How to Replace a Xenon Headlight

Some new car models today use a xenon headlight, known for their high end quality and technology. Xenon bulbs are brighter and last much longer, compared to the other bulbs available in the market today. If your car features xenon headlights, you should be able to replace them if needed. With a little knowledge and certain tips, you will have a fairly easy job replacing them. Here is how you can replace xenon headlights in a few easy steps.

Step 1 – Preparation and Wiring Checks

The first thing you need to do is open the hood of the car and check the back side of the headlights. Checking the wires is very important, especially if you are not sure whether there is a connection problem or not. If you have a voltmeter or a testing screwdriver, you can attach it on the wires connecting the xenon headlights and check if everything works properly. If the wires are working properly, you obviously need to change the bulb.

If the wires are not working, you should replace them.

Step 2 – Disconnecting the Wires

When you open the hood, you will be able to see whether your hand fits in the space behind the headlights. Normally the space is big enough, so you won’t have a problem. Use the screwdriver to unscrew the screws holding the wire harness to the headlights. Once done with that, disconnect the harness from the headlights. You will see the red cylinder that sticks out from the back of the headlights. This is the bulb mount. Remove it, turning it counterclockwise until you hear a slight click.

Step 3 – Remove the Bulbs

There are 4 small clips inside the cylinder, holding the bulb in their place. Disconnect all 4 clips and remove the bulb. Insert the new bulb, being sure not to touch the glass with your skin. Oils from your skin can heat up and crack the bulb. Re-connect the 4 clips.

Step 4 – Reconnecting the Pieces

Set the bulb mount back in place, and turn it clockwise this time, to lock the ballast in its place as it was. Once firmly locked, reconnect the harness with the wires and then use the screws you unfastened earlier to re-mount the Xenon headlights back in place. You repeat the same process for both headlights.

Extra Tip

In case you find out there is a wiring problem, you should take the wiring harness to a professional or an auto parts store and replace the particular wires that are faulty. Wires for Xenon headlights are not expensive at all. If you are familiar with the task, you can buy the wires and replace them on your own, following the existing connection pattern. Make sure that all wires and bulbs are firmly locked in place so that there is no blinking of the lights when you turn the engine on.