Notices
Maintenance Discuss common Lexus maintenance questions here.

Any Lexus Techs out there?

Old Sep 12, 2002 | 12:56 PM
  #1  
Handogen's Avatar
Handogen
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Default Any Lexus Techs out there?

I'm trying to research what I will need to do to replace my stock 99 RX headlamps with newer RX HID Headlamps.

I'll have both headlamps shortly with all the bulbs. In order to drop the new headlamp assembly in and hook it up, will I need some kind of conversion kit or power kit?

-Hando
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 02:12 PM
  #2  
wwest's Avatar
wwest
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
From: woodinville WA
Default OEM

The RX OEM HID system's autoleveling ECU is mounted above your right toe as you brake. The vehicle height sensor is mounted on the passenger side rear suspension. Unless the vehicle is already wired for these you're in for some serious wiring work.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2002 | 10:55 PM
  #3  
DevilDog's Avatar
DevilDog
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: California
Default

I really don't think a lexus tech would be much help. Like I keep telling most CL members, us lexus techs don't spend are days swapping and interchanging parts from one model to the next. Since dealerships don't deal much in mods, we have no experience that might help you.

I'm sure there is someone out there who has tried it. Although it is possible to mount the hid headlamps in and wire them to come on. You probably need to replace the whole wire loom to add the autoleveling.

MY 2 cents

DD
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2002 | 02:18 PM
  #4  
Handogen's Avatar
Handogen
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Default

Can't I get away with installing them without autoleveling?

I was thinking maybe I could just buy an aftermarket hid power kit (not conversion) and install them that way. Do you think that's possible?
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2002 | 06:20 PM
  #5  
LexFather
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

You can't have auto-leveling. There is a sensor behind each wheel on the car. They will not retrofit these. So save some $$$ and get some HID. PaddyWagon added real HID to his RX, looked great and he did it himself.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2002 | 12:09 PM
  #6  
Handogen's Avatar
Handogen
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Default

You should see my 99 headlights. They look terrible. There's a funky film all over the front of them. After I first bought the RX, I had water condensation inside the right headlamp which either caused or compounded the problem.

Perhaps there's a way to convert the new HID headlamp housing to use the stock bulbs and wiring... I'm learning more about it each day. I'm sure I'm not the only person who's wanted to do this to their RX. So if I complete this project with good results, I'll have to post steps... if anybody's interested.
These new headlamps look a thousand times better than my existing ones.

Thanks,
Hando
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2002 | 05:16 PM
  #7  
TRM04's Avatar
TRM04
Driver
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: CVille, IL
Default

Why not just buy an HID kit that is universal for any car? I've seen them and they work very well.

http://www.hids4less.com
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2002 | 12:45 PM
  #8  
Handogen's Avatar
Handogen
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Default To DevilDog

DevilDogIS300,

You sound like you have a handle on what i'm trying to do. Can't I just swap out my old headlamps for the HID headlamps and use one of the "universal hid kits" TRM04 recommended? The headlights in the HID headlamps I just bought are true HID bulbs...

Thanks,
Hando
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2002 | 12:13 PM
  #9  
DevilDog's Avatar
DevilDog
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: California
Default

There is no reason why you can't! People do it all the time. The only point all of us are trying to make is that with any non-oem hid set-up you can't have auto-leveling. But that's over rated anyhow.

DD
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Radekn
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
11
Apr 14, 2007 12:40 PM
vdt04452
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
4
Nov 15, 2006 12:45 PM
changenme
Lighting
6
Aug 1, 2006 12:26 PM
dprosa
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
3
Mar 26, 2003 07:43 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:47 PM.