Problem replacing headlight bulb
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: ON
Problem replacing headlight bulb
Hey guys this maybe an stupid question but i read the faq and all da posts and also the howto for rx300 website but i could not find a detailed explanation about how to just change the bulb of the headlight. I bought a 9006 Xenon Krypton HID 8500K Bulbs. But i don't lnow if i have to open the fender and reach the headlight then open it up or not. i don't have experiance with lexus so if anyone can help me out thanks alot. 
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 328
Likes: 41
From: NH
I was too embarrassed to post my burned out headlight repair.
First, a disclaimer I have not had a burned out headlight in decades.
The last one was a 1985 Toyota. I replaced the entire 'headlamp'.
So with todays cars I had not a clue.
I read some threads here and figured it would be easy.
I lifted the hood,
turned 'the boot' 1/4 turn and sure enough it came out of the socket.
(Here is the bad part)
I then spent the next half hour trying to remove the bulb from the 'apparatus'
with needlenose, vice grips, small flatheads, until I finally shattered it.
I dug out the broken glass and headed for the auto parts to find out what size I needed. When I got to the display I saw all the bulbs in new apparatus and realized my error.
They plug right in, it's a piece of cake.
When you get the new one you'll see whats-what.
First, a disclaimer I have not had a burned out headlight in decades.
The last one was a 1985 Toyota. I replaced the entire 'headlamp'.
So with todays cars I had not a clue.
I read some threads here and figured it would be easy.
I lifted the hood,
turned 'the boot' 1/4 turn and sure enough it came out of the socket.
(Here is the bad part)
I then spent the next half hour trying to remove the bulb from the 'apparatus'
with needlenose, vice grips, small flatheads, until I finally shattered it.
I dug out the broken glass and headed for the auto parts to find out what size I needed. When I got to the display I saw all the bulbs in new apparatus and realized my error.
They plug right in, it's a piece of cake.
When you get the new one you'll see whats-what.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 490
Likes: 2
From: NJ-Exit 105 PKWY
You should be able to do this w/o removing the bumper or entire headlight housing. Looking at your profile, it looks like you have a 1999 so you have halogens. This picture should look like yours. Open the hood and squeeze your hand to where the bulb is at unplug it and twist off. Its pretty much it.
Note: For the passenger side its easier to get to the bulb if you remove the washer fluid filler tube. Should be a bolt on the top and pull out the tube.
Note: For the passenger side its easier to get to the bulb if you remove the washer fluid filler tube. Should be a bolt on the top and pull out the tube.
Last edited by YoshRX300; Feb 14, 2008 at 01:44 PM.
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: UK
Passenger side? I found the RHS was indeed easier to remove the fixing bolt for the washer bottle nozzle as Yosh says....but you don't need to pull it out, just ease it over a little....if I can get my hands in, anyone can! 
The LHS main beam is easy enough but the dip is a bit of a squeeze, if you unclamp the battery (without disconnecting it) you can slide the battery over a bit and get better access to the LHS dip lamp.
Oh yes, unclip the cable plug from the bulbs first...easier that way to.
Just turn the bulb slightly and it will release...its a bayonet fixing.
Best regards David
I found the RHS was indeed easier to remove the fixing bolt for the washer bottle nozzle as Yosh says....but you don't need to pull it out, just ease it over a little....if I can get my hands in, anyone can! The LHS main beam is easy enough but the dip is a bit of a squeeze, if you unclamp the battery (without disconnecting it) you can slide the battery over a bit and get better access to the LHS dip lamp.
Oh yes, unclip the cable plug from the bulbs first...easier that way to.
Just turn the bulb slightly and it will release...its a bayonet fixing.
Best regards David
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: ON
thanks yoshRx300 great help i like the diagram thought u had to take everything out lol cuz all da forums were talking about that so i got scared phew kk thanks for the quick reply and thank god i don't have to do all the stuff i'll let u know if it worked out. and thanks to everyone else for there help also.
thought u had to take everything out lol cuz all da forums were talking about that so i got scared phew kk thanks for the quick reply and thank god i don't have to do all the stuff i'll let u know if it worked out. and thanks to everyone else for there help also.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: ON
hey guys i finally got the lights and installed it i gotta say i am impressed lol i thought this 20$ bulbs won't make a big difference but wow it actually looks really nice lol now i just gotta change the fog lights. is it the same way or i gotta take the whole thing out 
. o here is the link to my ride i finally got a chance to take pics of my car so here it is http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3016313 tell me what you think guys and what my next custom job should be any critisim would be greatly apreciated
now i just gotta change the fog lights. is it the same way or i gotta take the whole thing out . o here is the link to my ride i finally got a chance to take pics of my car so here it is http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3016313 tell me what you think guys and what my next custom job should be any critisim would be greatly apreciated
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 490
Likes: 2
From: NJ-Exit 105 PKWY
Congrats man, looks nice. About the fog lights its pretty much the same way but w/o removing the entire light assembly your going to have to do it by feeling it. In other words your not going to be able to see much once your hand is in there. Its tight down there and you'll need some patience.
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