replacing headlight

[fab]

Hi All-

I own a 00 boxster just noticed that my headlight (pass. side) is out. Can someone tell me how to replace, what tools are needed? All I need to buy at the dealership is a headlight. Would like to save on labor expense. I've done this before but never on my porsche.
Thanks a bunch

[mspell]

First of all, I would suggest getting a Philips h7 bulb at Pep Boys or the like. Then, look in the owners manual for the instructions...they are very detailed & I couldn't describe it better than what you'll find there. One tip...don't pull on the lower amber pieces, they're apt to pop off & break. I would equate the difficulty with removing your spare tire...dead easy.

[deliriousga]

The tool you need is in your tool kit. If you don't have it, you will need a 5mm socket with an extension to pop it loose.

Like mspell said, the instructions are in the owner's manual so let us know if you don't have one.

Also, several of us have used the Silverstar lamps (size H7 as mentioned before) and they give a brighter/whiter light. About $20 ea or $32 for a set of two at most auto shops or Walmart.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by deliriousga

The tool you need is in your tool kit. If you don't have it, you will need a 5mm socket with an extension to pop it loose.

Like mspell said, the instructions are in the owner's manual so let us know if you don't have one.

Also, several of us have used the Silverstar lamps (size H7 as mentioned before) and they give a brighter/whiter light. About $20 ea or $32 for a set of two at most auto shops or Walmart.

Hi,

John, if memory serves me, (and it may not), I believe it's a 7mm tool he'll need. I just use a Nut Driver, the mechanism isn't set that hard and the Nut Driver is easier to use.

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

[deliriousga]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

John, if memory serves me, (and it may not), I believe it's a 7mm tool he'll need.
Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

I looked it up on AllData, but there could be different sizes for different years. The nut driver is a fantastic idea. Something like that doesn't work for me because I like to make things much harder than they really are. ROFL

You may want to just go ahead and get a good set of metric sockets if you plan to do any DIY maintenance. There are many different sizes used, but thank God they are all metric (unlike the American cars that are half and half ) Two other tools often used are Allen and Torx wrenches.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by deliriousga

... The nut driver is a fantastic idea...

John,

Thanks! I am basically a cheapskate when it comes to tools insofar as I hate to pay for a tool which merely duplicates the function of another tool I already own.

But, in the case of the Nut Drivers, they have proved invaluable and I kick myself for not getting a set much sooner than I did.

I bought this set from Sears: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00934555000&bidsite=CRAFT for under $25, but have gotten many times the $25 worth of value from them.

You put together a nice basic set of tools for the lister, but I'd also have to recommend a set of these.

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

[fab]

To All that replied back, THANKS I just replaced the bulb, H7. I followed my owners manual and used a "5 mm socket" A MUST!
Not bad for a women :dance:

Originally Posted by fab

To All that replied back, THANKS I just replaced the bulb, H7. I followed my owners manual and used a "5 mm socket" A MUST!
Not bad for a women :dance:

That's kind of a sexist remark...isn't it!

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by mspell

One tip...don't pull on the lower amber pieces, they're apt to pop off & break.

Oh how right you are. I changed my amber corner to clear this week and BAM. They just broke off. Did anyone break the tool in the tool kit to loosen the headlights? I had to use my Craftsmans tool to get the job done.

fab, no offense, but there is nothing about working on a car that a woman cannot do. Don't demean yourself, or other women by making such comments.

As a woman who does all her own maintenance and mechanical work, I find it HIGHLY annoying when a woman (like my sister) cannot be bothered to learn to do even the most basic things on a car...like changing a tire. She'd rather call AAA and wait 2 hours. It's not rocket science, really.

There is NO reason you can't do this work.