Complete Headlight Bulb Comparison Thread

[FJoel]

Fjamming previously said:

How's it coming along? Did you get the last set of lights? I can't wait to see the results. I'm betting on the SS Ultras though. Heard so many good things about that one.

I actually just got the last set of bulbs!

I need some sleep tonight but tomorrow night is a different story!

Not a bad idea orGSD. Only problem is that the ambient light that night might be different and I may never get the meter at the same angle/position so any after testing would be somewhat scientifically flawed. That is why I wanted to do these all at once for maximum control.

Still if you wanted a light meter reading as compared to a stock bulb or whatever I have here at the time I am more than happy to test em out (and I know not to touch the glass so your bulbs lifespan won't be affected )

A note on the light meter... this thing is sensitive! I put my LED flashlight on it and it was slowly counting down. You can see battery drain! Nifty!

[fonsecafoto]

I'm really looking forward to this test. I was about to spend some bucks at this auto store near my house (they sell a lot of asian bulbs there) but, I guess I'll wait and see. I hate the lame look of the stock ones. They have been bumming me out since I bought the FJ 4 days ago.

[Kylewithrow]

FJoel previously said:

I actually just got the last set of bulbs!
A note on the light meter... this thing is sensitive! I put my LED flashlight on it and it was slowly counting down. You can see battery drain! Nifty!

Man that sounds like a powerful little gadget, this should yield some great results!

[FJoel]

Aight!

Tonight is the night.

Here are some pics while we let it get good and dark.



SILVERSTAR ULTRA



SILVERSTAR



GE NIGHTHAWK



RAYBRIG WHITESONIC



PIAA XTREME WHITE PLUS



IPF MAGIC BULBS (BLUE)



HELLA XENON



KOITO WHITEBEAMS

[FJoel]

More pics you say?

[FJoel]

A quick one on how to change a headlight bulb for those that have never done it:

NEVER TOUCH THE GLASS. The oils from your skin can damage the glass bulb and greatly reduce the bulb's lifespan.

Step 1. Pop the hood (if pics are required for this I highly recommend taking your FJ to the dealer for bulb changes )

Step 2. Locate headlight back in engine bay.



Step 3. Firmly pull the electrical connector straight back.




(Excuse the missing skin on my knuckles... between work, Ellis Precision, and my definition of play, it rarely has time to grow back )

Step 4. Pull back rubber gasket.




Step 5. Unclip retaining wire. It is sprung away from the center... pinch it gently together towards the center and rotate it downwards.


Pointing to the wire... you will need two fingers to undo it.

Wire rotated down as seen from the front and looking down

Step 6. Carefully remove the bub. DO NOT TOUCH THE GLASS.



Installation is the reverse of removal. If in doubt, consult your factory service manual. This is my method of changing headlight bulbs, you change your own at your own risk.

Hope this helps!

EDIT: I will add that I do not disconnect my battery. If you feel it is prudent to do so this is your choice, but as long as the headlights are off, the relay powering them is disabled. Also, if for some reason you are changing bulbs that aren't dead, they do get hot! Please be careful.

Lastly, the bulb pulls straight out, not like a locked rotating tail light bulb. The wire is the only fastening method.

Any questions feel free to PM me. Changing a bulb should not be intimidating to anyone.

[FJ #8]

good post joel

[Mr R2FJ]

Nice! I look foward to seeing your results!

[FJ B]

is it dark yet ? is it dark yet? .......lol cant wait

[paladin5150]

Where did the results get posted?