Is there a walkthrough for this? I've looked all over for a couple hours and I can't find anything that walks you through this procedure. I don't have my owner's manual and I can't believe I've been unable to find this stupid simple procedure.
Headlight bulb replacement question
- Thread starter Shanty
- Start date
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Have you ever replaced a headlight bulb before? Nothing special to it. Start with the PS headlight because you can see it better.
(1) Pull up the overflow reservoir (can take quite a bit of force to pull it up) and move it out of the way
(2) Grab the bulb connector, twist it counter clockwise a bit to "unlock" it and pull it out - NOTE how it was inserted while pulling the bulb out so you can put the new one in the same way - there are two bulbs. The one on the outside closest to the fender is the low beam bulb
(3) Replace bulb and reverse the process to install
On the DS you should be able to get to the bulb without removing the battery and now that you've practiced on the PS bulb you should be able to do it by feel
(1) Pull up the overflow reservoir (can take quite a bit of force to pull it up) and move it out of the way
(2) Grab the bulb connector, twist it counter clockwise a bit to "unlock" it and pull it out - NOTE how it was inserted while pulling the bulb out so you can put the new one in the same way - there are two bulbs. The one on the outside closest to the fender is the low beam bulb
(3) Replace bulb and reverse the process to install
On the DS you should be able to get to the bulb without removing the battery and now that you've practiced on the PS bulb you should be able to do it by feel
Bulbs are 9006 for low beam and 9005 for high beam.
Remember not to touch the bulb filament!
wanted to reopen this old thread. I have a 91 cruiser. I have my DS headlight bulb out. This thread implies that the battery is on the DS, but my cruiser it is not. I'm trying to figure out if it can be done by feel, or there seems to be a few things (hoses)in the way to get to the bulb connector. Sorry about the newbie type question. I have searched a bit, but no luck. It looks like the PS is easier, once the reservoir comes out. This thread was one of the better comments on the topic.
Without the battery there it is probably easier actually. Mine is still in the stock location, but you can do it pretty easily, (I am assuming 91 is similar to my 96). Anyway, I just found it easier to loosen/turn from the top by gently tapping a long flathead around the edge of the housing. Then I could easily turn it all the way and pull it out from behind.
@jonheld
A little simple help maybe?
A little simple help maybe?
What's the issue here?
The bulb rotates about 1/8th of a turn counterclockwise to release it from the housing. Pull the bulb out of the housing and disconnect the connector. Attach the connector to the new bulb being careful to not touch the glass of the new bulb. Put it back in. Honestly, there's no magic here. It's a light bulb.
Well, he seems to be having massive difficulty on his 91..........
I can't believe its that hard, but I don't have a 91 and don't know what's in the way.
Jon, sorry for the basic question. Yeah, my concern/issue is getting my hand to the back of the light. I tried taking a picture here. It looks like the set of hoses, with the smallish canister with the "T" is kinda in the way. I'm sure I an disconnect that, but wanted to make sure that there wasn't simply a easier way to get to it.
Oh, OK. Yea, this was a bit of a pita, but it is doable. You just need to get in there and get to the bulb housing. The passenger side is easier for sure.
IIRC I needed to unplug the connector on the bottom of the AC pressure switch to get that out of the way. It helps if you have a small child you can borrow.
Take the time to clean the glass of the new bulb with a soft cloth and avoid touching it with bare fingers. Although I have never had an issue with this, deposited oils on the glass of a halogen bulb can cause it to crack once heated. Honestly, I'm not sure if this is an old wives tale.
IIRC I needed to unplug the connector on the bottom of the AC pressure switch to get that out of the way. It helps if you have a small child you can borrow.
Take the time to clean the glass of the new bulb with a soft cloth and avoid touching it with bare fingers. Although I have never had an issue with this, deposited oils on the glass of a halogen bulb can cause it to crack once heated. Honestly, I'm not sure if this is an old wives tale.
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...so others are able to change their bulbs without loosening 3 screws on the plate that holds the bulb in place? The first time I replaced my headlight bulbs, I removed the 3 screws and the plate. I do NOT recommend that. The 3 screws holding on the plate to secure the bulb, are not equidistant around the plate. It took a while to get the plate back in the correct orientation and screws in.
yeah dont remove the mount plate. The bulbs have three notches that fit in cutouts that lock the bulb in once turned clockwise. Generic auto bulb set up. If youre replacing with 9011 or 9012 bulbs youll have to modify a tab a bit but its simple and well documented just search.
Passenger Side bulb just went out so I'm about to tackle this. Thinking I may as well do low and high beam - anything else recommended "while I'm in there" ?
I have a burning hate for the blue end of the color spectrum. Are the same color bulbs still available? Or is there a new type (maybe LED) that is the same color but more bright?
I have a burning hate for the blue end of the color spectrum. Are the same color bulbs still available? Or is there a new type (maybe LED) that is the same color but more bright?
@jatree
You don't want to use LED bulbs in standard housings.
The common "upgrade" with stock housings is using wagner 9011 (high) and 9012 (low) HIR bulbs instead of the standard 9005 and 9006. You have to trim one of the tabs just a little bit, but that's easy. It's not a huge difference, but a bit brighter than a stock bulb, and the color is standard, not leaning blue (I also hate cool/blue lights)
Some people use the 9011 highbeam bulb in the low position for another little boost in light output. I believe you have to add the o-ring from the original bulb for it to seal, as the sizing is slightly different between low & high. They don't last as long, but if you are looking for more light in a stock housing, that's a way to do it
You don't want to use LED bulbs in standard housings.
The common "upgrade" with stock housings is using wagner 9011 (high) and 9012 (low) HIR bulbs instead of the standard 9005 and 9006. You have to trim one of the tabs just a little bit, but that's easy. It's not a huge difference, but a bit brighter than a stock bulb, and the color is standard, not leaning blue (I also hate cool/blue lights)
Some people use the 9011 highbeam bulb in the low position for another little boost in light output. I believe you have to add the o-ring from the original bulb for it to seal, as the sizing is slightly different between low & high. They don't last as long, but if you are looking for more light in a stock housing, that's a way to do it
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Awesome thank you -- 9011 sounds like the way to go and glad to hear the color is standard and not blue!