frhill

My low beam on the drivers side burnt out. I bought my 2008 GX used 4 years ago. I went to Walmart to find replacement. According to the paper catalog, my replacement in Sylvania was H11 - I pick up a pack of SliverStars. When I tried to install, they didn't seem to fit. The would never catch in the housing. I can just spin the bulb all the way around. When I compared the new build to the one I pulled out it seems to be missing a 3 point flange on the original that would cause the bulb to sort of snap into place. I also looked at the electrical connection, and the new electric probes were much closer together -- hence would not plug into the power supply cable. I assumed that Lexus had design the bulb such that I had to purchase the replacement from them.

Well I purchased a set from Lexus, and they are identical to the Sylvania's I bought from Walmart. Hence I could not get them to fit. This seems odd to me. I don't think the previous owner would have put a custom light system in for halogen bulbs.

Has anyone else run into this problem?

Lextazy

Do you have a picture of the old bulb that was in there? You've tried 2 H11 bulbs already, which likely indicates that something was modified.
Also, you might be pulling out the wrong bulb, like a high beam... I know it's not likely, but you never know. Just suggesting possible reasons.

ALAN553

The hardest part about changing a bulb should be removing the plastic cover over the radiator...so if your having problem, something has been changed.

frhill

Thanks guys. I reached for the bulb that seemed to be closest — which was the bright light. I ended up using the bulbs I purchased from my Lexus dealership. I’ve read the Silverstars burn out in a year or less - even though I maybe sacrificing some brightness.

captainva

iTrader: (1)

The brighter they are the shorter they last and the more they cost. Look at expected life on the back of the package. The brightest ones last half as long as the cheap stuff and cost twice as much.

ALAN553

absoulutley....i just change out the ultra silverstars low beams yearly and the hi-beam every other year.....need the extralight and not willing to go led...

IanB2

Look into replacing the high beam bulbs with 9011's, just need to trim one of the mounting ears (lots of info on this if you search), and produces amazing light output without any additional power draw or heat.

captainva

iTrader: (1)

I have the Morimoto 2stroke 2.0s in my high beams and they're insanely bright and the beam pattern is still perfect plus they plug right in. I would highly recommend them if you need more light output and don't want to keep replacing bulbs. They'll probably be at least 25% off on black Friday too

chiph9

I've been less than happy with the regular Sylvanias. Will replace them with Koitos the next time they burn out. They're supposedly what Lexus uses at the factory, so I know they'll last at least as long as the basic warranty of the vehicle was.

Chip H.