Trouble Installing Morimoto HID Bulb in Factory Projector

[Frasher4Runner]

I'm having trouble installing an HID bulb in the driver's side projector and am looking for some advice/help.

I bought a plug n play kit from TRS. I've used a few of their kits in other cars and have always been pleased. Tonight I tried installing the bulb in the driver's side projector and couldn't seem to get the bulb in far enough to be able to turn it. I took that bulb to the passenger side and it was tight but I was able to get it installed.
I went back to the driver's side with the factory bulb and it installs easily. I took the other HID bulb and attempted to install it again. I got the bulb in and was able to just barely turn it to where it didn't just fall back out but was unable to turn it any further by hand. I took a pair of pliers (I know, I know) and attempted to turn the bulb, and it did turn some. I don't believe it got completely turned when 2 of the lugs snapped off the bulb. :sobbing:
I've ordered another set of bulbs from TRS but I REALLY don't want the same thing to happen with the new ones! I know I shouldn't use pliers but I couldn't see another way of turning it. Any advice for me, beside don't use pliers?

 

[Saker]

I'm having trouble installing an HID bulb in the driver's side projector and am looking for some advice/help.

I bought a plug n play kit from TRS. I've used a few of their kits in other cars and have always been pleased. Tonight I tried installing the bulb in the driver's side projector and couldn't seem to get the bulb in far enough to be able to turn it. I took that bulb to the passenger side and it was tight but I was able to get it installed.
I went back to the driver's side with the factory bulb and it installs easily. I took the other HID bulb and attempted to install it again. I got the bulb in and was able to just barely turn it to where it didn't just fall back out but was unable to turn it any further by hand. I took a pair of pliers (I know, I know) and attempted to turn the bulb, and it did turn some. I don't believe it got completely turned when 2 of the lugs snapped off the bulb. :sobbing:
I've ordered another set of bulbs from TRS but I REALLY don't want the same thing to happen with the new ones! I know I shouldn't use pliers but I couldn't see another way of turning it. Any advice for me, beside don't use pliers?

Did you try to swap the one that was installed in the passenger side? Did it go in without issue?

Try when the new bulbs come in. If you still have the same issue, loosen the small screws on the back side of the reflector housing where the bulbs go in until you can place the bulbs in with friction. It may take you a couple of tries.....

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Frasher4Runner]

Did you try to swap the one that was installed in the passenger side? Did it go in without issue?

Try when the new bulbs come in. If you still have the same issue, loosen the small screws on the back side of the reflector housing where the bulbs go in until you can place the bulbs in with friction. It may take you a couple of tries.....

Let us know how it goes!

The bulb that I put in the passenger side I had initially tried to put in the driver side, but had the same issue - couldn’t seem to push it in far enough to be able to turn it.

You mention reflector housing - would that be the same for the projectors? (I have the Limited model)

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[Axix23]

try to play with the o-rings on the hid bulb base. swap the stocks o rings in or take the o rings out to see if its easier to turn...

 

[Saker]

The bulb that I put in the passenger side I had initially tried to put in the driver side, but had the same issue - couldn’t seem to push it in far enough to be able to turn it.

You mention reflector housing - would that be the same for the projectors? (I have the Limited model)

Now that I think about it, you may not be able to get to the projector housing...
so my solution will probably not work, sorry!

But, try [MENTION=231803]Axix23[/MENTION] suggestion. that may work for you!

 

[Axix23]

^^ I had the same issue when the o rings were brand new. But afferwards, they were more loose to turn. I want to say the Oem h11 bulb o rings were more thick. Without the o rings, it was super loose to turn into the headlight.

 

[Natey]

You lost me at "play with your 0-Ring". :eyebrows::rofl:

 

[Filthy4Runner63]

Make sure an o ring didn't also accidentally get stuck on the housing. I've seen that happen.
I would swap your stock o rings to the aftermarket bulb.
I just did all my lights and found the oem o rings to be much better and perfect size.
Good luck

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[Frasher4Runner]

If I do remove the battery to make more room, what am I looking at in terms of needing codes or the like for the stereo to work? Anything?


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[Filthy4Runner63]

If I do remove the battery to make more room, what am I looking at in terms of needing codes or the like for the stereo to work? Anything?


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Shouldn't pop any codes, radio will probably clear memory stuff. You can also plug in a memory saver to your 12v cig lighter so when you unplug the battery it's like nothing happened. It is a tight little spot I cut up my hands a bit when I just did My headlight. Make sure you check the tabs too the bulbs I got had the biggest tab a little to large I grinded it a tad with a Dremel and was able to finally get it in. I didn't suggest this before because you mentioned you could fit it in the passenger side

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[97BlackAckCL]

I had this issue with my Morimoto HID kit and had to have them send me the other h11 bulbs because I could not get them to seat right

 

[Frasher4Runner]

I got my new bulbs in today; had them sent next day air since I currently only have 1 working headlight. I'll try to tackle the installation again tonight. I'll swap out the o-ring from an OEM bulb first and if I can't get that in easily I'll remove the battery. I don't think I've ever had this much trouble installing one of these kits.

 

[Sp00ner]

I reused the OEM o-rings on mine, went in nice and snug after that.

 

[Frasher4Runner]

Success! I figured out what I was doing wrong and once I fixed it, it went right in. The bulbs are shipped with a plastic cap contraption over them to protect them. It’s a 3 part system that screws together. Once you remove the cap you have to put the o-ring into place before installation - I wasn’t getting it in the right spot. Once I realized that I took the passenger side out and fixed it too.

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[Filthy4Runner63]

Success! I figured out what I was doing wrong and once I fixed it, it went right in. The bulbs are shipped with a plastic cap contraption over them to protect them. It’s a 3 part system that screws together. Once you remove the cap you have to put the o-ring into place before installation - I wasn’t getting it in the right spot. Once I realized that I took the passenger side out and fixed it too.

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Oh yeah you gotta make sure it seats on that very bottom portion cause it does seem like it belongs right above it, didn't even consider that. Glad you got it fixed!

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