Parking Light replacement for later model coupes Here

Basically, yank the air-box, and the washer tube, twist the cap, squeeze and pull the plug, pull and replace the bulb.

 

Dear Gurus,

So I am new to doing my own auto work, and have been experiencing headlight issues (R Front headlight can't ignite initially, then when it does it flickers out). People I spoke to said it could either be the ballast igniter or the bulb and the best/cheapest way to find out would be to swap the bulbs. So I looked up a couple of DIY instructions for changing HID bulbs and figured it would be a breeze because everyone made it look so easy. (bad idea #1)

First, I went to access the bulbs from the wheel well, it was pretty easy on the right right of the car, but one of the body clips broke as soon as I touched it with the flat head because it was so brittle. Casualty #1. Then as I was opening the clips that keep the bulb in place, the metal piece that the clip goes under on the left side of the bulb just popped off before I had an opportunity to even try. Casualty #2. I did manage to get the bulb out no problem, and noticed it was foggy at the top and thought that was enough evidence the bulb was the issue, but I continued on anyways (bad idea #2). I began working on the left side of the car, which has a significantly more shallow wheel well than the right side (news to me). This side went even worse. Two out of the three clips broke due to brittleness (casualties #4&5) and the decreased space was really hard to work in. I finally go the bulb out though.

I went to put the good bulb into the R front projector and managed to get things seated after 15-20 minutes of trying. Thankfully, even with the broken A clip, the bulb is pointed in the right direction, but I am kind of terrified for when that comes back to haunt me. It took me another 15 minutes to re-engage the ballast igniter.

The left side was the worst, I got the bulb in more easily, but could not get the ballast igniter to fit on no matter what I tried. I am 100% sure I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary, but the igniter just wouldn't catch properly to click into place. I ended up settling for what felt like the right place and who knows if my car will burst into flames today. I have two new bulbs coming tomorrow, and new ballasts (which I will return or sell), and am about to order new push body clips. I am wondering if this is a project I want to re-try or to just pay someone to do... Should I be concerned about the broken a-clip in the right projector? And any ideas why the left ballast wouldn't fasten?

Sincerely,

Not made to DIY car stuff.

 

If you're talking a clip as in the piece that the spring clip latches under, then mine is broken too, has been broken since before I got the car and has been broken since I put new bulbs in back in June and haven't had any issues from it. Sounds like you're either way stronger than you know or bad luck, not sure which though.

 

Awesome, this is much easier than I thought after popping the hood lol. Didn't think to go through the fender for headlights, usually only fogs. Has anyone ever replaced the actual projector lense with a more clear lense? Any results?

 

hi
Just wonder the reason why you only need 1 headlight, if the bulbs died or the whole headlight damaged?
If the bulbs or ballast broken, you don't need to change the hole headlight, you just need to change the bulbs or ballast.

Also, if you need the headlight, it's better to choice the OEM one, since some the aftermarket produce a bad light pattern or need t adjust.
As for the installation, you can watch video on YTB, it will be helpful.

 

If you want a more vivid description, you can go to the YTB and search " D2 headlight installation"

Since I installed my headlight last week but find there are more details should be noticed

Good luck

 

Great post, very informative but I dropped one of the Phillips head screws in the headlight housing does anyone know where I can find an identical one and what size?

 

Why not use the Jack it's in your trunk with the spare tire? Currently all I have is a bottle jack and a couple jack stands. I've had to use it to lift mine a few inches to get the bottle jack underneath.

 

For God remove the air boxes and throw them away. Before changing the light bulbs go ahead and switch to a cold air intake. Yes I know it's a bit expensive. It's about $500 American. But with replacement cost of air filters being 22 $25 a piece changing them four times a year you'll have recouped your cost in about 3 years. The K&N air filters for the cold air intake will last longer than the car. All you have to do is wash them out. You'll get better horsepower. Better fuel mileage. And a better sound.
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