Headlight replacement

Mazda Forum Mazda Classifieds Photo Gallery Member List Search Contact Us Sponsors
Models Mazda News Mazda Recalls TSBs Timeslips Register Login

Headlight replacement

Printable Version

Mazda Forums >> Mazda Vehicles >> Mazda3 >> Headlight replacement

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Headlight replacement - 5/21/2007 7:35:12 PM

mhession

Posts: 6
Joined: 3/2/2007
Status: offline

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.

Post #: 1

RE: Headlight replacement - 5/22/2007 12:12:31 PM

virgin1

Posts: 4970
Joined: 3/15/2007
Status: online

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.

_____________________________

"There is no tool you can buy that will replace experience." - Josh Mills, C.K.DeLuxe

(in reply to mhession)

Post #: 2

RE: Headlight replacement - 5/22/2007 7:52:32 PM

mhession

Posts: 6
Joined: 3/2/2007
Status: offline

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!!

(in reply to virgin1)

Post #: 3

RE: Headlight replacement - 5/26/2007 10:45:27 AM

icspots

Posts: 879
Joined: 5/31/2006
Status: offline

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

_____________________________

Mods to come: ????

(in reply to mhession)

Post #: 4

RE: Headlight replacement - 5/26/2007 3:49:22 PM

Lev

Posts: 212
Joined: 1/30/2006
From: New Paltz, NY
Status: offline

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.

(in reply to icspots)

Post #: 5

RE: Headlight replacement - 5/26/2007 4:01:21 PM

virgin1

Posts: 4970
Joined: 3/15/2007
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: mhession

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!!

If you're seeing three phillips heads screws around a black metal ring, you're looking @ the high-beam bulb which is a 9005(?). If that's what you need to replace, you may find it easier to loosen, not remove, the screws, Then twist the bulb counter-clockwise, then pull out.
The low beam halogens (H7) have no screws that need to be dealt with. Leave them alone or you'll be sorry. It just has that stupid pain-in-the-ass clip. Fairly easy to get off, but a bear to reinstall correctly.
The adapter is only on the low beams, and is black plastic with a female end for the bulb, and a male end for the wire harness plug. Remove it from the old bulb (pull) and install on the new one (push.)
Since you seem rather new to all this, please let me state also that as a precaution your hands should be clean, but DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS OF ANY HALOGEN BULB. If by accident you do, it must be thoroughly cleaned, usually w/alcohol or acetone, before installing and putting power to it. The life of the bulb is greatly shortened by oils from your hands getting on the glass.

_____________________________

"There is no tool you can buy that will replace experience." - Josh Mills, C.K.DeLuxe

(in reply to mhession)

Post #: 6

RE: Headlight replacement - 5/30/2007 7:53:07 AM

bruklinboy

Posts: 58
Joined: 3/15/2006
Status: offline

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

(in reply to virgin1)

Post #: 7