I performed the search for this topic but did not learn anything to help me. One of my fog's is burnt out, and i need help in replacing them, i read somewhere that the dealership wanted 100 bucks for the replacement. This is what i know...its a H3 bulb (which is like SUPER CHEAPO), and that its 50 watts! (REAL SUPER CHEEPO), but the the process of changing...how do i start and where's what? any pic's or any detailed explanations...thanks everyone for your help!

 

they want way too much. I did this a couple months ago the only problem is that space is tight. I had to do part of it from under the car and the other reaching through the grill opening with the hood up. The first thing is to twist off the back cover. It taks some effort. Then you take off the little metal latch holding the bulb in. Then pull the wire out of the hold. Take out the bulb and put in your new bulb. Reconnect the wire and twist the cover back on.

 

IMO, it may be easier to remove the fog light assembly and change the bulbs. Get the front end on jackstands and look at the lights from underneath, you'll see 3 screws that are holding the assemblies on, take those out and you can pull the assembly down and change the bulb easily. I'd suggest changing the bulbs in both fogs while your at it, that way they'll both be the same brightness.

 

This sounds easy...have you done this before...what did you get 50watts h3's right? (i've changed bulbs/fogs on my celica and camry, never had to on my es).

 

I have done this, not very hard. I just got the bulbs from Walmart.

 

I agree with Kyle Harty.

Its easier to remove the entire assemby. While you are at it, you might consider getting those Super Blues (they are about a buck more at WalMart) and re-aiming the foglamps. Lexus seems to want to have them pointed out about 6 feet away.

Make sure you are wearing eye protection and rubber gloves so that you don't get your finger oil on the capsules. The oil will burn up, making a dark spot that will then heat up and destroy your new bulbs.

 

I just replace replaced the H3 (55w) with PIAA Xtreme White (55w) on my '02 ES. Noticable difference in light color. It actually looks like a mini HID. They were $63.99/pr and took about 1/2 hour to put both in without removing the assembly or housing. The longest part was removing the plastic splash guard under the car. Need to have new plastic push pins when reinstalling.

In the pic, the ES on the left has stock H3s, the ES on the right has the PIAAs.