Headlight assembly wire retaining clip

[Leroy]

Hello...I am new to this wonderful forum and thought I would post a question I have. I bought a 2001 Celica GT last week and it is missing the little metal pin (retaining clip) that holds the low beam headlight bulb in place. I'm not sure what its called but it is the pin that everyone has so much trouble disengaging when changing their low light bulb...Does anyone know what this is called and/or where I could get a replacement? Thanks for any/all responses.

[XYRCNCP]

Headlight retaining clip. Dealer. Junkyard.

[Leroy]

Thanks...ill try a junk yard....I tried the dealer who said they occasionally have some laying around but not currently so he asked his service buddies if they had anything and none of them did...he put my name on a list to call me if they find anything....ill go locate myself a junkyard it sounds like.

[Korywithak]

How much are they at the dealer? While Im SURE its overpriced, it can't be THAT much...

[jonnyess]

Probably not available separately...need to but the whole headlight housing

[BuRn1nG]

just buy a large paper clip and make your own

[d3im05]

Probably not available separately...need to but the whole headlight housing


buddy o mine bought new headlights last month. they didn't come with clips

just buy a large paper clip and make your own


i would go with this.

[Leroy]

Thanks for the responses.

I spoke with the dealer here who said they don't have any of the clips nor would they be able to order just the clip. Said they used to keep a few extras around for people who lose em but they didn't have any currently.

I don't know if a paper clip has the necessary spring action to keep the bulb secure. I ended up using super glue and just putting (2) dabs on each side to hold the bulb in place (hope the bulb doesnt burn out soon).

Thanks for the post about ordering a new headlight...that is good to know as if I end up ordering a new headlight sometime I will make sure it has the retainer clip.

[GSBoek]

Does the super glue withstand heat well? Cuz it get's pretty hot in there.

[robare99]

which side do you need>?

[Leroy]

The passsenger side clip is what I'm looking for. The super glue is holding at this point...I've put maybe 1000 miles on since I glued it down, and probably half the miles had the headlights on...it appears to be still holding but you bring up an excellent point. I would gladly buy a spare clip if there are any around.

[d3im05]

dude, my buddy ripped his curtain while he was drunk and the metal hooks that they hang on were still there. those could be bent to shape and fit to your clip holder. all you need are pics, those hooks, and needle nose pliers. I wouldn't go with glue with high heat.

[Leroy]

Ahh, another drunken discovery!! Thanks for sharing this info. This is an excellent idea...I'm not sure how important the 'spring action' is with the factory spring clip and whether or not a curtain hook will provide the necessary pressure but it's worth a shot I suppose..I will add this idea to my list..thanks!

[robare99]

I have one of them spoken for, if its the drivers side then you're in luck. I'll let you know when the other person lets me know. HOw does 10bucks shipped sound? I dont know what it will cost to send it.

[Leroy]

Appreciate the offer...let me know when you know for sure if I can get the passenger side clip...another member has indicated they will send me a passenger side clip in the next few days but it has been bent slightly to fit HID bulbs so not sure if it will work on my H7 bulbs or not...I will know hopefully by next week at this time but if it doesn't work and you still have the passenger side pin then I would certainly buy it from you...keep me posted and I will do the same.

[Leroy]

Well, I was able to round up a headlight pin thanks to mukalicious...all of the feedback has been appreciated and the forum has come through in my search for a functional pin...sorry to hear about all the broken headlights out there!