Headlight bulb replacement

[seawaatty]

The headlight bulb on the driver side of 2001 has burned out. I bought the new bulb and was able to gain access to the plug by removing the overflow bottle, plug and rubber cover. The bulb appears to be held in by two wire retainers, what is the secret to getting the bulb out from under the wire retainers.

[boogetyboogety]

The wire simply unclips and folds out of the way. Squeeze it, you'll see what I mean. And on the driver's side, yes, you must remove the windshield wiper fluid reservoir first... Replacing a bulb in our Insights is about as simple as in any vehicle I've ever seen...

Just looked: Page 198 - 199 in the OM

[gilbertguy]

Remember not to touch the new bulb with your finders, use gloves or plastic bag as the oils from your skin will cause the bulb to fail prematurely.

[jerrydelrey]

The wire retainers are spring loaded. They are held in on one end on a hook like thing. look for the end of the wire that has a small bend, push it in (fwd), and move it up or down. It will unhook and open like a door. The bulb will then be loose and can be removed.

[Willie Williford]

Come on Dick, the wiper reservoir is on the passenger side.
which doesn't have to be removed.
Willie

[AbCaRed00]

Originally Posted by Willie Williford

Come on Dick, the wiper reservoir is on the passenger side.
which doesn't have to be removed.
Willie

Likely he meant the coolant overflow reservoir at front left. The pic here shows the rubber cover for the headlight bulb accessible after the coolant overflow reservoir has been lifted up out of it's vertical bracket, [partially seen at left side of the image].
The right side rubber cover can be partially seen directly viewed from the top in this image. I think the edge of the neck of the windshield fluid reservoir is seen at the right side of the pic.
______________
I use alcohol and soft cloth to clean a headlight bulb if it might have been touched. In the past I put dielectric grease on those type of electrical connections which were more exposed on other vehicles, but haven't gone there yet and maybe as it's covered it isn't required.

[Willie Williford]

I agree thats what he likely meant, but Dick should know better.
(It's a personal pun)
Willie

[Docrings]

Yup... just replaced both my bulbs in about 10 minutes. The driver bulb burned out, so thought better to just replace both now, since the passenger bulb is just as old, and likely to blow soon.

The coolant overflow bottle on the driver side just slips up and out of the way to get at the driver bulb.

The black large rubber surround seal is easy to pry up from its base, and the wire connector comes off with it. The wire retainer clip is easily unhooked and rotated out of the way to remove the old bulb (the connector will have grease on it, so use gloves, and change before handling the new bulb).

The bulb goes in with the middle wire connector facing "up"...

Reverse for installation.

Easy, peasy.

Cheers,
Doc

PS: Used cheap 9003 bulbs from Wal-Mart. About $18 for two. We'll see how long they last.

[thedhgroup]

Has anybody ever used LED bulbs for the headlights or is that a bad idea? Do they even make them?

[Eli]

I don't think they exist yet. Just not practical... yet.

3-4000 lumen LEDs exist, but they are expensive and have thermal challenges to overcome.