2001 GS 300

I did a search in this forum but couldn't find anything on this. My daughter's driver's side low beam bulb went out. Looked up the bulb for her model and it shows a 9005. However, once I pulled the bulb it has a D2R bulb with an entirely different setup. I'm guessing previous owner may have converted to a different style bulb?

Here is my problem...how do you get the flipping bulb back in the headlight assembly? I looked for a video, but each shows the (simple) 9005 installation. Well, one guy apparently has the D2R, but his camera view is from the opposite side of the car with him explaining what he is doing...no video details.

The D2R bulb has multiple "layers":

1. Place bulb into the headlight assembly matching the notch in the bulb appropriately with the assembly.
2. Connect the power connector to the bulb, twist clockwise to secure the connection.

Here is where I'm running into problems. There is a 3rd piece; a metal cover which fits over the connector/bulb assembly AND a clamp connected to the headlight assembly to lock the bulb into place. I have tried clamping the connector/bulb assembly without the metal cover and also clamp it with the cover and not have success either way. It's difficult to see what I am doing in either case because there is very little space and my hands are blocking my view.

My question is, where do you use the clamp, after the power connector has been attached to the bulb OR after the metal cover is added?

If anyone has seen a video, it would be much appreciated...worked on this for 2 hours and not having any luck.

I know it isn't rocket science, but this one is kicking my backside. I'm almost to the point of pulling the bumper cover off and trying it from another angle...I would probably have the job completed.


Other questions.

The headlight assemblies on the GS300 are extremely dingy. Has anyone had any luck "cleaning" them or is replacing the best route? If you replaced, where did you get the new assemblies?

I would also like to replace the backup and break lights with LEDs. Is this just plug and play with the LED bulbs or is a resistor required? Anyone know the LED bulb number for each?

Much appreciate any advice.

 

You have the optional HID style head lights not halogen. Yes getting the bulb in and clamped down is not easy see below for details on how the clamping mechanism works. As for cloudy headlights you have three options 1) restore yours 2) find good used or 3) aftermarket new (I don't recommend this).

Different car but you get the idea, socket is the same.

 

I'll reply to this just because these bulbs are not easy. I'm on my 3rd set now. Drivers side is much harder due to less room there. Basically, after you get the plastic cover (which twists) and metal cover off, the power connector can be twisted off (twist lock style). Then you release the two metal wire prongs and the bulb just pulls out, actually almost falls out. Reverse the procedure to install - those prongs are what hold the bulb in place so you can then twist the power connector on. In my frustration the 1st time I did this, I actually bent one of the wires on the drivers side so even more fun for me. The metal cap on the drivers side doesn't stay on for me anymore, so last time I just left it off. I get 6-7 years out of each set of bulbs that I buy on amazon for a fraction of the cost of OEM. As you know when they work, they are very nice - auto leveling.