2007 audi A8L passenger low beam headlight out
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 149
Likes: 59
From: San Antonio, TX
2007 audi A8L passenger low beam headlight out
Greetings everyone,
I just found this forum and registered tonight. I looks like there is a wealth of knowledge on here, however, I was not able to successfully find what I was looking for. My passenger side low beam headlight went out the other night and I was wondering if this is a DIY project. I've found a few topics discussing other lights and I see that you need to pull the air filter off, but I have some other questions:
1) If I replace just 1, will it be a different color that the old one? Do I need to replace both of them?
2) Is it best to use a OEM replacement bulb, or are their better, brighter bulbs out there?
3) Are any special tools required for the job?
Thanks in advance,
John
I just found this forum and registered tonight. I looks like there is a wealth of knowledge on here, however, I was not able to successfully find what I was looking for. My passenger side low beam headlight went out the other night and I was wondering if this is a DIY project. I've found a few topics discussing other lights and I see that you need to pull the air filter off, but I have some other questions:
1) If I replace just 1, will it be a different color that the old one? Do I need to replace both of them?
2) Is it best to use a OEM replacement bulb, or are their better, brighter bulbs out there?
3) Are any special tools required for the job?
Thanks in advance,
John
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Grapevine, TX
It's a 15-20 minute job. You just need to loosen the clamp around the airbox hose, and the 5 phillips-head screws on the airbox to pull it off.
Once you get the air box out, you'll have access to the cover for the headlight. There are two tabs on top, just pop em and you are in.
Change the air cleaner while you are in there.
Once you get the air box out, you'll have access to the cover for the headlight. There are two tabs on top, just pop em and you are in.
Change the air cleaner while you are in there.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 149
Likes: 59
From: San Antonio, TX
tbisaacs,
Today, I tried to get at the passenger side low beam. it was a pain in the butt. I could not get to it by just taking off the air filter. I would have to jack up the car, remove the passenger tire, remove the fender lining and then get to it.... The sad thing is, I bought a new bulb for $105 and got it in.... but I couldn't get the ballast to connect to it... And during the frustration.... I might have touched the bulb... Well now, I'm bringing it to a dealer, who will charge me... $160 for a new bulb and $100 labor..... It was a crappy day....
Today, I tried to get at the passenger side low beam. it was a pain in the butt. I could not get to it by just taking off the air filter. I would have to jack up the car, remove the passenger tire, remove the fender lining and then get to it.... The sad thing is, I bought a new bulb for $105 and got it in.... but I couldn't get the ballast to connect to it... And during the frustration.... I might have touched the bulb... Well now, I'm bringing it to a dealer, who will charge me... $160 for a new bulb and $100 labor..... It was a crappy day....
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: Bellingham, WA
I was able to do the passenger side from above, but it wasn't easy and I don't recommend trying. I think my hands are too big to appreciate the finer points of German engineering.
The Driver's side is a no-go from above, no doubt about it.
The Driver's side is a no-go from above, no doubt about it.
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Basically I'm wondering how they diagnosed you needed to replace the ballast? What did they charge exactly? Thanks in advance.
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From: Atlanta
slightly on-topic:
One of my HID bulbs was more purplish than the other. The dealer mentioned it and said it would probably need replacing soon. So I bought a pair on eBay for $15.
After a failed attempt to do it from the engine bay, I resorted to the Bentley instructions and took out the wheel liner. I just took my sweet time being the first time, but I could do it in maybe 30 minutes per side now including prep and cleanup.
I struggled immensely on the 1st one trying to get the little inside 'box' twisted back on the back of the bulb. I finally noticed 3 tiny little 'nubs' on the mounting face of the new bulbs. They were maybe .01" high and .01"dia. I took an exacto and cut them off. I guess that was the problem, because I got that 'box' to finally twist on.
Moral of the story: compare the dimensions and features of your new bulbs very carefully before trying to install them. I was almost ready to send them back.
One of my HID bulbs was more purplish than the other. The dealer mentioned it and said it would probably need replacing soon. So I bought a pair on eBay for $15.
After a failed attempt to do it from the engine bay, I resorted to the Bentley instructions and took out the wheel liner. I just took my sweet time being the first time, but I could do it in maybe 30 minutes per side now including prep and cleanup.
I struggled immensely on the 1st one trying to get the little inside 'box' twisted back on the back of the bulb. I finally noticed 3 tiny little 'nubs' on the mounting face of the new bulbs. They were maybe .01" high and .01"dia. I took an exacto and cut them off. I guess that was the problem, because I got that 'box' to finally twist on.
Moral of the story: compare the dimensions and features of your new bulbs very carefully before trying to install them. I was almost ready to send them back.