Replace HID bulbs?
02-04-19, 08:38 AM
#1
Replace HID bulbs?
I discovered I have a headlight out on my 2013 RX450h. Bulbs cost anywhere from $100 to $250, and I've read several times that I should do both headlights at the same time. I get that part. Some sites also say that because they're HID with more voltage, and I need to have the dealer replace them. Some say that it takes 5 minutes, and I should do it myself. I did a search, and found both responses on this forum.
My questions are .... Can I (or should I) do this myself. I would easily do this if they were halogen, so I'm not worried about tools or if I'm capable. I am. Its the electrical stuff that concerns me, because it scares me. Plus, it's a hybrid, so electrical stuff is even more scary. I've read that even disconnecting the battery isn't good enough. I'm not interested in electrocution, or screwing up something else that will cost more to fix than the headlight, but I hate the idea of paying the dealer $200 plus parts for a 5 minute job.
Also, What color are the existing bulbs? I've read 4300 but who knows.
What's the consensus. Should I do this myself?
My questions are .... Can I (or should I) do this myself. I would easily do this if they were halogen, so I'm not worried about tools or if I'm capable. I am. Its the electrical stuff that concerns me, because it scares me. Plus, it's a hybrid, so electrical stuff is even more scary. I've read that even disconnecting the battery isn't good enough. I'm not interested in electrocution, or screwing up something else that will cost more to fix than the headlight, but I hate the idea of paying the dealer $200 plus parts for a 5 minute job.
Also, What color are the existing bulbs? I've read 4300 but who knows.
What's the consensus. Should I do this myself?
Last edited by User 41924; 02-04-19 at 08:44 AM. Reason: 1 more question
02-04-19, 08:53 AM
#2
Instructor
I did it myself and I don't even know how to fix the toilet. Took a whopping 30 minutes for the whole deal. I got it from xenon depot. I went with 5000K bulbs as I thought 4300 would be a little too yellow.
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User 41924 (02-04-19)
02-04-19, 09:58 AM
#4
I would think you would need a D4S bulb. They are $44.00 on Amazon. The OEM bulb is Philips and it is 4300K color temperature. They are not hard to change. Just keep your fingers off the glass. You may want to consider the second alternative also.
Last edited by iolmaster; 02-04-19 at 10:01 AM.
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User 41924 (02-04-19)
02-04-19, 01:26 PM
#5
I discovered I have a headlight out on my 2013 RX450h. Bulbs cost anywhere from $100 to $250, and I've read several times that I should do both headlights at the same time. I get that part. Some sites also say that because they're HID with more voltage, and I need to have the dealer replace them. Some say that it takes 5 minutes, and I should do it myself. I did a search, and found both responses on this forum.
My questions are .... Can I (or should I) do this myself. I would easily do this if they were halogen, so I'm not worried about tools or if I'm capable. I am. Its the electrical stuff that concerns me, because it scares me. Plus, it's a hybrid, so electrical stuff is even more scary. I've read that even disconnecting the battery isn't good enough. I'm not interested in electrocution, or screwing up something else that will cost more to fix than the headlight, but I hate the idea of paying the dealer $200 plus parts for a 5 minute job.
Also, What color are the existing bulbs? I've read 4300 but who knows.
What's the consensus. Should I do this myself?
My questions are .... Can I (or should I) do this myself. I would easily do this if they were halogen, so I'm not worried about tools or if I'm capable. I am. Its the electrical stuff that concerns me, because it scares me. Plus, it's a hybrid, so electrical stuff is even more scary. I've read that even disconnecting the battery isn't good enough. I'm not interested in electrocution, or screwing up something else that will cost more to fix than the headlight, but I hate the idea of paying the dealer $200 plus parts for a 5 minute job.
Also, What color are the existing bulbs? I've read 4300 but who knows.
What's the consensus. Should I do this myself?
My only advice is to wear gloves whether latex or thicker just for the sake of making sure that you won't stick a fatty print on the glass. That's 50% off the life of the new light bulbs!
Also note that there are a few aftermarket ones that are considerably cheaper. Good luck!
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User 41924 (02-04-19)
02-04-19, 01:40 PM
#6
Thank you, all. I ordered the bulbs, and hopefully will have them in time to get them is on Saturday. I'm hoping I caught the burned out light right away, but I have no idea. I try to notice them when I pull into the garage. Tail lights and blinkers, too. Maybe that needs to be a more formal part of our routine.
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