97 Headlight
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
97 Headlight
The 1997 car I just purchased has a headlight out. What I mean is that with the low beams on, the "eye" is empty, but comes on when you hit the highs. I looked and didn't see any ballast but the owner's manual seems to say I have litronic headlights because it looks and comes out just the way the book says. Someone on here said the code for this type of headlight is 601. I don't have that listed under options. Was this standard for this model year?
Any way, I went to my local auto parts store to replace the lower bulb (They said it was H1) but the socket is still dark. The book says I need to contact a dealer. Can anyone shed light on this (hah hah- couldn't resist!)
Thanks in advance.
Any way, I went to my local auto parts store to replace the lower bulb (They said it was H1) but the socket is still dark. The book says I need to contact a dealer. Can anyone shed light on this (hah hah- couldn't resist!)
Thanks in advance.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,471
Likes: 209
From: Tacoma, WA
With the hood open, remove the lower carpet, if you have a little box on each side with wires going into the fender they are HID, if not, you have normal lights.
Now, to remove the light, there is a metal lever. Just push in the black plastic holding it, & turn, the headlight will pop out. Then just change the bulb.
Total time should be about 2 min a side.
Now, to remove the light, there is a metal lever. Just push in the black plastic holding it, & turn, the headlight will pop out. Then just change the bulb.
Total time should be about 2 min a side.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 3
From: Tampa, FL
Both bulbs are H1, so make sure you replaced the one behind the little lens.
Each headlamp is on its own fuse. Wouldn't hurt to check them. passenger side of trunk under the carpet near the windshield. The fuses are listed in the box.
So are they litronic?
Each headlamp is on its own fuse. Wouldn't hurt to check them. passenger side of trunk under the carpet near the windshield. The fuses are listed in the box.
So are they litronic?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
No litronic. H1s like you said. While I was under there I discovered two things.
1. There is a wire running through a grommet into the headlight unit on the driver's side. There is no wire on the right side. Any idea what it is?
2.I just discovered that the PO broke the lever that moves the headlight capsule out so that the bulbs can be changed. The rod moves without engaging. It also wiggles back and forth so I believe it has broken free from hole that stabilizes it and gives torque to the bend in the rod. Right now the bulbs are fine, but I just know one day one of them will blow and I'll be right where I am now. Can someone suggest a way to get the unit out?
Thanks in advance.
1. There is a wire running through a grommet into the headlight unit on the driver's side. There is no wire on the right side. Any idea what it is?
2.I just discovered that the PO broke the lever that moves the headlight capsule out so that the bulbs can be changed. The rod moves without engaging. It also wiggles back and forth so I believe it has broken free from hole that stabilizes it and gives torque to the bend in the rod. Right now the bulbs are fine, but I just know one day one of them will blow and I'll be right where I am now. Can someone suggest a way to get the unit out?
Thanks in advance.
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 3
From: Tampa, FL
1. If there is a separate wire running into the headlight unit it's not stock (as far as I know). Those are typically wires for aftermarket HID units. Depending on how the PO wired, the ballast may be inside the headlamp assembly or outside.
2. If you are unable to pry the headlight unit out out from the front of the car, you should be able to push it out from behind by jacking up your car, taking that wheel off, then taking out the front fender liner. If the bar is broken or otherwise not engaged, the light should come out fairly easily.
Is this what you're talking about on number 2? How do you know there's a wire to one unit and not one to the other if you hadn't had both out?
dave
2. If you are unable to pry the headlight unit out out from the front of the car, you should be able to push it out from behind by jacking up your car, taking that wheel off, then taking out the front fender liner. If the bar is broken or otherwise not engaged, the light should come out fairly easily.
Is this what you're talking about on number 2? How do you know there's a wire to one unit and not one to the other if you hadn't had both out?
dave
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