kitlz

I've been trying to remove the DRL covers to change the bulbs. The manual says to turn counterclockwise and remove it. I can get one of them almost all the way around but it's still securely on. Can someone tell me what the trick is to get the covers off? I don't want to break the housing. TIA.

MEP7557

That looks like fun. Obviously the LED headlights have a different set up. Usually there are tabs on those, once they rotate around to the proper spot they should pull out. You might want to try wiggling them top to bottom, side to side. If that doesn't work try your trusty pry bar. They are most likely stuck from being there a while. Just make sure they are fully rotated to the 'remove' spot. There should actually be a 'stop' so you know when it is to the right point. Check those arrows too.

Good Luck Anita

kitlz

Thank you Michael. I tried again and was able to lift up one side after turning it half way but still no dice. It doesn't look like there is much threading on the cover. There is a notch on top which I assume helps in removal. It's in the picture. But it winds up underneath and out of reach when I turn it. The DRLs were changed out last year by my installer. They're nice but I wanted to try some new bulbs. I guess I'll wait until I see my installer again. He has to take the HID fog lights out.

MEP7557

Anita

I don't think it is threaded, more like tab locks. Sounds like maybe you aren't turning it far enough. Well, at least you gave it a shot. If I was more familiar with the 450h I could help you. You are having your fogs replaced again? Those are the ones you bought a few weeks ago?

Michael

kitlz

Michael, how soon can you be here to help me I appreciate your suggestions. I posted this question in Lighting and had zero responses.

I can turn the cover almost completely around before it stops. Like you suggested I turned and wriggled it around but could only lift half the cover up. I can't quite find the point where it unlocks but I think it's somewhere around half a turn. Doesn't help being a tight area to work in. I'll give it another shot tomorrow, maybe improvise a bit. I don't want to give up just yet.

Oh, the HID fog lights. They don't always want to turn on. Steve at Xenon Depot has been great. He suggested installing the relay harness to give them the power boost they need at start-up. Slight problem, my battery is in the cargo area. First option would be to run a line but that will be a PITA. The other option is to find some power source up front. I'm not sure if I like that idea. Until I find a solution I feel comfortable with, I'm going back to halogen. They won't be OE though. I ordered the Philips Diamond Vision from Nigel. Hopefully they won't take as long as the license plate frames.

kitlz

Persistance paid off. I tried to get the DRL cover again, turned it about halfway around and used a flat head screwdriver to pop it off. It was held on by locking tabs. I removed the Litech bulb and replaced it with the Putco mirror whites. I turn the lights and man do they look absolutely horrible So I quickly put the Litech bulb back in, put the cover back on the DRL and engine and called it a day.

If anybody wants some Putco bulbs cheap...

MEP7557

Anita

Is the one on the right the Putco? If so, YUCK!

kitlz

Yup. You should have seen how fugly the DRL was in person. I didn't bother taking a picture of them because I just wanted the damn bulb out ASAP. I'm keeping the Litechs in for now.

MEP7557

What exactly are the Litechs? LED/ Halogen, specifics from there would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

kitlz

The Litech Super White bulbs are halogen. They're blue and give off a nice blue hue in the housing. Kinda cool since I have the hybrid The DRL color is maybe a tad whiter than OE. And they only cost about $15-20. I was getting bored with them and thought I'd try something new.

Here is a side by side comparison with the OE bulb from when I was having the lights changed out last year.

kitlz

X, I'll check with my installer and let you know. It's something he picked out, not me.

jerryray

And does this bulb use any external kit, or is it just a bulb?

How are the high beams with this bulb?

kitlz

jerryray, the Litech bulbs are plug and play, no kit needed. As far as the high beams, they're very bright and white which is what I wanted.