LEXUS ES300 2001 HID HEADLIGHT BULB - 2001 Lexus RX 300

Question edited for clarity

Not easy as it is HID. It is not normally the bulb, but the transformer unit. Details in the link.

Yes, it CAN be done without pulling the bumper, fender and entire headlight assembly.

I just completed a HID bulb replacement on my 02 SC430. Took about two hours and included a copious amount of swearing. It is a PITB process that is largely done by braille. Sausage fingered individuals should not even try. The clearance is very small - just enough to get your hand into position.

if you google search agains "sc430 headlight service manual" you will find a pdf of the headlight service procedure. I largely followed those instructions, but I have a few hints...

1. Do the passenger side first. Removing the air cleaner gives you some ability to see what you are doing. That lets you learn the process before you go do the driver side "blind".

2. The service manual did not mention a few wires that are present. The leads for the amber indicator light stretches tight across the HID moisture cap. You need to pull the amber indicator bulb assembly first. Fortunately, that is a simple twist and pull. Once the amber lamp was free, I disconnected its harness and set the bulb aside in a safe location.

2b. A pair of wires were physically attached to the HID cover. These make it extremely difficult to maneuver the cover, particularly when putting the cover back on. I ended up physically detaching those wires from the cover permanently. Made life a lot easier and will make replacing the HID bulbs simpler next time.

3. The HID bulb socket easily detaches. The wire spring bale is hinged and won't fly away when you get the two ends free. Those are freed with a squeeze and pull movement. You can do one side at a time.

4. Make certain the spring bale is swung out so it does not impeded placement of the new HID bulb.

5. Because you are doing most of the bulb insertion blind, it is difficult to avoid touching the quartz jacket to something. Practice with the old bulb first. Once in place, you gently rotate the bulb until its notches allow it to seat. You can feel that pretty easily.

I used the "MAXLUX HID Xenon Bulb D2C (D2S/D2R) 5000K" bulbs obtained via amazon. Yes, that price is indeed for a PAIR of bulbs. I thought it was for a single bulb due to the low price and ended up with four bulbs.

The new bulbs light up much brighter than my aging 02 HID bulbs. A slight bluer than the OEM Lexus bulbs, roughly the same color as the HID's on the Aston. Longevity is, of course, yet to be evaluated.

Success. It can be done, but I guarantee a lot of colorful language during the process.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Changing+a+headlight+bulb+2002+Lexus+SC430

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Here are the bulbs.Click here to see how to replace.

Re: Replace headlight bulb

1. INSTALLATION GUIDE:
2. BMW E38 99-01 HID TYPE 7 Series 1PC Halo Amber Projector Headlights
3. Parts Identification:
4. Projector Headlight
5. Halo & L.E.D.
6. Bottom of the Headlight:
7. Ballast Bracket, Halo Wires(red/black)
8. Turn Signal Adaptor
9. TOOLS REQUIRE
10. 10mm - 8mm socket
11. Philip Screwdriver
12. Crimper/Pliers
13. For more information about how to install your vehicle, come visit our youtube page on
14. http://www.youtube.com/spyderauto
15. Remove the facotry headlight from the BMW. First remove the front panel cover below the headlight to access the bottom screw of the headlight housing. There is also two screws on the top of the housing.
16. Once you have remove the headlight, turn the headlight around and remove the bracket that holds the Ballast. Then remove the ballast using a philip screwdriver.
17. Unplug the wire from the ballast, and then remove the Xenon Plug from the housing. Put the Ballast aside.
18. Carefully remove the D2S Xenon Bulb from the factory housing. Once you have remove the bulb, transfer the bulb to the Spyder headlights.
19. Remove the bracket from the Spyder Headlight, and then install the ballast on the housing like the original. Once you have put the ballast on, put the bracket back on.
20. Remove the Panel Cover bracket from the original headlight to the new Spyder Headlights as shown here.
21. STEP:
22. Install the Spyder turn signal socket if the orignal does not fit, unplug the factory plug from the harness and plug the new one on.
23. Install the Spyder Headlight back on to the vehicle. Plug the Harness back on, the halo/L.E.D. Wires is connect to the Parking lights. These wires are optional to your vehicle, you do not have to wire them together.
24. Factory Xenon Headlight
25. Spyder Projector Headlight using Factory Xenon Lights
26. STEP:

BMW e46 HID Headlight Replace

Doesn't sound like the light is the problem. This can be the ballast, aka transformer. Try to interchange the other headlight and see if it duplicates the problem before buying a HID bulb.

