Hi Guys,

I've read through every thread that I could find regarding HID replacement and I feel armed with thorough information to tackle this (seemingly easy but potentially hard) task.

The cover for the HID lamp (the one secured with the T20 security torx and needs a 45 degree turn) doesn't unlock/turn! My passenger side light housing was replaced a couple year back, and that cover unlocks just fine. The driver side one is stuck. I spent about half an hour jiggling it back and forth and barely got it to clear the torx socket.

Any ideas for how to get around this? Trying to replace the driver side bulb (to see if it's bulb death b4 going for the ballast replacement if necessary).

Here is what I did so far:
1) pop the hood
2) disconnect the battery
3) remove the covering that goes on top of snorkel (two small flat plastic fasteners)
4) yank out the snorkel (whoops - lost a bit of aged rubber band around the bottom - hope that doesn't matter too much)
5) undo the torx t20 security screw
6) attempt to twist the housing in the direction of arrow (clockwise if looking to back of car) motion. to almost no avail.

anyone have ideas on what's keeping it stuck?

Thanks in advance!

 

I had that problem too when I replaced my bulb. I used a flathead wrapped in a towel and just hammered softly to get it moving. It took me awhile but it eventually came off

 

thats probably the easy way..gentle use of mallet

I would go with: remove nose of car, then entire housing pops right out
from there its sitting on the workbench

to help your diagnosis
pink/purple tint to bulb at startup = age death

light off-on at random, requires cycle switch to come on,,goes off on turns,
HAS MOISTURE INSIDE HOUSING LENS = time for a new hid kit
www.hidextra.com sells all we need with new bulbs for 59 dollars before coupons!
Sweet deal that assures all our normal probs are fixed in one shot

With our cars age and well known moisture issue killing ballast and ignitor units = go with the Waterproof aftermarket and be done with it is my suggestion

 

Thanks for the help guys!

I wanted to report back after I finally get the lamp fixed yesterday: bulb death. I suspect my previous bulb (didn't look closely) was the original.

And one more question here: we had to unplug a power cord (had a small plastic clip on the side holding it in) that is held in place as part of the plastic housing. Is that standard? If so, we should add that to the instruction list above.

 

I dont know anyone still replacing just a bulb! the kit has become a popular necessity
due to moisture inside housing lens

you did replace both low beams correct?
they must be done in pairs--the differance in output/lumens and color will show up right away

note: use the low beams all the time for a while, they need 50+ hours use to get fully burned in -making full color and brightness
and a good defensive move- driving with your lights on saves many lives

 

Love my DRLs fogs with HIDs.... Looks like the New RDXs.