, holding the wire, and tightening the screw. This is hard for my large shaky hands in the cold weather. But every time, it falls out with no force when I go to put the bulb in, similar to how it fell out the first time.

I bought the car new, and don't think I replaced a headlight yet, but the passenger side "hold-down wire" is silverish colored metal and the driver side "hold-down wire" is golden colored, so I am wondering if someone messed with this at some point.

Any idea how to attach the wire?

Any advice on trying to go without a "hold-down wire"? It couldn't have been holding any force before the headlight went out.

I'd hate to go to the dealer or even a mechanic over something this trivial.

 

If it's a H3 bulb with the big metal flange, the center part of the wire kind of clips into the hinge on one side. There is no need to remove any screws. It should stay in place once it is pivoted over and the other ends snapped into their slots. Look very closely at the other one.

The bulb only goes in fully if it properly positioned. The bulb must be properly placed before it is possible to lock it down with the wire.

 

MK378, perhaps I wasn't clear. I understand you aren't supposed to do anything to any screws when changing a head light normally. As you put it, the hold-down wire "should stay in place once it is pivoted over" - mine didn't.

 

The wire can come out while it is "open" to remove the bulb. In the "closed" position it should stay under the clip on the hinge side.

 

Again, I agree it should, but mine did not.

 

You may need to remove the headlight assembly from the car for a closer look. Something must be seriously bent or broken.