Well, we seem to have a real dilema here. I just searched the service manual for your 2005 RX330 and I cannot find any reference to a ballast for the HID headlamp bulbs. According to the wiring diagram, they are wired to the Headlamp Control Relays in Junction Block #2. (Right-hand side of the engine compartment) These relays are "Solid State", so my guess is that the balast for the HID may be built in to them. These are controlled by the Body Control Module. I would recommend scanning the body control module for fault codes before doing anything else. The first step in the diagnostic chart for the headlamp system is to perform a diagnostic systems check. There is a symptom chart to follow if there are no codes present, but if there are codes in the system, you could be shooting yourself in the foot trying to follow the symptom chart without first correcting any fault codes. This is not your fathers headlamp system - it is equipped with tracking control and automatic headlamp leveling...VERY sophisticated. Also lots of stuff that can break...this is what I call JOB-SECURITY- - LOL!

Obviously the furst thing you need to make sure you have are the replacement lights

Step 1 Open the hood and unplug the HID power connector from the back of the headlight assembly

Step 2 Pull the protective rubber boot off the headlight housing.

Step 3 Squeeze the tabs on the wire clip that holds the headlight in place.

Step 4 Pull the headlight out of the back of the headlight housing assembly.

Step 5 Insert a new headlight.

Step 6 Secure the headlight with the factory wire clip.

Step 7 Replace the rubber boot.

Step 8 Plug the HID electrical connector back into the headlight.

I have a 2005 Lexus Rx330 with HID AFS headlight. My passenger side light went out. I thought the bulb burnt out, so I bought a new bulb. After replacing the new bulb, it happened exactly like my old bulb. It light up lightly and then total black out. What's wrong with it? I thought the ballast burnt. I called Lexus dealer and asked for the new ballast/transformer. Surprised me, they don't know what is it. They told me they only know the wiring harness and the socket, but not the ballast ??????? Could you tell me what do I need to replace?

Thanks,

The HID bulbs are very easy to change, and can be bought online for much less than from the dealer. Check sites like xenondepot and Ebay for Phillips D2R (for reflector headlamps) HID bulbs and you can replace them yourself.

HID Bulb Replacement

A transient high tension (25,000 V ) occurs at the bulb sockets of the high intensity discharge (HID) lamps when the combination light switch is turned ON, it may cause serious electrical shock or electrocution if you do not observe the cautions below.

CAUTION:

• Never turn on the combination light switch before fitting the HID bulbs to their bulb sockets and completing the reassembly of the headlight assembly.
• Do not service the headlights assembly in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, near a sprinkler system, or when your hands are wet to prevent electrocution.
• Do not touch the surface of the HID bulbs with your bare hands and do not stain it with any oils and fats.
• Do not disassemble the inverter unit and the ignitor unit.
• Do not turn on the HID bulb by using a power source other than the battery mounted on your vehicle.

1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the XM radio channel preset. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF.
2. Turn the combination light switch OFF.
3. Disconnect the battery negative cable, then disconnect the positive cable.
4. Remove the headlight assembly.

1. Remove the Torx bolt using a Torx T20 bit.
2. Turn the cover (A) 45 ° counterclockwise to remove it from the headlight assembly.

1. Turn the socket (A) 45 ° counterclockwise to remove it from the bulb (B).
2. Pull the retaining spring (C) away from the bulb then remove the bulb.
3. Make sure the bulb harness (D) is routed correctly so it does not contact the reflector (E).
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the notches in the bulb align with the tabs in the headlight.
5. After reconnecting the battery, enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the customer's XM radio channel presets.

you should be able to get in behind headlight and change the bulb. The headlights have caps on them or twist the caps off