Headlight bulb replacement

Ask technical questions or post on problems/issues related to the Kizashi under this topic. Symptoms and pictures of your problem are a good idea.
NOTE: Any car related technical question can be posted here.
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Remav
Posts: 84
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2015 2:43 am
Location: Colorado, USA

Remav wrote:One thing I'll add is that the rubber grommet that came with my replacement was not the same as the one I took off. It was much thicker and the rubber alignment nubbin was on the opposite side. It wouldn't fit. The part # was 1 digit off. I used my old one. (2011 SLS Sport).
I took a look at my GF's 2010 SLS & sure enough, it matches, so take care in ordering if you need to replace the rubber trim/seal/grommet. They are different on the GTS.
Image2011 Sport SLS Navi AWD, White Water Pearl ...in Beautiful Colorado
SamirD
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Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2013 4:07 pm
Location: HSV and SFO
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I've managed to replace all but the driver's side low without taking off the bumper. It can be really taxing on your hands, so removing the bumper would probably be easier, but sometimes you can't.

I have yet to replace the driver's side low that magically started working when all the other three bulbs went dead. Then I put in a pass low and we had both lights for <1 mo. Then the driver's side went magically dead again. Really makes me think it's actually not a bulb issue anymore...
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delusional29
Posts: 98
Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 4:22 am

Anyone try using LED replacements on the Kiz? Any success? I'm thinking of doing this on my headlamps once they burn out. I'm kinda tired of removing my bumper every time (I've done it about 6 times already since I've owned the car, I can do it with my eyes closed).

Saw a video about LED replacements here:


Here are what will fit in Kizashis (low beam example):
https://www.auxbeam.com/headlight-bulbs ... 2%2C720%5D

Adaptor for the Kizashi:
https://www.auxbeam.com/headlight-bulbs ... 2%2C720%5D

D
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KuroNekko
Posts: 5264
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:08 pm
Location: California, USA

delusional29 wrote:Anyone try using LED replacements on the Kiz? Any success? I'm thinking of doing this on my headlamps once they burn out. I'm kinda tired of removing my bumper every time (I've done it about 6 times already since I've owned the car, I can do it with my eyes closed).

Saw a video about LED replacements here:


Here are what will fit in Kizashis (low beam example):
https://www.auxbeam.com/headlight-bulbs ... 2%2C720%5D

Adaptor for the Kizashi:
https://www.auxbeam.com/headlight-bulbs ... 2%2C720%5D

D
I have an LED conversion kit in my Kizashi but it's for the DRL/high beams. My low beams are HIDs. This set-up is deliberate as HID bulbs reflect inside a projector headlight better than most LED bulbs. This gives a HID kit better compatibility than a LED kit which may have a bulb design not suited for the headlight. Basically, there is far less trial-and-error with HID kits vs. LED kits.

LEDs are good for DRL and high beam usage given their far superior bulb life and their instantaneous full power capabilities. High beams are often used to flash or momentarily illuminate things so HIDs are ill-suited for this given they use a chemical reaction that melts halide salts into plasma which takes several seconds on average. This is why HIDs have a "warm up" period. Turning the bulbs on and off while still hot also shortens the life of the salts so it's not advised.

While I don't think the use of LEDs as low beams is bad, you may find that some kits are better than others. SMD LEDs are rather new on the market and companies like CREE and Phillips are constantly developing newer and better emitters. The bulb companies then mount these emitters on various bulb designs with fans, heat sinks, etc. Given the constant development, it's hard to say what kind of bulb will be best for the Kizashi. Hence, it's why I consider them a bit risky and in need of luck to find a set that works well.
So while LEDs may have better specs, HIDs are probably the safer bet until a LED kit can be confirmed to have good compatibility with a particular headlight.

One day, I'm planning to test out my LED kit in the low beam projector to see how they do as low beams. That being said, I've had my Morimoto HID kit in my low beams for over 3 years now with the same bulbs and ballasts. They are an excellent and reliable upgrade to halogen bulbs which are known to be a huge pain for Kizashi owners.

Oh, and you don't need a CANBUS adapter for the Kizashi given the Kizashi does not use a CANBUS warning system for a low beam bulb.
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
jadeng97
Posts: 67
Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2017 10:44 pm

I have LED's in my low beams with 0 problems.
2012 Suzuki Kizashi GTS i-AWD (Red)
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KuroNekko
Posts: 5264
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:08 pm
Location: California, USA

jadeng97 wrote:I have LED's in my low beams with 0 problems.
Which ones again? Got any photos?
2025 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Hybrid
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Sold)
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