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Old 04-02-2014, 10:02 AM   #1
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Replacing low beam bulb

The driver's side low beam headlight bulb went out on my 99 Boxster.

I am wondering do I go with H4, 55/60W Hella bulbs or go to the parts store and find H7, 55W bulbs?

My owner's manual (on page 156) states H7, 55W as the replacement bulb for the high beam and the low beam.

I searched Pelican parts and they are offering H4, 55W/60W Hella bulbs high beam & low beam (stock # 999-631-034-90-M44) for a 99 Boxster

I've done a search of headlight threads on the forum.

One last question, do you all recommend that I switch out both low beam bulbs (failed driver's side and also the passenger side)?

Thanks
MNC-I

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Old 04-02-2014, 10:15 AM   #2
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Yea, owner's manual (on page 156) mate. Its a good book believe me

Pellican should also have your bosch 55wH7 in stock. Give them a call

chg both for a match.... different manufacturers diiffirent temp different colors
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Old 04-02-2014, 10:36 AM   #3
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H4 is both low and high beam bulb- wrong bulb. You need to stick w/ H7. H4 base is larger than H7 and wrong terminal.

Why don't not go w/ aftermarket HID kit? I ordered a set for my friend and installed on his car (retrofitted w/ projectors) and it last about a year or more. I think it's even cheaper than using some of halogen bulbs.

go w/ 4300K or 5000K (my favorite color temp; white color). anything else just look like a ricer!
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Old 04-02-2014, 10:47 AM   #4
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Yea, owner's manual (on page 156) mate. Its a good book believe me
Unfortunately, a lot of 986s don't come with an owner's manual these days, for some reason, so they're ridiculously expensive on, for example, eBay.
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Old 04-02-2014, 10:59 AM   #5
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Unfortunately, a lot of 986s don't come with an owner's manual these days, for some reason, so they're ridiculously expensive on, for example, eBay.
Surely you can google the keywords and find/dwload it in PDF format for your (any) vehicle MY & type. The pricey ones are for dudes that needs the book to sell the car eventually, or for collectibles.... who knows how much those worth these days
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Old 04-02-2014, 11:39 AM   #6
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WalMart sells bulbs as cheap as anyone.
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Old 04-02-2014, 11:51 AM   #7
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H4 bulb won't fit where an H7 is specified.

Wiring connector for H7 bulb won't connect to an H4 bulb.

You never had a choice.
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Old 04-02-2014, 11:58 AM   #8
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ALCON,

Here is the rest of the story.

I purchased Sylvania Xtravision H7, 55W. It was a package of two for $29.99.

Unfortunately, as I was attempting to replace the headlamp unit I must have broken the plastic frame that holds the electrical connector attached to the car.

Right now I have no power to the driver's side headlamp assembly. The connector moves back, so I believe it will not connect to the electrical connector on the headlamp unit.

Tomorrow, I will go to my independent mechanic in Austin for help. Or maybe I will drive up to the dealer and plead for mercy, "I'm sorry. I attempted to work on my car. Can you help me, please?"

This is a royal pain in the backside!

MNC-I
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Old 04-12-2024, 12:47 PM   #9
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I feel for you. I just broke the same connector. The plastic is getting brittle on these old birds.


Quote:
Originally Posted by mnc-i View Post
ALCON,

Here is the rest of the story.

I purchased Sylvania Xtravision H7, 55W. It was a package of two for $29.99.

Unfortunately, as I was attempting to replace the headlamp unit I must have broken the plastic frame that holds the electrical connector attached to the car.

Right now I have no power to the driver's side headlamp assembly. The connector moves back, so I believe it will not connect to the electrical connector on the headlamp unit.

Tomorrow, I will go to my independent mechanic in Austin for help. Or maybe I will drive up to the dealer and plead for mercy, "I'm sorry. I attempted to work on my car. Can you help me, please?"

This is a royal pain in the backside!

MNC-I
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Old 04-12-2024, 06:45 PM   #10
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Double check and make sure the little c shaped clip that holds the bracket didn't simply come loose.
Had the same issue recently and it was the clip.
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Old 04-13-2024, 11:24 AM   #11
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If the support is broken, pull the connector out of the support and connect it to the light before installing it. This is a cheap fix and you don't need to go to the mechanic.

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