CX-5 Tech Pkg Xenon Bulb Swap (pics)

[raden]

I spent more then an hour trying to get the bulb out but I just couldn't.. I don't want to pull too hard to rip the wiring.... Man I really want to do the swap but I think I'm going to pass on this...

Have you tried twisting the power cable 1/3 of the way (i believe to the left)? I would recommend getting a small mirror and a light and familiarizing yourself with it's inner working. If you haven't done so already. The bulb is held in with a clip retainer, which looks something like this: (FYI, pic is from a different car.)

Here is what the bulb looks like from the back:

As you can see, you twist the connector off the bulb, it's really simple. PM me if you continue to have trouble!

 

[kimchei6]

yea I tried twice but just couldn't get the connector off. I'm going to wait until fall when it gets a bit cooler.. i was sweating like a pig and got eaten by misquitos while trying to do this... oh wells..

 

[raden]

yea I tried twice but just couldn't get the connector off. I'm going to wait until fall when it gets a bit cooler.. i was sweating like a pig and got eaten by misquitos while trying to do this... oh wells..

Sorry to hear that you're having trouble bud. when you try again, try to push in on the connector a bit, gentle pressure.

 

[HelloMello]

Reviving old thread, does this still apply to the 2014 Touring (non-tech)? I removed the DRL today and it is still 9005/HB3, but before I try to twist my arm getting to it, is the low projector still H11?

Also, has anyone with the White Pearl used the 5000k HID? I was planning 6000k just for a nice contrast to the paint but curious to see if i like it in the 5000k?

And lastly, what bulbs are used for the fogs, so I can put 3000k HID?

Thanks

 

[RedBaron]

Reviving old thread, does this still apply to the 2014 Touring (non-tech)? I removed the DRL today and it is still 9005/HB3, but before I try to twist my arm getting to it, is the low projector still H11?

Also, has anyone with the White Pearl used the 5000k HID? I was planning 6000k just for a nice contrast to the paint but curious to see if i like it in the 5000k?

And lastly, what bulbs are used for the fogs, so I can put 3000k HID?

Thanks

All the bulb types are in your user manual. The Low Beam is still H11, yes. Not sure of the fog - don't have my manual at work

 

[HelloMello]

Too bad, I have a used pair of 6000k in a 9006 bulb and will research if I can find a cheap adapter. Thanks REDBARON, love the red but wife chose the white, guess I will respect her decision since it is her ride.

 

[DrewNL]

The Fogs are apparently H11 as well according to the manual.

 

[spoogenhatch]

Looks like your light output definitely took a trip south. No thanks, but to each their own.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

I could not get the bubl itself out; I tired using a jar opener (rubber mat) and a light pull with pliers. Don't want to **** something up so I will remove the bumper tomorrow and install it. Edit: I found a mazda 3 xenon swap how to..on the mazda3 forum (google it, can't link that forum here) it's a little more detailed for those that are having issues.

 

[raden]

I have recently switched to the DDM Tuning D4S 5000K bulbs for my headlights. The light output is much better, while keeping the white light.

Chris,

The most difficult part of the whole process is actually reaching the bulb housing to pull it out. You have to have skinny wrists for this type of work. I wish I knew how the dealer mechanics do this.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

I have recently switched to the DDM Tuning D4S 5000K bulbs for my headlights. The light output is much better, while keeping the white light.

Chris,

The most difficult part of the whole process is actually reaching the bulb housing to pull it out. You have to have skinny wrists for this type of work. I wish I knew how the dealer mechanics do this.

Yea, I'm skinny... $1.50.... The issue I believe is that I did not know how the retaining clips were seated, but I saw an example of replacement with the headlight removed, so I will try to feel out and remove the clips without removing the bumper.

 

[MikeM.]

I know some of you will say that the "lumen output is lower" or "it's not as bright as the stock ones" but I am happy with it.

Yeah, it's hard to tell from a photo but the OEM lights do look brighter.

Plus, the replacement lights output blue light!

No thanks!

 

[raden]

Yeah, it's hard to tell from a photo but the OEM lights do look brighter.

Plus, the replacement lights output blue light!

No thanks!

To each their own I recently changed the bulbs to 5000k DDM D4S bulbs. They are slightly brighter than the 6000k. I do not like the yellowing of the OEM bulbs, I prefer solid-white light.

