Is it just me? The Protege5 goes thru headlight bulbs like its food

[Reverb]

I just installed my HID's last weekend. You pretty much have to take the headlights out, or you're working blindly. Basically you have to take the front bumper off. It's not too difficult, but look for the "Headlight Blackout" How-To and it will show you what you need to do.

Thanks guys. I will be installing the HID's on Saturday. I will let you both know how it went.

 

[Valk]

what the hell you don't have to take s*** off to install hids. install the bulbs, find a place to stick the ballast to, connect the wires, done.

 

[Matt V]

what the hell you don't have to take s*** off to install hids. install the bulbs, find a place to stick the ballast to, connect the wires, done.

Easier said than done. The passenger side on the P5 is VERY cramped and the drivers side is ok to do, but I always prefer to remove my headlights to have plenty of room to work with and not chance screwing up the clips.

 

[spacgoste]

I was going thru heaslight bulbs every 6 months. I finally put an hid kit on from RPM. I want to thank this forum for this info. I did this upgrade last jan. I have not had any problems since.

 

[Rockin03mp5]

i put my hids on without removing the bumper. it took a little wiggling, but i got the clips eventually. had to kinda bend the washer fluid reservoir out of the way. i didnt break it though, but i have heard of it happening.

 

[randyj69]

yea h7 bulbs sux asss get hids n dont break the clips the hold the bulbs in

 

[Magik Skool Bus]

Two or three weekends ago I replaced the alternator because i was going through a set of headlights ever other tank of gas. On monday I saw that my driver side was out and then today noticed that my passenger side was out. So Im just giving in and bought an HID kit just waiting for it to get here.

 

[dtre83]

so my driver side low beam bulb just went out. when i got the car it was rigged with two different style bulbs, one of the adaptors was missing that changes from 3 to 2 prong or vice versa, i forget, and one was just hangin there. is the ddm kit a good deal? is the $40 kit all i need? i live on a very bumpy dirt road and hoping with the hid kit and making sure the clips are good will keep me from gettin pulled over. i don't like the police. please help!

 

[newsboy86]

I have this problem with my P5 and my mom has this problem with her 3! This just about confirms (in my mind) that its the junk H7 connectors that come with these cars! I looked at mine today cause my driver side blew out again after only two weeks, and I can see rust and corrosion in the harness' connector that plugs into the adapter/extender that the bulb plugs into. I will be replacing the harness connectors on both cars, but both cars are still going HID anyway!!

 

[metalbeater]

Socket failure

I'm original owner of an '02 P5 and buy bulbs in bulk since going through them every 6 to 9 months. Today, when the bulb quit working, I went to change it and found the pigtail socket had melted along with the bottom of the bulb. I checked the other side and found it to be damaged as well. Anyone know of any TSB's on headlights fro the P5? The dealer suggested a new wiring harness.

 

[roy obanion]

HID kits are really cheap now from DDM tuning. Mine has been flawless for a couple of years.

 

[Matt V]

For you guys that need new plugs:

http://autolumination.com/connectors.htm

 

[metalbeater]

HID upgrade?

When installing the HID kit, Do you need to use the H7 bulb adapter base, or is this eliminated with the DDM kit? Just wondering what keeps the HID bulb in place.

 

[mx-p5]

bulb itself is still held in by the bulb retainer clip

the bulb has wires on it that plug into the H7 plug

 

[metalbeater]

headlight connector meltdown

P5 bulb connectors are not made to fit H7 bulbs, they're made to fit the bulb base adapter. I ordered aftermarket bulb connectors to replace mine when they melted. I ordered H7 connectors. They won't fit, they're too small. Can anyone identify what size bulb connector we have. My guess is that they used the standard Protege wiring harness and used the bulb base adapter to use the same harness. What size bulb is used in the protege?

 

[metalbeater]

headlight connector meltdown

P5 bulb connectors are not made to fit H7 bulbs, they're made to fit the bulb base adapter. I ordered aftermarket bulb connectors to replace mine when they melted. I ordered H7 connectors. They won't fit, they're too small. Can anyone identify what size bulb connector we have. My guess is that they used the standard Protege wiring harness and used the bulb base adapter to use the same harness. What size bulb is used in the protege?

 

[Amanda]

I had the same issues until I replaced one of my connectors with a connector from a write-off I bought. It had some sort of clear goop inside the connector, I think that might be whats keeping the connectors from shorting out. I'll check it out and let you know, but like I said I've had no issues since.

 

[Amanda]

It's called Dielectric grease. When the cars are put together they put this stuff in the connectors. The more times you replace the bulbs the less and less of this grease you have in the connector. Dielectric grease protects against : corrosion, moisture, and shorting. It will also short if you are using bulbs you shouldn't be. and you can buy this grease from almost any store.

and don't touch the bulbs the glass expands when hot. The oil from your hands is enough to cause the glass to expand unevenly and crack, burning out the filament. If you touch the bulb by accident, just wipe it down with alcohol.

 

[HairyJoe]

I've had my P5 since 2002 and I typically replace a low-beam bulb about once every six months -- BUT the original fog light bulbs are still going strong (almost 10 years now!)...

So I've been replacing the headlight bulbs with whatever the guy at the car-parts store hands me (after I give him the car's make/date, etc.)... I imagine they're typical OEM bulbs (they cost about $10 each)... can anyone recommend a better quality, brand/model bulb that's safe in a Protege and doesn't cost an arm and a leg... I think with that kinda information I can just order my next pair online...
Many thanks!

 

[mnkyboy]

I've had my P5 since 2002 and I typically replace a low-beam bulb about once every six months -- BUT the original fog light bulbs are still going strong (almost 10 years now!)...

So I've been replacing the headlight bulbs with whatever the guy at the car-parts store hands me (after I give him the car's make/date, etc.)... I imagine they're typical OEM bulbs (they cost about $10 each)... can anyone recommend a better quality, brand/model bulb that's safe in a Protege and doesn't cost an arm and a leg... I think with that kinda information I can just order my next pair online...
Many thanks!

Sorry but $10 apiece is pretty cheap. I was paying $30 apiece for about 2 years Sylvania Silverstars that lasted maybe 4-5 mths then switched to the cheaper Sylvania that lasted maybe 9 mths, about $20 apiece. About 3 years ago I switched to GE Nighthawks. They last about 12-14 mths.

I had to replace my first fog light bulb about 8 mths ago. The main reason for this is a big chip/hole in my fog light which probably caused the bulb to fail.