Guys, the headlights on my 2003 GS became very bleak, and frankly, I can't tell if this is the bulb or the glass problem. I tried searching these forums but did not find anything conclusive.

How do I troubleshoot this, also, how do I tell if I have HID headlights or not? Do GS430 and GS300 models use the same size

Can anyone say any of these are a good replacement:

http://www.carid.com/2003-lexus-gs-h...-12130624.html
http://www.carid.com/2003-lexus-gs-h...-15884493.html

(the first one does not mention GS430, only gs300, the second one says "Will Not Fit Models with Factory HID").

Thank you in advance!

 

If you have a 430, then I'm fairly certain you have HIDs as I've yet to see one that didn't (not to say they don't exist).

As for them becoming "bleak", when's the last time you changed your bulbs? They don't last forever, you know. If it was the ballast, that side wouldn't light up at all or would take a few on/off cycles to light. So.... I'd try changing your bulb first. You could also try polishing your headlights if they're becoming hazed.

 

Thank you, NorthStyle!

I actually never changed the bulbs, so maybe this is my problem. I saw that the bulbs can be purchased on Amazon, have no clue how to replace them though - do you know if I need to follow the same process as when replacing the entire assembly (removing the bumper and all)?

 

No no.. Unscrew the grey cap in the back, lift each side of the metal clip forward and out off the metal hinge, Put on gloves, carefully pull out your HID bulb, it will be in a socket connected to your ballast, turn left to unlock the bulb from the socket, put your new bulb in and twist to the right making sure it is "locked" in the socket and not loose, slide it back in the headlight and tucking the ballast wire attached down inside the headlight out of the way, put the metal clips back on, theirs one for each side, push forward and to the left til it catches on the hinge and is secure, place your plastic grey cap back on and turn it to the right to lock it... DONE

if the light doesent light up wipe it with a alcohol prep pad to clean the bulb removing oils from your fingers if u did it without gloves, it will light up...

 

It's just as Flocko said, but I really do hope you have small hands because it's CRAMPED in that area and difficult to see what you're doing so you have to go off of feel.

There's a DIY with pictures in this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...iy-thread.html

 

Thank you guys! I'll follow the instructions and report back here.

 

The toughest challenge will be that grey cap. GL

 

Use a Flat head screw driver and push against one of those ridges. : )

 

^ Yea, but it's getting it back on. That was a b*#*h!!!!

 

Yea it sucks altogether! I have many scrapes and cuts on my hands when I'm done!

 

LOL! I had a few scraps and cuts myself from that install. Passenger side was a breeze, the driver side?? DAMN!!!!