HID bulb replacement

[OmaHahn]

OK - I did a search to no avail. So my questions is: I was at a red light a couple weeks ago next to a newer Mercedes - I really liked how much more "white" his headlights were than my 2014 SHO's 4,300k HID. After doing some research I found out on the Kelvin chart our 4,300 is pretty close to the yellow spectrum just entering into the white / sunlight spectrum. Looks like around 5,000k is perfect for pure white. Anyway, I bought some 5k Phillips bulbs and it appears the driver's side is buried in the fender! Any ideas how to change the driver's side bulb? Thank you!

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

I might be able to answer this question in a few days, I just ordered the D3S Bulb from Dan Smith if you come across answer before I do let me know It appears the bulb is removable but the Ballast is part of the headlamp housing. I need to get a mirror and flashlight but looks like a few screws just slide out.

 

[OmaHahn]

Dan at Daytime? Didn't know he sold just bulbs. What Kelvin did you buy?

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Kind of an accident....I ordered the HID kit as part of the LED DRL KIT....when I got the HID part I realized it was the whole assembly. The kit he originally sent was for the NON SHO models. I realized the mistake immediately and contacted him. He apologized and after further research he realized I needed the bulb only. The ballast is part of the lens/reflector assembly. They do sell the D3S bulb alone as a kit. I returned the old kit ad he is sending out the D3S bulbs today, and crediting the difference back to my PayPal.

 

[OmaHahn]

Hey 2011Taurus I cheated on the install. I made friends with the SM at my Ford dealer and one of the techs is going to install my bulbs during the free oil change! I'm going to give the tech a $20 spot for doing this. So I'm sorry I can't be of any help on the install. Good luck to you and keep us posted. I know others are going to do this upgrade. Thanks!

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Curse you!!!!! From what I can see on the passengers side it was a turn and release but not exactly a "Quick Disconnect" I will know more then the new bulb arrives.

 

[OmaHahn]

***UPDATE*** Anyone see the movie Falling Down with Michael Douglas? I am so seriously close to snapping and losing it!!!!! Apparently, THREE Ford techs and a manager can't change a light bulb! There's a joke here somewhere but I'm in absolutely no mood for humor!!!!
I get home from dealership excited about my lights - park my car in dark garage and turn headlights on......WTF? Driver side aiming down and passenger side is flickering and all jacked up!
I run right back up to Baxter Ford Omaha and there's 3 techs that come to the car and even a manager! They work and work on it. Come to the conclusion the passenger side is defective.
I come home and email the seller of the lights about their warranty and guarantee.
Well I'm stewing in utter rage in my house! I lose it and pop the hood. BOTH the rubber boots had fallen off and both light bulbs are just laying there loose in the assembly!
10 mins later I have both sides fixed and working properly!
The passenger side has a small chip in the glass housing and the white ceramic pillar next to the bulb cracked. The light works but will this damage eventually ruin the bulb?
On Gen 4 SHOs the bulb install is easy just take your time and you have to play with the light and wire to seat the new light back into the assembly.
NEVER EVER use Baxter dealerships in Omaha!!!!!! Also had bad luck with their body shop! Took car in for minor work, get car back and driver's seat plastic piece covering the seat adjustments is completely busted! Didn't even try to be honest with me just pushed it together! I kept hearing a squeak and found the damage!
Taking my baseball bat and going to Baxter of Omaha!!!!

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Great movie....I remember him going off because he went in for Breakfast at 1029 and they were on lunch or vice versa.

Don't suppose you got photos of the headlight install did you?

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Took a bit but I got the 6000K HID Bulbs installed. Believe it or not and maybe its my left handed but I found the Drivers side easier. When you remove the bulbs you will note the gas tube is green on the OEM bulbs and white on the 6000K bulbs. There is nothing more to it than green for OEM (4300K) and White for the Daytime Bright (6000K) simple as that. Gas tube facing down which also lines up with the connector.

Removing the air filter box and the Air charge tube will definitely help to give you more room to work with.

 

[OmaHahn]

You're right and I'm kicking myself still for not even trying to look at doing it myself first! I just thought, Ford dealer, $20.00...saves me time and hassle - OH BOY was I wrong!!! I actually got a check in the mail yesterday from the Ford dealer that royally screwed up my lights for $125.00! Paid me for the light and labor! So i ended up doing the lights again myself and they aren't difficult at all - and I have the MDesign CAI so there's actually tons of room on driver's side. The passenger side has that metal brace. Hey - did you have a hard time with getting the wiring harness (where the wires attach to the bulb) back into the housing? I had to bend them a little and fiddle around like crazy to get bulb and wires back into the housing.
How do you like the 6000 so far? I installed 5000 and they're a perfect white color - I'm curious how they would compare to a 6000. You increased almost 2000 Kelvin, any bluish color?

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

They look perfectly white and natural. I think above 6000K is where the bluish tint comes in. My biggest problem with the wiring harness was the metal clips came undone but I made sure the connection was good and slid it back in. Shame on Ford for making the connection at the bottom instead of the side or preferably rear so you could disconnect, remove replace and then connect....of course that keeps most people coming in for the replacement. I should be good for a while although I did Break one of the OEM bulbs...fortunately during removal so I was committed at that time to replacing at least the drivers side. Send me a PM with email address and I can send you a couple of photos.