Changing low beams. Plz Help.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Mountain View
Changing low beams. Plz Help.
Is this a dangerous procedure? I was caught in a flood about a weeks ago and managed to get water inside my headlamps. I took the headlamps off the car and got about 2 cups of water out. The right lowbeam works fine and i've never had a problem with it since the incident but the left one flickers and usually doesn't even come on anymore.
I noticed the warning on the back of the headlamp and it was a bit intimidating. It was the "can kill" part that kinda scared me.
anyways, what is the safest way to go about changing the low beams (aside from taking it to the dealer)? Also, if the bulb isn't the problem yet instead it's the HID system, how much can the cost to repair/replace? Thanks guys, the help that I've received here has been extremely helpful.
I noticed the warning on the back of the headlamp and it was a bit intimidating. It was the "can kill" part that kinda scared me.
anyways, what is the safest way to go about changing the low beams (aside from taking it to the dealer)? Also, if the bulb isn't the problem yet instead it's the HID system, how much can the cost to repair/replace? Thanks guys, the help that I've received here has been extremely helpful.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 37,305
Likes: 18
First check the fuses - #43 & #45 (20 amp) under the hood fuse box.
Now, disconnect the neg. battery terminal and substitute a known good HID bulb (your other one) into the suspected bad one (you'll need your radio code before powering OFF). Re-assemble, reconnect and try again. Now you'll know if it's the bulb.
If it is NOT the bulb, it could be the inverter unit (aka ballast) and the rest gets a bit dangerous as it requires you to test for power while the battery is connected and it is advisable to have a pro do this unless you are real handy with electrical stuff. That inverter is like a power transformer and "ups" the juice substantially.
I don't remember the exact prices but both the bulbs and the ballasts are pricey. You can get an idea of cost here:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/j...KA6MT&catcgry5=
Now, disconnect the neg. battery terminal and substitute a known good HID bulb (your other one) into the suspected bad one (you'll need your radio code before powering OFF). Re-assemble, reconnect and try again. Now you'll know if it's the bulb.
If it is NOT the bulb, it could be the inverter unit (aka ballast) and the rest gets a bit dangerous as it requires you to test for power while the battery is connected and it is advisable to have a pro do this unless you are real handy with electrical stuff. That inverter is like a power transformer and "ups" the juice substantially.
I don't remember the exact prices but both the bulbs and the ballasts are pricey. You can get an idea of cost here:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/j...KA6MT&catcgry5=
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 42
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From: Mountain View
Thanks viper, I'll take your advice and have a pro take care of it since I'm not all that handy with electical stuff. But would you or anyone else happen to know if removing that heavy metal box attached to the headlamp is safe to do or not? It looks like it's just connected by several screws. The reason I ask is because I intend on replacing my diffusors and placing it in the oven to remove the glue. Thanks again.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 37,305
Likes: 18
Removing the inverter from the headlight should be quite easy and safe once the battery is disconnected. Just don't drop in onto a cement floor from too high up. I don't know how tough those things are.
I've seen some people leave that box on when they do the oven bake thing.
I've seen some people leave that box on when they do the oven bake thing.
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