QX4 Xenon Bulb replacement

[bjorn]

I have one bulb on my 2001 QX4 that is burned out, or the actuator is broken. Either way, how difficult is it to do this fix yourself? The dealer want $290 just for a bulb, but I found one online for $120.

Bjorn

[elwesso]

I dont think its terribly difficult..... I would assume the bulb is to be suspect on a car so new.....

[bjorn]

Had a mechanic take out the bulb, didn't look too difficult. Found a pair of bulbs online at plasmagarage (http://plasmagarage.com/XENON-bulbs.html). Anybody had any experience with them? They don't mention what brand the bulbs are, so i have no clue if I get quality stuff.

[dkla]

I also need a Xenon bulb- low beam. What did you discover? Any thoughts would be helpful.

[bjorn]

Here's what I did, for anybody searching in the future:

I bought 2 new bulbs on ebay, with shipping ~$85. (btw thats a $495 difference from dealer!!!) Installed both after I noticed there was a slight color difference. Left side, disconnect battery, take it out. Carefully unhook the metal clips that holds the bulbs in place. Also unhook the ground wire on top. Make sure not to touch the bulb. Pull the bulb housing/cables out. Push the bulb down a bit, and twist to release. (I used pliers for this)Right side, you have to unscrew the air filter box, and twist it out of the way to access the bulb.