Modern recessed halogen lights often have a plastic collar with three tabs.
Removing recessed ceiling light fittings.
Attempt to pry the light fixture from the springs by pulling down with your hands.
Insert a flathead screwdriver into the slot and push up toward the ceiling.
Lift the spring upward then unhook it from its slot in the housing.
Lower the fixture base and remove the electrical tape or wire nuts from the black hot wire white neutral wire and if present green ground wire.
Do this with all the springs.
Unscrew the old bulb from the recessed lighting housing.
Reach into the recessed light housing and grab one of the coil springs.
Adjust the rear plate in the housing by loosening the wing nut that allows the adjustment.
Squeeze the side spring clips to remove the light housing.
Unscrew the screws or nuts holding the fixture base to the ceiling box.
Remove the light bulb cover and bulbs from the fixture.
Some recessed led light fixtures can be pulled directly out of the ceiling.
Remove the old trim from the outer ring of the housing.
Remove the recessed light fixture.
You should see the light socket at the top of the well.
Once you have access to the bulb grip the base and the wire and wiggle them apart.
Using the flathead screwdriver or razor knife loosen the paint by moving around the metal collar where it attaches to the ceiling.