Sunday, January 19, 2014
How to Do Frenched Headlights
An often-overlooked component of any automobile is the headlight system. There are two basic types of headlights: traditional incandescents, which can be found on most models manufactured before 2000; and HID lights, which can be found on many newer models and provide a stronger, more efficient beam. The HID light got its start in Europe, leading many to refer to this type of lighting as European styled, or French styled headlights. If you have an older model car you can still use these newer styled headlights by purchasing a do-it-yourself conversion kit.
Instructions
- 1
Pop the hood and locate the rear of the headlight assembly. Notice the wire entering the headlight. This is the wiring harness which delivers electricity to the light. Unplug this now.
2Reach into the headlight interior. Depending on the size of your hand you may need to pull the headlight assembly out a couple inches to accomplish this. Once inside, grasp the bulb and turn it to the left to loosen and remove it.
3Insert the new HID bulb and turn it to the right to secure it in place. Then attach the ballast to the rear of the headlight assembly with the double sided tape provided in the conversion kit.
4Plug the wiring harness into the ballast and then connect the ballast to the headlight assembly with the connecting wire provided in the kit.
5Repeat the above process with the other headlight to complete the conversion to French styled headlights.