Sorry to be so basic - I have just bought a Town Ace and need to change a bulb at the front, I have taken the side screw off but nothing budges. Can anyone help me work this out, I don't want to froce the glass in case I bust it and know how hard it it to find replacements or so I have been told.

- (#2104) rik, 10 Jul 05 01:20

Cover in Ace Answers - click on short cut above.
However - if you are talking about the side light is is secured by two lugs at the front. So with the screw removed, push with the flat of your hand onto the lens and push in and forward. It may well be stuck tight and take a fair amount of force!

- (#2104) *, 10 Jul 05 02:36

Hi thanks for the reply - the light I need to change is the first light to the right of the central piec of plastic it's a slightly yellow colour I think. I have a Toyota Town Ace 2.0 Diesel '93.

- (#2104) rik, 10 Jul 05 05:44

New shape one, I think you are talking about the front fog light?
Not sure how that comes off.

- (#2104) *, 10 Jul 05 06:28

Is there anywhere on line with images about the Town Ace, that might show me what to do, I have an import manual but it is very basic and pretty useless.
Also, Are there any clubs in the UK you can join do you know?

It was fantastic finding this site as I have been looking for ages!

- (#2104) rik, 10 Jul 05 07:32

New shape light unit comes out relatively easily. Remove side light as above to reveal first mounting bolts for main light cluster. You then need to prise out the center trim to access the last bolt. This is slightly nerve wracking but gentle pressure with a knife or similar should be enough to lever it out. It is held in place by 4 yellow plastic lugs.
The alternative is of course to work from the inside of the van and get to the bulbs through the inspection panel. OK for drivers side but major headache on passenger side where the aircon obscures the panel. Much scuffing of skin and cursing to be 'enjoyed' with this method.
Diagram for one of the new shape variants here:

- (#2104) Nick, 10 Jul 05 09:14

I have taken the front off to find the casing full of water - emptied it out and will have to buy a new fog light bulb which I guess will have to be ordered - any idea how much or where should I go Halford or a Toyota dealership?

Also, the box is still damp and the condesnsation is still there - where can I get a second hand box in case it is cracked somewhere?

- (#2104) rik, 12 Jul 05 07:10

See Ace Answers for bulb replacements.
Getting a spare box may be very tricky unless you are lUcky at a breakers. BBC spares may have one but it will cost - link on Ace Answers.
There should be drain points and vents make sure they are all clear. A smear of clear bath sealer along the top join may stop future fill ups.
- (#2104) *, 12 Jul 05 08:11

My front fogs were disconnected & "bulbless" when I bought the van. The dipped/full beams are all I need. Never traced the disconnected wires but my guess is that that they were diverted from the dash switch for the uk req'd rear fog.
- (#2104) Nick, 12 Jul 05 09:38

Just an additional note to a front lights thread :-
I had a MOT failure last year on the front lights. - "Sorry Sir you have no beam pattern, you'll need new headlights I would think"
Once I found out what a beam pattern was, I thought about why it was'nt there anymore.
Turned out the beam pattern was lost due to wear ( Sun / Wind / Rain ) on the plastic lens.
Cheap and Cheerful as I am - I polished the lens face with a mechanical Buff and -- Hey Presto !! beam pattern returned. Hope others find this helpful.
- Stephen

- (#2104) stephen judge, 20 Jul 05 15:01