mhession
5/21/2007 7:35:12 PM
Hello, I need to change the driver's side headlight on my '04 3s 5 door. Any tips or suggestions on how to do that would be great so that I don't spend hours on a minutes job. Thanks for the help.
virgin1
5/22/2007 12:12:31 PM
Yes! If you have stock halogen's, and it's the low beam, pray...!! That clip sucks big time. But also, if all that is true, you will need the adapter/extender from the old bulb in order for the new one to work. I really don't know why they do it this way, but the bulb plugs into the adapter, which in turn plugs into the wiring harness. W/o that the bulb will not fit and will flop arounf in the housing. Be sure not to throw it out w/the old bulb.
Also, it's kinda' tight in there and there might be some sharp edges on the plastic radiator mount, which goes all the way across the front of the car. (The black plastic thing.) You may want to check it and if necessary sand or file off those edges. Otherwise you might end up w/a nasty scrape on your hand like I did the first time I tried working in there.
mhession
5/22/2007 7:52:32 PM
I purchased a new H7 bulb, but it looks like it won't fit the plug. The retaining clip on the low beam, has some phillips screws holding the clip in place. Is this any indication of a xenon lamp? Or is it just an adapter? Thanks for the input!!
icspots
5/26/2007 10:45:27 AM
I haven't replaced mine yet, but I understand that there's a base of some sort attached to the bulbs in there. You need to remove that base and put it on the new bulb.
Now if you have HIDs then you'll need to get DS2 bulbs, not H7. Some easy ways to check if you have HIDs (other than bright ass headlights):
-there should be a high voltage sticker on the back of the headlight dust cover
-you have a headlight leveling knob on the dash to the left of the steering wheel
-your lights will flicker and change color a bit when turned on
-5-door- you have LED tails, 4-door '07 you have LED tails
When i changed my bulbs i had the hardest time trying to get the metal prongs to come out. my fingers were killing me. you have to push in and lift up and try your hardest to be gentle because when i finally got the prong open and put the new light in my headlights started shake everytime i go over bumps and i dont know if there is a way to fix the shaking. good luck.
bruklinboy
5/30/2007 7:53:07 AM
ok
glad i read this
i feel better now
tried doing it
too much hassle for an old man like myself
let the dealer do it...........too expensive, but what ya gonna do? had to do something about the ticket I almost got
