shroomysou

I tried searching for a DIY to change the headlight bulbs in a 98 LS400, but couldn't find one. Any help will be greatly appreciated. So far I've passed 3 cop cars with only one headlight on. I feel like my luck will run out eventually.

Stroock639

do you have HID's?

and yes it probably will

alien1974

you have to remove the headlight someone has done this on here

Stroock639

you don't have to remove the headlight, i know he just said you have to but you don't.

source: i've replaced a bulb without removing the headlight

HID or non-HID there's a round plastic cover directly behind the bulb, turn it like a 1/4 turn counter clockwise (anti clockwise for alien1974 ) and it'll pop out giving you access to the bulb. the rest is pretty straight forward.

if you have HIDs (white light) it's a D2R bulb otherwise it's a 9006 bulb

CELSI0R

Personally, I do not recommend following what the video shows for the headlight removal, in the way that it's performed. When using a flathead screwdriver, wrap the end in electrical tape, in order to prevent scratching your headlights and paint.

Also, put something over your bumper to protect it, if you're going to let the lights hang over it.

Just a few small critiques that will protect your car.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

It's just easier to remove the headlight since there is not a lot of room on the drivers side. You can just remove the air filter box on the passenger side.

Stroock639

you make a fair point, although he didn't actually say which headlight it was

shroomysou

I'm not sure if they are HID. They are bright and white. I bought the 9006 as replacements.

Stroock639

if they're bright and white (like noticeably different than the foglights) they're HIDs. the non HIDs use the identical bulb as the foglights so if they werent HIDs the headlights and foglights would look the same tint

mappo

Like the sunroof, the HIDs were technically an option on the 98, but also like the sunroof, pretty much no dealer ordered one without it.

shroomysou

I have HIDs then. But I ordered the 9006. Does it make a difference in terms of installing them?

Stroock639

it'd be nice if it didn't so i'm sure it does... they have a different wattage than the incandescents as well as having the headlight auto leveling components including this like module on the bottom of the light that makes the whole light assembly annoying to remove.

shroomysou

So I should get HID bulbs and follow the directions in the 4th post in this thread to make it easier? Also, which HID bulbs do you recommend?

Celmascant

If you have the HIDs you don't have to remove the headlights.
I've replaced them just 3 weeks ago.
Here's a quick tutorial for the HIDs:

Tools needed:
-10mm socket
-clean gloves or towels or something similar

Parts needed:
-new bulbs (D2R for HID models)

You will have to remove the battery to reach the left headlight (1 screw, 1 nut and the battery poles, negativ first!).
Since you working on the HID system you probably want the battery disconected anyway, for security reasons. (>30.000V)
To reach the right side, you have to remove the duct and the air filter with it's housing (3 screws and the air filter clamp).

At the backside of the headlight you must remove the round cover by turning it. Then remove the plug, also by turning it, and loosen the metal clamp that's holding the bulb in place.
Now you can pull out the old bulb.

When installing the new bulb make sure to not touch the glass of the bulb! That WILL reduce the lifetime! I used gloves to avoid this.

Reassembly are the same steps in reverse.
Be sure that everything sits correctly, especialy the metal clamps and the plugs.

The whole job took about 30min.

Greetings from switzerland (and sorry if my english is not as good )

Stroock639

you're also gonna need a phillips head screwdriver, there's two screws that hold the bulb in place


that's the oem bulb