Today we're going to be replacing some HID bulbs WITHOUT removing the front bumper or headlight assemblies!
Our victim today is my 2016 Optima SXL with fancy factory HID projectors that turn and do all sorts of tricks, including for making it difficult to change the bulbs. I had already changed out my bulbs before, but the bulbs I had used were cheap and they weren't nearly bright enough so I decided to get some good ones this time around.
The bulbs were purchased from K5 Optima Store.
Link to the bulbs:
K5 Optima Store - OSRAM XENARC 66340 CBI HID D3S Bulbs
The 2016 SXL takes the D3S bulbs instead of the D1S that the earlier models use.
What you'll need:
- Multiple length Phillips Screwdrivers - preferably magnetic tipped.
- 10mm Socket and ratchet to turn it with.
- Some sort of magnet on a stick - for when you drop a screw.
- Electrical tape - to keep the screws on the the screwdriver.
- Patience.
- Minor contortionist skills.
Step 1:
We're going to start on the passenger side first, since there is more room and you can kind of see things.
Remove the 10mm bolts securing the over-flow tank and move it out of the way.
Step 2:
Remove the circular cover on the backside of the headlight housing, it may help to take a picture with your phone to see what it looks like on the inside because you'll be doing this blind.
There are 2 Phillips head screws holding a "Squared U" shape metal bracket to the inside of the housing.
Step 3:
Remove the screws, then the bracket (it might be stuck to the metal casing on the bulb, just give it a little love to remove it).
Pull the bulb out of the housing, remove the electrical connector (you might have to give this a little love as well). Congratulations, you've reached the point of no return.
Step 4:
Get your new fancy bulb - DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS!!!
On some bulb models you may have to switch over the circular spring thing from your OEM bulbs, do so now.
Step 5:
Connect electrical plug and insert the bulb into the housing.
Grab your bracket - Now you can either insert one screw into the bracket and put your screwdriver onto it before putting it into the housing, OR you can try to get it in after. You'll probably have to do a mix of both things, to be honest. You will also need to have both hands inside the housing at times to hold things and feel around. Be prepared to drop the screws more than once!
If you drop one of the screws in the housing, just use a stick magnet, or the magnetic tipped screw driver to retrieve it - they don't go very far.
An alternative method is to grab a piece of electrical tape, push the screw through the sticky side and then fold the tape up onto the shank of the screwdriver. Like so:
Then simply pull the tape off once the screw is started.
When you get your first screw lined up only screw it in a few turns, it is very easy to strip/cross the threads. You will need to apply forward pressure to the bulb/bracket in order to start the screws as well (due to the spring thingy). Make sure everything is lined up, then insert your second screw and tighten both down a little at a time so that you don't get anything crooked.
Reassemble as necessary.
Step 6:
You may want to check the operation of your headlights after completing one side.
Step 7:
Remove the 10mm nut holding the diagnostic port and push it down out of your way.
Step 8:
Remove the round cover and everything else is the same as the passenger side, just with less room.
I highly recommend using the electrical tape trick with the screwdriver when reassembling this side, it really helps a lot.
You might even want to put a small magnet in the assembly to catch your screws if you drop them.
Conclusion:
Once you've completed, check both your headlights to make sure they work. Don't be alarmed if the color is not quite right yet because the bulbs can take around 60 to 80 hours of use for the true color to burn in.
Hope this guide has helped and that you didn't lose any screws! :thumbsup:
(Yes, the second time was much easier than the first, but just buy good quality bulbs from the get go)
Our victim today is my 2016 Optima SXL with fancy factory HID projectors that turn and do all sorts of tricks, including for making it difficult to change the bulbs. I had already changed out my bulbs before, but the bulbs I had used were cheap and they weren't nearly bright enough so I decided to get some good ones this time around.
The bulbs were purchased from K5 Optima Store.
Link to the bulbs:
K5 Optima Store - OSRAM XENARC 66340 CBI HID D3S Bulbs
The 2016 SXL takes the D3S bulbs instead of the D1S that the earlier models use.
What you'll need:
- Multiple length Phillips Screwdrivers - preferably magnetic tipped.
- 10mm Socket and ratchet to turn it with.
- Some sort of magnet on a stick - for when you drop a screw.
- Electrical tape - to keep the screws on the the screwdriver.
- Patience.
- Minor contortionist skills.
Step 1:
We're going to start on the passenger side first, since there is more room and you can kind of see things.
Remove the 10mm bolts securing the over-flow tank and move it out of the way.
Step 2:
Remove the circular cover on the backside of the headlight housing, it may help to take a picture with your phone to see what it looks like on the inside because you'll be doing this blind.
There are 2 Phillips head screws holding a "Squared U" shape metal bracket to the inside of the housing.
Step 3:
Remove the screws, then the bracket (it might be stuck to the metal casing on the bulb, just give it a little love to remove it).
Pull the bulb out of the housing, remove the electrical connector (you might have to give this a little love as well). Congratulations, you've reached the point of no return.
Step 4:
Get your new fancy bulb - DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS!!!
On some bulb models you may have to switch over the circular spring thing from your OEM bulbs, do so now.
Step 5:
Connect electrical plug and insert the bulb into the housing.
Grab your bracket - Now you can either insert one screw into the bracket and put your screwdriver onto it before putting it into the housing, OR you can try to get it in after. You'll probably have to do a mix of both things, to be honest. You will also need to have both hands inside the housing at times to hold things and feel around. Be prepared to drop the screws more than once!
If you drop one of the screws in the housing, just use a stick magnet, or the magnetic tipped screw driver to retrieve it - they don't go very far.
An alternative method is to grab a piece of electrical tape, push the screw through the sticky side and then fold the tape up onto the shank of the screwdriver. Like so:
Then simply pull the tape off once the screw is started.
When you get your first screw lined up only screw it in a few turns, it is very easy to strip/cross the threads. You will need to apply forward pressure to the bulb/bracket in order to start the screws as well (due to the spring thingy). Make sure everything is lined up, then insert your second screw and tighten both down a little at a time so that you don't get anything crooked.
Reassemble as necessary.
Step 6:
You may want to check the operation of your headlights after completing one side.
Step 7:
Remove the 10mm nut holding the diagnostic port and push it down out of your way.
Step 8:
Remove the round cover and everything else is the same as the passenger side, just with less room.
I highly recommend using the electrical tape trick with the screwdriver when reassembling this side, it really helps a lot.
You might even want to put a small magnet in the assembly to catch your screws if you drop them.
Conclusion:
Once you've completed, check both your headlights to make sure they work. Don't be alarmed if the color is not quite right yet because the bulbs can take around 60 to 80 hours of use for the true color to burn in.
Hope this guide has helped and that you didn't lose any screws! :thumbsup:
(Yes, the second time was much easier than the first, but just buy good quality bulbs from the get go)
