tripleguy

Need to install new headlights in the 99. I've reviewed what needs to be done but have a question: Is it really necessary to disconnect the battery when you're working on a switched circuit? I'd equate this to working on a light fixture in the house. If it's a switched fixture and the switch is off, I don't kill the breaker, although technically you might want to, especially if there are others in the house who might flip the switch and power the circuit. But replacing headlights that are switched? Where is the current going to come from in a switched circuit if you know the switch is off? Guess I don't see the logic behind D/C the battery to unplug a headlight bulb harness?

Anyone care to offer a tip on changing the lights? I plan to do passenger side 1st, then driver's side by taking the air cleaner box and breather pipe out.

9thIslandTL

I don't know much about electrical systems but nothing wrong with building a good habit of disconnecting the battery before working on anything electrical related.........anything can happen. Good luck on your install!

01acls

You are right, it's not necessary to disconnect the battery since it's switched. Just be absolutely sure the light switch is off. Also know that the igniter will produce 25,000 volts. Probably enough to stop your heart. Lol

Tip

tripleguy

Thanks. I'm not pulling the bumper though. Too cold out for me to be laying on the ground. I'll go in from up top and pull out the windshield washer fill tube and air cleaner housing. No alignment to mess with that way either.
Igniters will produce some pop, that's for sure, but with no power to them, they can't fire. It's like working on a circuit with a big electrolytic capacitor - no power and voltage discharged, no problem.

01acls

Pretty sure you have to remove the bumper because some of the mounting bolts are below the lamps on the outside of the rad support.

01acls

Replacing bulbs only no. HL assy, yes remove bumper.

thoiboi

i'm assuming OP means the whole headlamp assembly, if he's just talking the bulbs, then it's a different story..

tripleguy

Yes, it will just be bulbs at this time. Must be the originals as there are 115K miles on the car. The passenger side is starting to dim with a slight rose color hue. Ordered 5K HID replacements from site sponsor.

thoiboi

Ahh gotcha!

Yup.. the pink discoloration is indicative of bulb failure! Time to replace.

01acls

LOL, how does one decipher bulbs from these statements?

"Installing new HID headlights"

"Need to install new headlights in the 99"

tripleguy

Mea Culpa.
​​​​​​​I suppose I could have hit a snowbank and busted them up. Otherwise, no need to replace.

tripleguy

Job done. Not super painless like some but went OK. Passenger side needed windshield washer tube removed and Torx nut did have the "dealer must service" pimple that keeps you from getting a #20 Torx bit on it. A Dremel ground that off for me. Didn't replace that screws because there is no way that housing is turning on it's own and if I have it in another 100K, I can just skip that step. Probably should have lubed the rubber gasket with silicon grease but maybe next time. Driver's side needed air cleaner box top and tube removed but it went OK. About 45 minutes for both sides while keeping a cigar and bourbon going was all it took. Replaced with 5000K lamps from sponsor's website and all is bright. Thanks forum for the help!!!