nataharli Posted June 24, 2018 Report Share Posted June 24, 2018 I've done a search through the forums and can't seem to come up with an answer to my problem. Most of the posts I find are 3-4 years old and, since I'm a visual type guy, found them to be without pics. So here's my problem. One of my headlights burned out and I ordered an OEM (or so I thought) headlight replacement. Got to thinking about it and after looking on Amazon found a set of LED bulbs (also supposedly OEM) for $40. So, I decided to go the LED route. They arrived today and after finally getting the left side assembly out I took to bulb out. The housing isn't remotely like anything I've seen before and neither of the OEMs will fit properly into the housing. Here's a pic of where I'm at. (Can't seem to upload pic so I've attached it) The bulb on the left is the original, the one in the middle is the LED (the ballast is at the end of the cable) and the one on the right is the supposed OEM replacement. As you can see, the housings of the original and the 2 replacements are completely different. I've racked my brain trying to figure out how to make one of the replacements work but I'm at a loss. Has anyone else run into this problem? Did I order the wrong items? Is there some kind of kit to retrofit from original to the supposed OEMs? Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nataharli Posted June 24, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2018 I can't believe how totally dumb I am. Problem solved! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C-Maxine Posted June 25, 2018 Report Share Posted June 25, 2018 What was the issue and fix? Which one did you go with? If LED, is it brighter than OEM? Just realized my driver side light is out. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nataharli Posted June 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2018 What was the issue and fix? Which one did you go with? If LED, is it brighter than OEM? Just realized my driver side light is out. Thanks!The problem was I took it apart when all I needed to do was turn the bulb to remove it. If you look at the left bulb you can see the outer rim. I did not need to remove that. Now, you are lucky the one that went out was on the driver's side. Although it's a PITA to remove the whole headlight assembly, it can be done. After that it's pretty easy to replace the bulb if you just twist it and remove it. I'm still trying to figure out how to remove the headlight assembly on the passenger side. So far no luck. I've not had a chance to drive at night but from just comparing the old and new I'd say the new is way brighter. I'll try to remember to post an update after I've driven at night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nataharli Posted June 26, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2018 It is so much brighter it's unbelievable. Sure hope I can figure out how to get the other headlight assembly out so I can replace that bulb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C-Maxine Posted June 26, 2018 Report Share Posted June 26, 2018 Which bulb did you end up installing then? I bought the Phillips H11 VisionPlus from Amazon for $11/bulb. Claims to be 60% brighter than standard halogen. I found this thread which has quite a few good tips for replacing the bulbs, http://fordcmaxhybridforum.com/topic/814-replacing-headlight-bulbs/?do=findComment&comment=4921. It looks like you can just loosen screws and slide the assembly forward to give you enough access to take out old and install new. Post #10 in that link said: "just replaced mine and took about 5 minutes, the driver's side i did remove the 2 torx screws and the assembly moved about an inch forward- that give me enough space to replace the light. on the passenger side, it took about a minute." Or if you want to remove the assembly someone mentioned this tip (post #11):"One little helpful bit: there's two painted 10mm bolts that hold the side body panel in place, near the hood hinge. If you remove those bolts, you can flex the body panel just a little bit outward, and the back part of the light assembly will come out and up." Bill-N and obob 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarenHayes Posted November 20, 2018 Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 Nataharli which bulbs did u order? I'd love a link if possible.. I really want LEDs.. I find it so hard to see at night while driving (in any car with halogen).. Led should be standard on all cars. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill-N Posted November 29, 2018 Report Share Posted November 29, 2018 I recently replaced the drivers-side turn signal bulb and it was indeed a PITA. Question for the group: how is the wiring harness connector removed from the headlight assembly? I couldn't see or feel any tab to depress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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