wilcomj64

Need to replace both headlights on 2009 RX. What are basic instructions for this job and is it DIY?

Mesquite77

Remove front under tray, partially remove both front wheel splash guards and then remove front bumper "cover", the nose. Lot of clips, be ready to break some, I'd get some new ones ahead of time, but otherwise very DIY doable. BTW, while all that is off, is a good time to drain/fill coolant. And take a good look at your serpentine belt while right wheel splash guard is pulled back.

Euro09

May I ask what's happened to your headlights ?

wilcomj64

Took about two hours. Thanks for your help.

wilcomj64

Both assemblies were badly faded and scratched. Found a set of after market for 225 and it included all new bulbs. Replaced low beams with LED bulbs that look great. Tried to have them professionally polished, but didn't last.

matts6887

Is there any easier way of removing the headlight assembly other than having to remove the bumper etc? As I need to get a replacement drivers side assembly for my 07 rx350 as my current one is taking in moisture after car washes and i dont want the hid bulb to short out as they are $$$ to replace especially if they are oem. Otherwise im just gonna have to pay a shop to have it done as I dont have the tools etc to do it.

wilcomj64

Matt, it wasn't that bad a job. About 6 screws on the bottom, I think 10mm socket, two allen wrench at wheel well, then 2 10mm inside upper wheel well. Then two 10mm on top of each headlight. It seems excessive to take the front bumper off, but it is still mostly attached. BTW, I think there was a recall on RX's because of condensation inside the headlamps due to a bad seal around headlight. A small bead of clear silicone might temporarily fix the problem.. Check with your local Lexus or Toyota dealer. I know they gave an extended warranty on this problem. I would check that first. Good luck and if any other questions, don't hesitate to email me.

janesmith

Can you send a link to where you found the after market headlight assemblies. The coating on my lights are faded as well and I was going to do the re-polish myself but I am a bit nervous about it. Thanks.

matts6887

Well I dont know about it. Im not sure i have the tools to do it. Odd thing is I just ran it through the wash again yesterday and no moisture had condensed; so i dont know if its just a very small possible pin sized hole in the very back of the assembly somewhere or what but i found that odd that i didnt get any moisture in this time.

numbafree

^ I would try clear headlight caulk and see if that does it. when I got my RX both headlights were pretty severely faded. I just got OEM used on fleabay, cuz of the HID and the servo motor thingy. Worked out fine. I did swap out the fog lights to HID as well, since I had the bumper off. It isn't that hard, and you don't need that many tools. You do need space though and time.

janesmith

Just got my RX back from the dealer. She is driving like new, or at least what I assume feels like new. So I plan on doing a complete aesthetic upgrade of the headlight assembly, BC it is soooo faded. Going to use a sand down and re-polish method that I luckily have some help with. Also going to upgrade all the bulbs to LED's. Cant stand the old looking yellow bulbs. They really date the car. I will post before and after picks. If anyone has any suggestions for a 2009 RX LED light upgrade please let me know. Right now I think that iJDMToy.com is going to be my source

janesmith

There was a recall for the condensation. You are correct. Kinda wish mine were leaking so I didnt have to do all this polishing.

brybell

If you don't need to take the whole bumper off, did you break any bumper clips? Just wondering if I need to order them before I do this.

Mesquite77

>>>>> if I need to order them before I do this

The ones that break are on the splash guards, wheel and bottom nose pan. Very common sizes, you can get an assortment anywhere...

brybell

Awesome, thank you very much!