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2002 Ex: How TF do you get to the headlight bulbs?
So, I think I've figured out why my headlights don't work, but the brights do. P.O. clearly tried some kind of rewiring magic... fortunately it looks like he left the OEM headlight connectors in place.
However, how the hell does one get to the headlight bulbs? I've pulled the batteries, moved aside some kind of neoprene/rubber panel (part of the fan shroud?), and it looks like I need to unbolt the headlights... which makes me think I've missed something stupid.
I've got a 3"x4" mirror (a given-away from a local glass shop) that I use to see in these kinds of situations. Also have a camera on a flex line, but the mirror is easier.
You just have to work blind on this one. Leave the wires attached and remove the assembly. It's easier to remove/attach the wires with the bulb out of its socket.
Easiest way with the older 2 piece design is to undo the bulb socket from the headlight assembly.
Here's a picture of the wife's Excursion with the older 2 piece head light assembly...and my F350 with the newer one piece assembly that pirate4x4_camo is eluding to...
The one piece design is basically the 05 and up units.
I would highly recommend installing some LED bulbs in which ever you go with...I have them in both ours and it made a huge difference...
Just to be double-dog sure: if I get headlights from an 05 Superduty, they should fit, and I won't have to worry about these spring clips anymore?
Looking at these photos, I see now exactly what the problem is... P.O. wanted daytime running lights, so he installed headlights with them, and he stole the low-beam wires to drive them.
Just to be double-dog sure: if I get headlights from an 05 Superduty, they should fit, and I won't have to worry about these spring clips anymore?
Looking at these photos, I see now exactly what the problem is... P.O. wanted daytime running lights, so he installed headlights with them, and he stole the low-beam wires to drive them.
They will fit, but you'll either have to trim on the header panel, install a header panel from an 05-07, or possibly get a shallower 05 headlight unit. Oh, you will also have to get the light socket plugs for the 05 bulb and wire them in place. I wouldn't recommend the later as I've heard not so good things about them. You will really like not having to deal with those clips though...
1: the headlights on my rig are not OEM, and are some kind of chinesium thing with H1 bulbs
2: the wiring "modifications" are, apparently, by instruction from the headlight mfg. As usual, my P.O. did it with wire nuts from home depot, but it looks like he followed instructions.
3: the headlights were not hard to remove, and this made getting to the bulbs much easier
4: I will want to replace the headlights with something closer to OEM, or the TYC set above, but for now this will work
5: The driver's side headlight wire seems to have a break in it somewhere in the harness. The passenger side is fine.
6: I was able to edit the headlights, for now, so that I have low-beams, but no high-beams.
7: slightly longer term fix: I can rig up a headlight harness using relays and the passenger side control signals
The wiring all looks pretty beat up. I may need to start replacing harnesses just to avoid wire-by-wire issues over time.
The oem wiring is minimal at best and will typically dry out from overload right at the plug in bulb socket...spent years wiggling them when they'd go out thinking it was the bulb. This was one of the main reasons I went to the LED bulbs as they draw a lot less power so they are easier on the wiring...
Not to highjack this thread, but does anybody have any experience with some of the smoked/black aftermarket modern looking lights for the EX?
I am interested in the quality/durability of something like this: https://www.topgearautosport.com/165...tor-headlights
