New clear headlamps..... but bulb problem!

J

JustCruzin

Member
Fitted new clear lense headlamps yesterday which was significantly made easier by Mr Rogers excellent write up on the 'how to' section on the forum (thanks). Bumper removal is easy but one of the retaining screws on the headlamp assembly is fiddly.Thin fingers help but my body fat served as great insulation in my cold garage. Getting the spacing right around the headlamps took a little while but wasn't dificult.

Commited sin by fitting H7 HIDs with thin ballasts which I housed inside the headlamp cases. I chose to change the 501 sidelights to 'error free' LED lights (flat oblong blade with 2 LEDs from a reputable supplier I have used many times andpersonally recommend). Everything fine. All switches on ok, no error, loving the look. Engine off, went to put the car back in the garage, engine on again, you guessed it, bulb failure light on!!! :headbang:

:cry: The error is as follows: if I now put on the side lights on their own the left LED initially 'strobes' for about 5 seconds then stays on fine, but the right LED stays off and instead the right indicator lights stay on unblinking. If I turn on the HIDs (dipped beam) the right indicator turns off and functions normally but the right LED stays off (high beams and fogs are fine).

Suffice to say it is very gutting after this hard work :( . The LEDs are meant to be error free and tested on BMWs etc... The other thing that baffles me is why it worked initially and why the left hand lamp works fine.

I really don't want to take the whole front end apart again and I know I can access the bulbs from the wheel arch but this seems like a tight squeeze (especially for me).

Any suggestions welcome.

Cheers
 
Indicator light on means bulb out, and with the LED flashing and one not working, I think you know where the problem lies ...
 
Agree, sounds like duff/dodgy LED sidelight bulbs to me. Your right, it is a dam tight fit to replace them via the wheelarch access hatch but it is posible - easier to do that (even taking the front wheels off) rather than remove bumper. I fitted my HID kit without removing the front bumper this way...
 
Have you tried the non working LED the other way around in the socket. They only work one way

The indicator staying on is telling you the sidelight bulb is not working.

No need to remove anything to access the sidelights, just reach in via the access panel. Tip - if you tuen the LED sidelight on then you know it's working and then can use the light viewed from the front to simply guide it tot he right spot to push in - simples...

Don't have the HID's on while fiddling though as death will slow you down ......
 
Thanks you very much for the advice. I am currently rather water logged so I will observe for a safer environment and avoid the 23000 volt shock- but seriously I will ensure the HIDs are powered down.

I am grateful :D

Cheers
 
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