My H7 bulb headlight saga
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: MOFN, AL, 70 miles from George
Age: 66
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Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
Jeez, I sure hope you installed the HID headlights and LED eyebrow bulbs while you were in there.
As I'm sure you did, how much better do you think they are?
JK. I'm glad someone wrote up a nice easy guide to do this. Changing the bulbs is a pain, but I've been able to manage with my old, busted-up and deformed hands so far.
But I have a bunch of neat tools to work around my many handicaps.
Thanks again!
As I'm sure you did, how much better do you think they are?
JK. I'm glad someone wrote up a nice easy guide to do this. Changing the bulbs is a pain, but I've been able to manage with my old, busted-up and deformed hands so far.
But I have a bunch of neat tools to work around my many handicaps.
Thanks again!
Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
Geez, you just made me realize I've never gotten around to driving my XF at night. That's one way to extend the life on those nasty bulbs.
On a sour note, I've read several posts on the web that the Sylvania Silverstars burn out quite a bit quicker than plain jane H7's. Just Google Silverstar longevity. But if you save your receipt people have gotten replacements from Sylvania.
On a sour note, I've read several posts on the web that the Sylvania Silverstars burn out quite a bit quicker than plain jane H7's. Just Google Silverstar longevity. But if you save your receipt people have gotten replacements from Sylvania.
Last edited by spotsbimmer; 10-24-2009 at 02:29 AM.
Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
It can be done with out all of the fanfare if you use needlenose pliers, small mirror, and flashlight. I found it impossible using fingers. However, I did end up removing the window washer tank to get to the passenger side. Took about an hour for all four. If and when I do it again, it shouldn't be more than half that time?
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan
Age: 35
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Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
Yep, remove the rubber cover; pull the plug; unhook the clip (don't lose it); and remove the bulb. Then do the reverse making sure the tab on the bulb is in the correct position. It isn't all that hard, but I would still need the pliers, mirror and flashlight. I don't think I will remove the washer tank the next time, now that I know what I'm doing. The Silver Star Ultras haven't burned out yet after a year, and I am running the low beams as daytime running lights. However, it's not a daily driver.
Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
Simple fix to all the H-7 replacement problems. So here it is: Take a chopstick, break in half, take the wide end of the stick cut a notch "V" in it. Remove the cover, remove the wire connector to the bulb. Now take the chopstick "V" and insert on the metal wire clip that holds the bulb in place. Remove the bulb and reverse. Done 10 Min job.
Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
Yep, the Silly vania's have a lesser life.
From the company:
But, probably worth it.
I'm ordering Chinese so that I can get a tool to use...
From the company:
"The life expectancy of a SilverStar halogen light source is dependent on the driver’s use of the lights, which vary by season, time of day and number of miles driven. We estimate the SilverStar halogen lights to have a life span of up to one year under average driving conditions. "
Q) How long do the headlights last?
A) The life of any halogen bulb varies based on vehicle type, vehicle voltage, amount of time the bulb is on, road conditions, proper installation, and correct application. The average life of SilverStar® headlights is approximately one year. With our SYLVANIA SilverStar® products, the primary goal is to offer the brightest, whitest light. Research has shown SilverStar® headlights improve driver visibility and reaction time. However, since our SilverStar® headlights are up to 35% brighter and our SilverStar® ULTRA headlights are up to 50% brighter than standard halogen, they may have a shorter life span compared to our other products. We offer a wide variety of products to satisfy customer needs including brightness, durability, color options and increased visibility. We recommend evaluating your annually as part of your regular vehicle maintenance.
A) The life of any halogen bulb varies based on vehicle type, vehicle voltage, amount of time the bulb is on, road conditions, proper installation, and correct application. The average life of SilverStar® headlights is approximately one year. With our SYLVANIA SilverStar® products, the primary goal is to offer the brightest, whitest light. Research has shown SilverStar® headlights improve driver visibility and reaction time. However, since our SilverStar® headlights are up to 35% brighter and our SilverStar® ULTRA headlights are up to 50% brighter than standard halogen, they may have a shorter life span compared to our other products. We offer a wide variety of products to satisfy customer needs including brightness, durability, color options and increased visibility. We recommend evaluating your annually as part of your regular vehicle maintenance.
I'm ordering Chinese so that I can get a tool to use...
Last edited by Veloce; 12-10-2009 at 08:26 PM.
Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
Originally Posted by nox1s
Geez, first time changing the bulbs sucked for me. It was cold and at night, and raining. Took me about 15 minutes and I thought that was bad..!!
I can do them within 45 seconds without removing anything.. I'm not sure why it's so hard???
I can do them within 45 seconds without removing anything.. I'm not sure why it's so hard???
I just replaced one a week ago while I was waiting for my girl to come out of the store with pizza.
I have no idea how you people remove the spring/retaining wire, but I'm reasonably sure most of you are doing it wrong. It simply pushes in and to the side from the bottom to unhook it, then it just pivot's up and out of the way. If you're worried about losing it, you're DEFINITELY doing it wrong.
Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
Originally Posted by apkano
I have no idea how you people remove the spring/retaining wire, but I'm reasonably sure most of you are doing it wrong. It simply pushes in and to the side from the bottom to unhook it, then it just pivot's up and out of the way.
Last edited by corfire; 02-13-2010 at 11:54 AM.
Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
Originally Posted by nox1s
Geez, first time changing the bulbs sucked for me. It was cold and at night, and raining. Took me about 15 minutes and I thought that was bad..!!
I can do them within 45 seconds without removing anything.. I'm not sure why it's so hard???
I can do them within 45 seconds without removing anything.. I'm not sure why it's so hard???
Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
Originally Posted by blaispi
Simple fix to all the H-7 replacement problems. So here it is: Take a chopstick, break in half, take the wide end of the stick cut a notch "V" in it. Remove the cover, remove the wire connector to the bulb. Now take the chopstick "V" and insert on the metal wire clip that holds the bulb in place. Remove the bulb and reverse. Done 10 Min job.
I can see using a chopstick on a Honda but,
this is a German car so can we use some special German eating utensil instead?
It would make me feel better
I put HID's in mine, once you see how the clip works, it all makes sense.
Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
Using a chopstick on a Chinese made bulb makes sense as well.
Re: My H7 bulb headlight saga
What was your first clue?
l am sitting here watching the snow fall steadily while the car sits in the garage for at least another three plus months. ☹️
It’s been sitting there since the 2nd of November, which is a change from most years when it went into the garage at the beginning of October. So you can see why it has low miles on it. The joys of living in the North, mind you there are a few States North of us in Southern Ontario.
New front tires and a complete transmission oil and filter change are planned for the spring. I have friend just waiting to help me on that oil change.😉
l am sitting here watching the snow fall steadily while the car sits in the garage for at least another three plus months. ☹️
It’s been sitting there since the 2nd of November, which is a change from most years when it went into the garage at the beginning of October. So you can see why it has low miles on it. The joys of living in the North, mind you there are a few States North of us in Southern Ontario.
New front tires and a complete transmission oil and filter change are planned for the spring. I have friend just waiting to help me on that oil change.😉
Last edited by onehundred80; 01-23-2024 at 04:35 PM.
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