[quirkySquirt]

I'm used to keeping spare incandescent bulbs handy when they're on sale based on older cars but the Bolt is my first HID-equipped car.

Rough research online says HIDs should be considered "lifetime" bulbs, about 2000-3000 hrs with some sites quoting 90000 miles before replacing them. I understand HIDs don't have a filament that can suffer from mechanical stress like incandescent filaments, but I've only seen LEDs last for decades and the superstitious part of my brain needs more reassurance.

Based on the pic below, it looks like the only way to change out the HID bulb is to remove the entire lighting assembly, yes? Or am I missing a simpler way to change out the lighting assembly?

 

[XJ12]

huh, from the manual:

The High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting system operates at a very high voltage. If you try to service any of the system components, you could be seriously injured. Have your dealer or a qualified technician service them.

 

[redpoint5]

I've yet to have a HID bulb die yet, and I only buy the cheapest kits. That said, I don't considerin 90k miles to be "lifetime". My cheap kits have the ballasts failing before the bulbs, but I would guess the OEM units in cars are much better.

I personally wouldn't buy a bulb before it went out since they last so long, and I don't mind driving for the 2 days it takes for Amazon to ship me new bulbs (they should be purchased in pairs so the color matches).

It's safe to change them yourself, just make sure the headlights are switched off first (keep the car off). Don't handle them with bare hands as the oils affect longevity.

 

[quirkySquirt]

@redpoint5, but from the small space it looks impossible to remove just the HID bulb from the light fixture. Do you think it'd be possible to remove the 4 screws behind the main bulb area and pull out the bulb in that narrow space? My ignorant eyes say "no". The repair procedures don't even have a picture or steps, which makes me think you're supposed to remove the whole fixture:

https://www.repairprocedures.com/se...935_10145670_10145807_10664890_8_4895621.html

Based on the limited room behind the light fixture, it looks like you'd have to remove the entire fixture to replace the bulb. I'm dreading removing the entire fixture based on the following:

https://www.repairprocedures.com/se...935_10145670_10145807_10664890_8_4533870.html

since it requires you to remove the front bumper fascia. That many parts removed means higher chance of breaking a clip or something not going back right, especially for a car n00b like myself.

 

[borkbork]

i hate those stupid clips... i wanted to take the front grill off so i could plastidip it, but i was too afraid i'd break something. i did manage to get the front logo off, but i broke one of the clips while reinstalling it. i really wish they'd just use screws.

 

[redpoint5]

@redpoint5, but from the small space it looks impossible to remove just the HID bulb from the light fixture.

I spoke too soon. Looks like the Bolt has a D3S bulb/ballast combo (which I didn't know existed until now). The bulb itself is attached to the ballast, so they get replaced together, and are quite spendy. I'm not sure what it takes to actually remove the bulb as I don't own a Bolt. Seems it isn't worth carrying a spare since it's difficult to get to, the replacements are spendy, and the original ones should last at least 10 years. My 2006 Acura HIDs are still going 12 years later.

How long do you plan to keep the vehicle? There may even be better lighting options 10 years from now.

 

[raitchison]

Probably not the same bulbs or system as the Bolt bu I've never changed the bulbs in the HID headlamps in my 2004 Mazda3, that's over 14 years now and the lights still perform great.

 

[magrider]

I retrofitted HID projectors onto my two previous cars so I have some familiarity with this. In general what causes the most wear on HID bulbs is the process of cycling them on and off, and less about the total run time. As it ages, the bulb will gradually become dimmer and the light color will shift redder to the point where there is not enough usable light for safe driving. It usually doesn't fail suddenly since there is no filament to break like incandescent bulbs. Rather there would be so much buildup on the electrodes the ballast will no longer be able to maintain the plasma arc(which produces the light) across them so the bulb will cut in and out. So if you want it to last a good long time, I would disable the coming/leaving home feature that turns on the headlight every time you enter/leave the vehicle. If you are renting the car it shouldn't matter.

 

[martinknutson]

Probably not the same bulbs or system as the Bolt bu I've never changed the bulbs in the HID headlamps in my 2004 Mazda3, that's over 14 years now and the lights still perform great.

At about 200k miles the HID lights in my Lexus GS400 started to have problems. I had to replace both ballasts and the bulbs within a year. They have been fine since (about 300k miles now), but it was ridiculously expensive getting the Denso ballasts (~$700 ea.) One I replaced new, but the second I went to a wrecking yard for.

 

[quirkySquirt]

Thank you everyone for the HID experiences. Looks like I can skip keeping a spare handy.

I retrofitted HID projectors onto my two previous cars so I have some familiarity with this. In general what causes the most wear on HID bulbs is the process of cycling them on and off, and less about the total run time. As it ages, the bulb will gradually become dimmer and the light color will shift redder to the point where there is not enough usable light for safe driving. It usually doesn't fail suddenly since there is no filament to break like incandescent bulbs. Rather there would be so much buildup on the electrodes the ballast will no longer be able to maintain the plasma arc(which produces the light) across them so the bulb will cut in and out. So if you want it to last a good long time, I would disable the coming/leaving home feature that turns on the headlight every time you enter/leave the vehicle. If you are renting the car it shouldn't matter.

Very useful info. I'll make sure to disable my entry lights then. Will have to put up with the preconditioning lights, though, when winter arrives.

At about 200k miles the HID lights in my Lexus GS400 started to have problems. I had to replace both ballasts and the bulbs within a year. They have been fine since (about 300k miles now), but it was ridiculously expensive getting the Denso ballasts (~$700 ea.) One I replaced new, but the second I went to a wrecking yard for.

Even for a Lexus, that seems like a ripoff for just the ballasts and no labor. I'll try to keep my HIDs (and my Bolt) alive for as long as possible.

 

[redpoint5]

Even for a Lexus, that seems like a ripoff for just the ballasts and no labor. I'll try to keep my HIDs (and my Bolt) alive for as long as possible.

OE is expensive for any car. Just buy OEM or aftermarket and it's not as bad. I think I saw the Philips kit for $70.