GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Started taking my headlights apart...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-09-07, 05:01 PM
  #1  
URDONE
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
 
URDONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Started taking my headlights apart...

I was bored and I started taking my headlights apart for my retrofit. I ran into a little problem however. How the f__k do I remove the ballast? How do I pull it through the headlight? Here are a few pictures of what I am talking about. I have them unbolted, but I just can't pull them through???? Help guys! Thanks.




Last edited by URDONE; 05-09-07 at 06:05 PM.
Old 05-09-07, 05:28 PM
  #2  
GSteg
Rookie
iTrader: (15)
 
GSteg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 16,017
Likes: 0
Received 79 Likes on 61 Posts
Default

loosen up the two adjustment screws. keep on loosening both sides until the reflector pops out of its two screws.
Old 05-09-07, 05:42 PM
  #3  
sockfocks
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
sockfocks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

wow...hope i have to never change a ballast!!!
Old 05-09-07, 06:16 PM
  #4  
URDONE
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
 
URDONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

What two screws?





The ballasts has four screws at the bottom of it, but it don't come apart?
Old 05-09-07, 06:29 PM
  #5  
Spyder78
Lexus Champion

iTrader: (7)
 
Spyder78's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NY
Posts: 3,388
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

the screws on the headlight. The adjustment screws for height and left to right.
Old 05-09-07, 06:51 PM
  #6  
kit cat
Moderator
iTrader: (6)
 
kit cat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: US
Posts: 6,571
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

I'd be so scared to do it w/ that auto leveling motor...
Old 05-09-07, 08:17 PM
  #7  
URDONE
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
 
URDONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I got it to come out. Thanks guys. I didn't try the adjustment bolts earlier because I know that they don't come out, so I thought it wouldn't work.

I got a NON HID car, so the auto leveling wouldn't work anyway. I do have an extra motor if anyone is interested.
Old 05-09-07, 10:22 PM
  #8  
GSteg
Rookie
iTrader: (15)
 
GSteg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 16,017
Likes: 0
Received 79 Likes on 61 Posts
Default

It would have been easier to unscrew the adjustment screws. Eventually you'll have to take it out anyways.
Old 05-10-07, 06:17 AM
  #9  
URDONE
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
 
URDONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Hey GSteg, do you got any up close pictures of your retrofit. I am working on the LS 430 retrofit for mine. Any pictures would be appreciated.
Old 05-10-07, 07:10 AM
  #10  
JeffTsai
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
JeffTsai's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DFW area TX
Posts: 5,392
Likes: 0
Received 43 Likes on 17 Posts
Default

Theres a couple ways you can tackle this. Unclip the connector part by taking it apart, disconnect the wire by opening up the ballast and disconnecting it from inside, or loosen the 2 bolts on the reflector bowl and popping it looose from inside.
Old 05-10-07, 08:18 AM
  #11  
bluelex
Lexus Fanatic
 
bluelex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 11,243
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

Wow, i need a DIY like this. I've been wanting to take my lights apart for a while now so i can remove the halos.
Old 05-10-07, 03:19 PM
  #12  
URDONE
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
 
URDONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bluelex
Wow, i need a DIY like this. I've been wanting to take my lights apart for a while now so i can remove the halos.
The camera is your best friend during a DIY project. Trust me, I will be asking alot more questions as I go along.
Old 05-20-07, 06:41 PM
  #13  
URDONE
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
 
URDONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I got a question. One of the headlights has a broken tab. Its the lower tab by the high beams. I am trying to fix it, but in all reality, how much of a difference is one broken tab going to make? Can I get by without it?
Old 05-20-07, 07:03 PM
  #14  
chrispy
Moderator
iTrader: (21)
 
chrispy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,764
Received 79 Likes on 37 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by URDONE
I got a question. One of the headlights has a broken tab. Its the lower tab by the high beams. I am trying to fix it, but in all reality, how much of a difference is one broken tab going to make? Can I get by without it?
Should be fine. I think it mounts at 3-4 points on the car. Maybe you can secure it with some kind of tape just in case? The way the bumper wraps around the headlights makes sure they're not going anywhere.
Old 05-21-07, 03:29 PM
  #15  
URDONE
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
 
URDONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by ChrisES
Should be fine. I think it mounts at 3-4 points on the car. Maybe you can secure it with some kind of tape just in case? The way the bumper wraps around the headlights makes sure they're not going anywhere.
Cool. I thought so. I just haven't taking off my stock headlights yet so I wasn't completely sure. Thanks!


Quick Reply: Started taking my headlights apart...



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:27 PM.