 

[MikeM.]

To each their own I recently changed the bulbs to 5000k DDM D4S bulbs. They are slightly brighter than the 6000k. I do not like the yellowing of the OEM bulbs, I prefer solid-white light.

I wouldn't call it "yellowing". The OEM HID's are slightly warmer than natural sunlight. Studies have shown this penetrates mist and rain slightly more effectively by producing less glare. It is also slightly less tiring on the eyes during long night drives. Living in a northerly climate with long, wet winter nights I want the most effective lighting I can get without becoming a nuisance to my fellow motorists.

 

[raden]

I wouldn't call it "yellowing". The OEM HID's are slightly warmer than natural sunlight. Studies have shown this penetrates mist and rain slightly more effectively by producing less glare. It is also slightly less tiring on the eyes during long night drives. Living in a northerly climate with long, wet winter nights I want the most effective lighting I can get without becoming a nuisance to my fellow motorists.

I know what you mean. I live in northern NJ. I've had 5000k bulbs in this car for about 4 months now. They are really bright and just the right color for me and my eyes. I do a lot of driving at night as well. Again, to each their own. I am just speaking from my experience. At some point, I may drop in the OEM bulbs again, just to see if there is any major difference.

Would you happen to have a link to the studies you mentioned? I am interested in reading more about that.

 

[MikeM.]

You can read specifics here:http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/lights/light_color/light_color.html

There are a couple of links to literature containing the studies but it looks like it must be purchased. But Daniel Stern does a good job of explaining the physiology of it.

 

[Evo2099]

Sorry that I'm late to the game. But go ahead and call me George Romero because I'm raising this thread from the dead... I am in need of the photos that were posted by Raden in post #1. Can anyone assist me with a re-post or re-direct so I can finish this project without any accident? '14 CX-5 GT w/ Tech. My P13W bulbs are happy, but my D4S Bulbs sitting in a box... looking sad. Thanks everyone.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

Sorry that I'm late to the game. But go ahead and call me George Romero because I'm raising this thread from the dead... I am in need of the photos that were posted by Raden in post #1. Can anyone assist me with a re-post or re-direct so I can finish this project without any accident? '14 CX-5 GT w/ Tech. My P13W bulbs are happy, but my D4S Bulbs sitting in a box... looking sad. Thanks everyone.

to be honest the pics didn't really show a "how-to" or the important clip mechanism.. If you have a skinny wrist and you can manipulate the clip w/o bending it, you can do it, otherwise loosen/remove the bumper and don't worry about bending the clip.
Once you twist the cap off the light assembly, here is what the clip looks like. Study it and you can probably manipulate it w/o removing the bumper. Just know if you bend it loose, your light will be loose in the socket.

 

[Evo2099]

Thank you Chris_Top_Her! I will study the photo prior to any further attempts. On the bottom right of your pictures, there is that black box with the gray plug and white (knob) with arrows. Do we know what this is? Our curiosity managed to unsnap the locks all around it and get it open and discover some little gears in it. I'm guessing it's part of the adaptive front lighting system...I had a bad habit of taking stuff apart when I was a child. I've got to put an end to that habit.

After messing with this stuff last night, I had noticed that my headlights were not leveled properly. Visibility on my left lamp is great, so I have no reason to believe it is pointed downward. When pointed at a wall, I am seeing that the light from my right lamp is nearly an inch higher than my left. I've been all over this forum for the last few days and I can't remember who spoke about headlights purposely aimed like this. The left lamp not as high as the right so that it wouldn't blind any oncoming traffic. I have yet to locate a manual adjustment screw behind the lamp yet. Can anyone confirm that their light alignment is set in a similar fashion to mine? Unless, I find out that this was done on purpose I continue to feel like my car has a lazy eye. LoL

Thanks again Chris_Top_Her for the photos and thanks ahead to anyone who can further assist me with my questions regarding my lights (debacle). Have a good weekend everyone.

 

[Skorpio]

Thank you Chris_Top_Her! I will study the photo prior to any further attempts. On the bottom right of your pictures, there is that black box with the gray plug and white (knob) with arrows. Do we know what this is?

The white knob is the vertical level adjustment. Clockwise raises the headlight beam pattern, counter clockwise lowers it.