How To Install New HID Bulbs

Many times the headlights of a car seem to be dull or dirty which is “yellowing” that occurs for a number of reasons. Like the sound from your car radio or in–dash navigationscreen the headlights can degrade over time too. Chemicals used for cleaning the car can sometimes cause this effect on a headlamp and other times it is the weather. Acidic rain or just unrelenting sun can cause yellowing along with the “salt” used to deice roads is also huge reason for yellowing headlights. Just like the Giants beating the Packers...the cold can always be a factor. Many times the effect is so bad on a headlight that the unit must be replaced. 

When replacing a headlight it is not always necessary to replace all the bulbs at the same time. HID bulbs are pretty expensive and most of the time will still work perfectly fine in a new assembly. Unlike conventional bulbs they do not dull over time since they are gas powered not filament illuminated. The part of changing these bulbs is to purchase the correct headlight housing for your application. While the same year, make and model headlights may “fit” in your car it is not always the same part if those lights did not have HID. 

The first step to taking apart the old headlight unit that was in the vehicle, which requires removal of the old unit. With the unit removed from the car remove the clips or screws holding on the dust cover and pull the bulb out of the assembly. Be sure not to touch the bulb at all on the glass, the oil from your finger will cause the bulb to shatter once it heats up. Next remove the ballast for the HID unit and inspect both the bulb and ballast for damage.

For the install part of this process, place the bulb in the new assembly and secure with clips or screws depending on the application. Now attach the ballast to the headlamp and reassemble all the other parts of the light. Attach the power source to the headlight to check that all bulbs and signals are working. Once the proper operation is certain, install the unit and check for proper “Gaping” around the unit. Gaping is the space around the unit to the body panels which should all be even. With the headlight in place test the unit once more. If everything checks out the install process is complete.