amon

Hi All,

I've attempted to replace my HID lightbulb that went out. I attempted to do this method: It's still very difficult and very hard to turn the cover. After trying for 30 minutes i gave up since i was running short on time.
I did a little research and found that there was numerous method:
1- Remove Bumper
2-Going thru the wheel well
3-Method that i tried and failed
4-paying a mechanic (anyone know what the going cost is in San Diego area)

I have consider that if i was going to remove the entire bumper i might as well replace all the bulbs since its fully removed.

What is the easiest and best method for a one person job with limited tools.

thanks and happy new year!!!

peter6

I prefer pulling the bumper than to scratch my arms. It's really no big deal and can be done in ~15 minutes without the lift. Worst part would be rusted bolts that hold the fender covers under the car, and clips that hold bumper under the headlight. I like to spray them with some penetrating / lubricating thing, doesn't matter which.

Something like this makes job much easier. You also need 10mm socket, wrench, some extensions, phillips screw driver., some plastic pry bar in case bumper is stuck under the headlights. Overall very basic tools.

Once you have headlight on the desk, it's really easy to swap the bulbs, and seat them properly. Also my headlight covers were secured with security torx screw. You won't be able to spin the covers if that screw is there. It would be nice to adjust the headlights after. Hope you went with some decent quality bulbs. You might as well replace both hids, as second one might follow soon, and they reduce brightness with age.

WDPanda

I had security torx screws as well, which i discovered after fiddling around for a while. Took only the bumper off.

truonghthe

I don't know why people scare of dropping the bumper off, it about 10 mins process. I would go that route since the tox bit screw is gonna be a big pain in the ass and the new bulb might not seat properly.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the human mind prevents us from doing unknown tasks. anxiety if you will.
"it's scary! "
"it seems like a big job! "
"what if I dont know how to put it back together again?"
"what if I mess up something in the process?"

just mental road blocks that prevent us humans from doing scary unknown things!
However, once one does get past these road blocks, one will be like....

"oh, that shit was easy!"

phyyr

i went through the wheel well for mine, went okay. have to angle yourself a bit, and on the drivers side the intake resonator can get in the way. definitely watch out for rusty hardware by the fender liner

amon

Thanks it looks like i will most likely be removing the bumper then. gotta make sure that i have all the right tools and have enough time to do this.

amon

Not really scared of removing the bumper was just looking for an easier/efficient way to replace the bulb. well if i was able to do my own valve cover then it should be easier this this should easier.

mariusz439

Do not put back the security torxs. It would be easier to get there in the future.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

funny enough, THAT is the easiest way.
Taking off the bumper!

truonghthe

funny you said that, someone trying to take a "easier way" when they replace the bulb in my red TL, only to find out the bulb was seated incorrectly and guess what? that person end up dropping the entire bumper to reseat the bulb....

amon

LOL. who said it was going to take 30 to do this.. First time doing this took me 3 1/2 hour with break. I replaced all the lights. DRL and HID. Putting it back was a little more challenging especially trying to screwing everything back in without a power tool. And yes, i didnt screw the security torx back in. Left it out for future bulb replacement.