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Nice write-up. Good to see a different approach that works.

 

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!

 

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.

 

Hopefully your Sylvannia bulbs last longer than the ones in my S40! 2 pairs in 3 months= New Brand.

 

I quit buying the Silverstars for that reason. I don't drive at night very much but 1 bulb every three months is crazy!

I did get faster installing the bulbs from all the practice. Plus, using di-electric silicone grease on the plugs made it much easier.

 

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?

 

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???

 

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.

 

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.

 

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...

 

LOL Troy...... that is exactly what I was thinking!

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.

 

I've only replaced mine once, but found it easier to just remove the clip because it seemed to be in the way a bit when it was just unclipped on one side and pushed to the other side. It removes easy with a needle nose pliers by compressing the clip a bit. Yes, you do run the risk of losing it. After seeing how it all goes together the first time, I will probably just swing it to the side as you do. Either way, it's not really all that hard!

 

Same here. Not knowing what to do, it took 15 minutes to change both left and right low beams.

 

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.

 

Using a chopstick on a Chinese made bulb makes sense as well.

 

You must really be bored to reply to a 14 year old thread.

 

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.😉

 

I'm pretty bored too at the moment but thoroughly enjoying travel and retirement !!!

 

Ditto that!