It’s Time to Shine
This activity’s part of a series of short activities in the Scouts Mechanic Activity Badge.
It’s your time to shine as you change bulbs in car lights.
Task
Change a bulb in a car.
Resources
- Screwdrivers
- Replacement bulb(s)
- Access to a car (with the correct manual)
Instructions
These guidelines are generic guidelines for modern vehicles. Always check the handbook for the vehicle you’re using or get advice from a qualified or experienced mechanic: we don’t want any broken cars on our hands. This activity must always be supervised and guided by someone competent.
- Check which bulbs need replacing: someone should sit in the vehicle and turn the lights on, while someone else walks around the car to check whether they’re working.
- Before working on any electronics, you may need to disconnect the battery. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines to do this safely and correctly.
- Find the bulb housing and gain access by opening the bonnet or the boot.
- Remove the bulb housing following the manufacturer’s guidelines. You may need to unscrew or unclip it – some bulb housings have more than one type of fastening.
- Remove the wiring plug from the bulb and replace the bulb with a new one. Make sure you’ve got the right replacement bulb (follow the manufacturer’s guidelines). Don’t handle the glass part of the bulb – use gloves or a soft cloth to protect the bulb and your hands too.
- Follow the previous steps in reserve to make sure everything’s put back correctly.
