Howto: Replace the headlights
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,645
Likes: 813
From: NC
Howto: Replace the headlights
I just replaced the headlights on my 2004 GX470 with new OEM ones. Here's how I did it.
For the curious, I bought them from a Lexus dealer online and got a good discount (they're not a sponsor here, so I won't name them or post a link). The Chinese-made ones are cheaper still (like, another third off) but I didn't want to deal with any quality issues (there have been reports that they leak).
It took me about half a day because I'd never done it before, and included stops to take pictures, pet the cat, etc.
If someone should want my old ones (maybe they're in better shape than yours), I'm keeping them for a week and they're yours for the cost of shipping. Note that the clips on the back of them are broken - one by me (oops) and one by the previous owner. But they'll still stay in - I believe those clips are there to help the assembly-line workers (one person clips them in and attaches the wires, the next one screws the bolts in)
Chip H.
For the curious, I bought them from a Lexus dealer online and got a good discount (they're not a sponsor here, so I won't name them or post a link). The Chinese-made ones are cheaper still (like, another third off) but I didn't want to deal with any quality issues (there have been reports that they leak).
It took me about half a day because I'd never done it before, and included stops to take pictures, pet the cat, etc.
If someone should want my old ones (maybe they're in better shape than yours), I'm keeping them for a week and they're yours for the cost of shipping. Note that the clips on the back of them are broken - one by me (oops) and one by the previous owner. But they'll still stay in - I believe those clips are there to help the assembly-line workers (one person clips them in and attaches the wires, the next one screws the bolts in)
Chip H.
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 66
From: Pa
I just replaced the headlights on my 2004 GX470 with new OEM ones. Here's how I did it.
For the curious, I bought them from a Lexus dealer online and got a good discount (they're not a sponsor here, so I won't name them or post a link). The Chinese-made ones are cheaper still (like, another third off) but I didn't want to deal with any quality issues (there have been reports that they leak).
It took me about half a day because I'd never done it before, and included stops to take pictures, pet the cat, etc.
If someone should want my old ones (maybe they're in better shape than yours), I'm keeping them for a week and they're yours for the cost of shipping. Note that the clips on the back of them are broken - one by me (oops) and one by the previous owner. But they'll still stay in - I believe those clips are there to help the assembly-line workers (one person clips them in and attaches the wires, the next one screws the bolts in)
Chip H.
For the curious, I bought them from a Lexus dealer online and got a good discount (they're not a sponsor here, so I won't name them or post a link). The Chinese-made ones are cheaper still (like, another third off) but I didn't want to deal with any quality issues (there have been reports that they leak).
It took me about half a day because I'd never done it before, and included stops to take pictures, pet the cat, etc.
If someone should want my old ones (maybe they're in better shape than yours), I'm keeping them for a week and they're yours for the cost of shipping. Note that the clips on the back of them are broken - one by me (oops) and one by the previous owner. But they'll still stay in - I believe those clips are there to help the assembly-line workers (one person clips them in and attaches the wires, the next one screws the bolts in)
Chip H.
Great write up should be a sticky
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 13
From: Alaska
I just replaced the headlights on my 2004 GX470 with new OEM ones. Here's how I did it.
For the curious, I bought them from a Lexus dealer online and got a good discount (they're not a sponsor here, so I won't name them or post a link). The Chinese-made ones are cheaper still (like, another third off) but I didn't want to deal with any quality issues (there have been reports that they leak).
It took me about half a day because I'd never done it before, and included stops to take pictures, pet the cat, etc.
If someone should want my old ones (maybe they're in better shape than yours), I'm keeping them for a week and they're yours for the cost of shipping. Note that the clips on the back of them are broken - one by me (oops) and one by the previous owner. But they'll still stay in - I believe those clips are there to help the assembly-line workers (one person clips them in and attaches the wires, the next one screws the bolts in)
Chip H.
For the curious, I bought them from a Lexus dealer online and got a good discount (they're not a sponsor here, so I won't name them or post a link). The Chinese-made ones are cheaper still (like, another third off) but I didn't want to deal with any quality issues (there have been reports that they leak).
It took me about half a day because I'd never done it before, and included stops to take pictures, pet the cat, etc.
If someone should want my old ones (maybe they're in better shape than yours), I'm keeping them for a week and they're yours for the cost of shipping. Note that the clips on the back of them are broken - one by me (oops) and one by the previous owner. But they'll still stay in - I believe those clips are there to help the assembly-line workers (one person clips them in and attaches the wires, the next one screws the bolts in)
Chip H.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,645
Likes: 813
From: NC
I noticed that too - but I didn't order them because I didn't want the darker color.
No idea. But a guess would be that many more non-sports were sold, so there's more of them that get wrecked, or just want replacing, so demand is higher.
Chip H.
No idea. But a guess would be that many more non-sports were sold, so there's more of them that get wrecked, or just want replacing, so demand is higher.
Chip H.
Trending Topics
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,389
Likes: 555
From: WPG, MB
Wow, those old ones were pretty rough looking, I'm sure that knocks years off the appearance of your truck!
X2 on the HID conversion for the low beams, probably my favorite mod on this truck besides the tires/wheels.
Great DIY writeup!
X2 on the HID conversion for the low beams, probably my favorite mod on this truck besides the tires/wheels.
Great DIY writeup!
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3,645
Likes: 813
From: NC
It does make the GX look years younger! (better than Botox!)
The thing I've noticed is that the headlights now have a sharp cut-off again. Before, the headlights were throwing light all over the place because the micro-cracks in them reflected the light randomly.
Chip H.
The thing I've noticed is that the headlights now have a sharp cut-off again. Before, the headlights were throwing light all over the place because the micro-cracks in them reflected the light randomly.
Chip H.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
From: Wyoming
Replacing Headlight Assembly
To Chiph9 -- Thanks for your quick reply. I have just printed your attached file. It appears to be "spot-on" ... exactly what I need.
Winter is coming early to north-central Wyoming. Will have to wait for a warmer day -- hopefully next week -- to do the R&R.
Kind Regards, orion7mm in WYO
Winter is coming early to north-central Wyoming. Will have to wait for a warmer day -- hopefully next week -- to do the R&R.
Kind Regards, orion7mm in WYO
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 81
From: CO
The H9 bulb trick is popular too, makes the lights way brighter at a cost of about $14. I have done a re-do of my headlights (turtlewax kit from your local auto parts place) and then cleaned them well with aviation plastic canopy cleaner/protection and it has worked great. Highly recommend.
