Broken headlight fitting - how to fix?

[WI_4Runner]

Hi all,

Recently installed some XenonDepot Xtreme HID Kit into my 07 4Runner - after having some issues with one bulb being slightly brighter than the other I decided to take a look again at my fittings. Right after I pulled one bulb out, I noticed the three tabs on the bulbs were snapped off. I am referring to the three tabs on the H11 bulbs that hold them into the headlight fixture via about a 1/8th rotation turn..

Thinking that was odd, so I went over to the other light, pulled the bulb outta the fitting passenger side fitting, and sure enough the three tabs there were broken as well on these bulbs. Felt cheap compared to the sturdier metal tabs on OEM Halogen bulbs....

I'll deal with the return on the HID kits with KBCarstuff as I've always heard they stand behind their product and I've always liked buying stuff thru them.

My issue that I'm turning to the T4R community for advise is how to proceed with the headlight housing...I'd presume these small plastic tabs shouldn't find permanent residence inside the projector headlight housing? Thinking I may have to pull the headlights fully out and shake them upside down to remove the plastic pieces? Yay or nay, or am I missing another idea?

Too frustrated to get pictures tonight, but will try and throw some up tomorrow

 

[NJshadow93]

Hi all,

Recently installed some XenonDepot Xtreme HID Kit into my 07 4Runner - after having some issues with one bulb being slightly brighter than the other I decided to take a look again at my fittings. Right after I pulled one bulb out, I noticed the three tabs on the bulbs were snapped off. I am referring to the three tabs on the H11 bulbs that hold them into the headlight fixture via about a 1/8th rotation turn..

Thinking that was odd, so I went over to the other light, pulled the bulb outta the fitting passenger side fitting, and sure enough the three tabs there were broken as well on these bulbs. Felt cheap compared to the sturdier metal tabs on OEM Halogen bulbs....

I'll deal with the return on the HID kits with KBCarstuff as I've always heard they stand behind their product and I've always liked buying stuff thru them.

My issue that I'm turning to the T4R community for advise is how to proceed with the headlight housing...I'd presume these small plastic tabs shouldn't find permanent residence inside the projector headlight housing? Thinking I may have to pull the headlights fully out and shake them upside down to remove the plastic pieces? Yay or nay, or am I missing another idea?

Too frustrated to get pictures tonight, but will try and throw some up tomorrow

So the tabs on the bulbs or the headlight housings broke? If it's just the bulbs, I wouldn't worry too much about the broken pieces, shouldn't matter too much. As long as new bulbs mount securely in the housings you should be good to go.

 

[WI_4Runner]

So the tabs on the bulbs or the headlight housings broke? If it's just the bulbs, I wouldn't worry too much about the broken pieces, shouldn't matter too much. As long as new bulbs mount securely in the housings you should be good to go.

Tabs on bulbs broke. Headlight housing is fine, I just plugged the OEM Halogen bulbs in and they fight snug and secure.... Just was concerned with the 3 tabs that likely broke off into the headlight housing as I didn't see them fall outside of the housing when then I pulled them out....

 

[HokieRunner]

Tabs on bulbs broke. Headlight housing is fine, I just plugged the OEM Halogen bulbs in and they fight snug and secure.... Just was concerned with the 3 tabs that likely broke off into the headlight housing as I didn't see them fall outside of the housing when then I pulled them out....

I wouldn't worry about them. They're not going to cause any damage. If you do want to get them out, you're correct that you will have to remove the housings and shake them around til they fall out. I'd just forget about the broken tabs and install the new ones.

 

[WI_4Runner]

Thank you for advice - I was worried that reinstalling HID's inside the housing could put out enough heat to make those leftover plastic tabs melt and or cause damage to the interior of the projector.

Now to fish out all that wiring I just installed.......