Changing headlight globes

[crzymx]

I did a bit of searching but could not find any related topics.

I was wondering if anyone could advise me on how to change a headlight globe on an nb8a. I did my best to unbolt the headlight mounts, but i could not seem to pull it out. Thanks.

Also, the reason i am changing is as one is obviously blown, but the other seems to take time to load up. By saying that i mean it will start out orange and very dim, the after some time it will change into a brighter, white light? Is this a sypmtom of a faulty globe? Has anyone else had this problem, shoudl i be worried?

[Hammer]

Unbolt the headlight mounts????

Are you referring to actually detaching the headlight unit from the car? If so that is not required. The NB8A has HB2 (or 9003) type headlight bulbs.

It's a matter of pulling the plastic female plug (where the wire are attached to the headlight) off, and locating the retaining metal wire that secures the globe to the headlight unit and un-hooking it.

once that is done, you can simply pull the globe out without much effort.

I could be wrong as I actually have an NB8B which has a separate low (HB4) & hi-beam (H3) globes).

[crzymx]

Well im obviously travelling in the wrong direction. How are they removed?

[Mr Morlock]

Hammer describes it. Your should have a owners manual but if not try and get yourself one as it is so useful for maintaining your vehicle. Bulb replacement on any vehicle follows the same basics. Best thing get yourself a light and a mirror and look at the back of the lamp to get the" lay of the land".
Halogen bulb envelopes are best not touched with bare fingers- use gloves or a cloth or just hold on the metal base. Bulbs can only locate one way when correctly seated - no force required to locate . If a bulb has failed it is likely to reveal evidence of failure such as a broken filament or heavily blackened. You may have poor connections on the power side or on the earth so clean the connections and perhaps a spray with WD 40 might not go astray.

[crzymx]

Hammer describes it. Your should have a owners manual but if not try and get yourself one as it is so useful for maintaining your vehicle. Bulb replacement on any vehicle follows the same basics. Best thing get yourself a light and a mirror and look at the back of the lamp to get the" lay of the land".
Halogen bulb envelopes are best not touched with bare fingers- use gloves or a cloth or just hold on the metal base. Bulbs can only locate one way when correctly seated - no force required to locate . If a bulb has failed it is likely to reveal evidence of failure such as a broken filament or heavily blackened. You may have poor connections on the power side or on the earth so clean the connections and perhaps a spray with WD 40 might not go astray.

Got stolen from my glovebox

Is there a tutorial anywhere on here with pictures?

[Alex]

Don't worry I understand it can be hard the first time, with the metal clips and rubber sealing covers.
Can't remember how I did it at the time, but I'll take a look later if someone else doesn't post it up first.

[Hammer]

Well im obviously travelling in the wrong direction. How are they removed?

If the globes haven't been replaced in a long while, the female plug (plastic with wires) usually get stuck on the bulb male pins. It almost feels like the're glued on. This is caused by the heat generated by the globes and the plastic expanding and contracting over time.

Just try harder at pulling them out. I know it feels like you're about to break something, but try jigging it a few times while pulling.

Steps usually is as follows:

1. Remove the female plug (plastic end plug with wires) by pulling outwards from the headlight unit
2. Remove the rubber end cap (or seal)
3. Un-hook metal wire retaining clip. Once un-hooked, the retaining clip should swing out of the way. But it (usually) will not separate from the headlight unit - it is connected via a hinge.
4. Simply pull out the globe itself.

To install new globe, simply reverse the steps above.

I hope that helps. I'll check to see if I have any pix. If I do I'll post. My NB8B uses a different type of headlight unit, otherwise, I would have taken photos of it and posted already.

Good luck.

[crzymx]

Well im not stupid, i guess it usually just takes 'a look' for you to understand instructions with pins.. Do you think $70 for a pair of 400k Phillips headlights is too much? Im not sure what they usually go for..

[Mr Morlock]

Buying globes- just bench mark by trying a few outlets. Osram and Philips are best quality. Owners manual should be available second hand or buy from dealer- must have in my view.

[MXcrazy]

I've got a pair of 5000k Philips diamond vision globes that will soon be for sale. let me know if you want them

[crzymx]

I worked it out, it was one that was wrecked so i bought a replacement, managed to find the same one for $8 which is a cheapo version but does the trick. Apparently my brother had the phillips 400k h4's in previously and they lasted half as long as the 8 dollar ones. So i guess ill see how these go, i think i need to align the headlights because i get an uneven lightspread at night particularly from the right headlight as it seems to fall short of the left ones beam. Anyone got any tips on adjusting?

[Mr Morlock]

Adjusting headlamps- any garage or auto elect with a beam setter will do it quickly and accurately- should take no more than 10 mins max. Alternatively flat surface sufficient distance and a wall are prerequisites- you will need to look up settings on net. Poor quality bulbs will have a bearing on beam pattern as dimensional accuracy of filaments effects light pattern. Higher output bulbs - optimised bulbs have a lower life than standard bulbs. You do not get extra light without a penalty ie reduced life.

[crzymx]

I am fully aware of that, but you can multiply 8 many times before you get to 70 if you know what i mean and they still last longer than the 70 dollar ones, from expirience; i dont know if this is the case with anyone else.

I've got a pair of 5000k Philips diamond vision globes that will soon be for sale. let me know if you want them

What you selling them for?

[Garry]

You should check out the +50 type bulbs from Philips and Narva(sp?). My Philips bulbs lasted about 3 years which I thought wasn't to bad for an optimised bulb. I switched to Narva and like them even better. They seem a bit whiter than the Philips. Actually I liked them so much I put a set in my bike too and noticed a big improvement in light quality over the stock bulbs. Both sets of Narvas are only about 7 months old so I cant comment on their durability yet.

[Adam_NAclubman]

Did you touch the glass on the globe with your skin when you fitted it, or did you use gloves or a tissue/rag? Natural oils from your skin can cause the bulb to die prematurely as the areas you touch heat up at a different rate to the rest of the bulb