Frisco1974

So, I have the bulb and found what I thought was instructions. First thing states to remove the black plastic casing. No clue where that is! Hoping this will be semi-easy? I don't have the $$ to pay someone to do it for me and I'm decent with cars (brake pad replacement, alternator replacement). I have the Torx set, but after lifting the hood and looking around quite a bit, I don't even know where to start. Detailed DIY, pictures, whatever would be great. Thanks! Driver's side by the way.

2003 TL Type S

pickler

my 2003 tl manual has extensive DIY guide for changing the bulbs. check out your manual first i dunno if im allowed to scan and uplaod. btw didn't wanna steal your post but is it possible to install any xenon bulb as long as they are the right size? different color temps for example 8000k? no relays needed right?

Skirmich

Its a Little PITA to Change the Low HID Bulbs so youll need ALOT of Patience.

1.- Youll need a Torx Key (I dont remember the exact Key tough).

2.- Find the Low Beam Bulb cover It must say something like "WARNING: High Itensity Discharge Bulb risk of Voltage Discharge". The Cover at the Passenger side is just left of the Wind Shield fluid thing, For the Drivers side youll need to take out your battery + cover and unplug the Air Breather covers (A couple of Plastics beneath the Air Filter Cab).

3.- Without the Cover youll see the Igniter you Must Take the Igniter and the bulb Out at the same time without braking the bulb SO Take your time!! There´s a Little Metal Bracket holding the Bulb just like the ones found in H4 Bulb Aplications you must found the way to unlock the bracket and the Bulb and Igniter Must Come off..

4.- Turn the Bulb (I Dont Remember if Counter Clock wise or Clock Wise just Found the way) to take it off, Put the New bulb On!

5.- Reverse Procedure..

It could be easier with some pics but i dont have a DIY to change the bulb sooo... Just be careful when inserting the new Bulb + Igniter into the Headlight you dont wanna scratch nor break your new Bulb. Inserting the Bracket again is a FPITA!!! BE PATIENT!!!!!

Hope it Helps!

02TL4ATL

iTrader: (1)

^ its easier to just twist the igniter counter clockwise and take it off the bulb. then you will be left with just the bulb with the clip holding the bulb in place. dont take the bulb and igniter out at once, its much harder to take it out and trying to clip the bulb in place with the igniter in the way.

02TL4ATL

iTrader: (1)

to OP, remeber to put the bulb in correctly, meaning theres a notch on the bulb. line it up with the notch in the housing, it will fit snug if you placed it in properly

Skirmich

The Bulb was incredibly tighten-up to the Igniter the First time I tried it. I snaped the Bracket thing, I Could not get the bulb to come off thats why I take out everything but its a Lot Harder!

If he can get to take out the bulb that way it would be much easier

02TL4ATL

iTrader: (1)

dang that really sucks. id be pretty annoyed if my bracket snapped.

Frisco1974

Thanks so much guys. My manual has just basic instructions, mainly for high-beam I think. I removed the radiator overflow, two plastic casings and the battery. I got all the way in to where the cover on the light housing had the warning label of 25,000v. But then could only find one Torx screw (I used T20 by the way). I took out the one screw, but the housing wouldn't budge. I couldn't find any other screws although I read somewhere it should have three. So, I put everything back and came back here. GREAT info in the replies. Thanks for the warnings re: patience. That's something I'll have to work on, especially in this process.

Just had a guy tell me he'd do it for $40. Thinking about letting him.

fsttyms1

There is only 1 security torx that holds the cover on. Once it is removed that cover can be really hard to turn. Just muscle it. If you have one of those rubber strap wrenched you can use that for leverage.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...24&postcount=2

Frisco1974

Good to know! Thanks

01tl4tl

be aware that bulbs die in pairs- they get the same use right?
and should always be replaced in pairs so that color and intensity/brightness stay equal

most gen2s are ready for new bulbs by now, or have been on them for a few years~

vistrefi

your exactly right about changing them in pairs, i had my ballast burned out and thought it was my xenon bulb but it wasnt and i had already bought a xenon from acura. when i changed it and tried to ops check it it still didnt work so changed out ballast and left new xenon in. you can see the difference the new one is more blue. acura didnt do a good job at knowing where to place the ballast. they have it under the lamp assembly and if you have moisture in it like i did, it goes straight to the ballast and burns it out.

thescarletnecklace

I am having trouble getting the bulb out of the igniter. I have already taken it out of the housing. I have tried turning it both ways, both while pushing in and pulling out. Any suggestions?

pickler

omg this topic is old, its from when i was such a car noob lmao. i don't understand what you mean by stuck? did you open\release the retainer pin first? if not you could have tangled the connector to the pin. one question why are you removing the bulb? just cause that i have used many bulbs and i have found oem or oem equivalent like philips 85126 to be the best. 6000k d2r bulbs are sort of dim, specially with reflectors and in bad weather; about ~1800 lumens vs 2800lm on 4300k.