How to install h7 LED bulb

Installing the H7 bulb in the headlight is not difficult. But if the regular halogen variant is changed to LED, the process has its own specifics, so it is worth to understand some of the nuances in advance to do everything correctly. It is important to be careful and follow the instructions, thereby avoiding any breakage to ensure normal light.

What you need to replace the LED lamp

In different models, the design of headlights is different, so a set of tools is selected according to the situation. Most often it is necessary to have the following on hand:

1. Screwdrivers of different sizes and shapes. You may need to unscrew the screws on the headlight housing or in preparation.
2. Wrenches are needed if you need to clear space or unscrew fasteners in the headlights that are removed from the outside entirely. It is best to keep a set handy to quickly find the right size.
   Look in advance at the configuration of the fasteners, sometimes special sprockets are used.
3. Portable lamp. It is more convenient to use a mobile version that runs on battery power. When replacing bulbs in the daytime on the street, additional lighting is not required.
4. Gloves, since there are many protruding elements around and inside the headlight that can scratch your hands.
5. A piece of cloth or a special mat that is placed on the fender and protects it from scratches. Needed if you have to bend and there is a risk of damaging the paint coating.

Sometimes to remove the headlight you need a special key, it is usually in a set of tools for the car.

LED bulb replacement of dipped beam

It is worth remembering that the replacement of the H7 lamp from halogen to LED is prohibited by law. Previously, for this violation could deprive you of the right to drive a vehicle. At the moment, you may be fined 500 rubles.

Article on the subject: In what headlights can put LED lamps: what the penalty for installation

Before you buy an LED lamp, you should make sure that the headlights are suitable for this light source. They should be marked "L" or "LED", it is applied both to the body and the reflector, it all depends on the model.

LED lamps are not suitable for all headlights.

When buying it is worth choosing only those options in which the diodes are arranged in the same way as the coil in halogen bulbs. Otherwise you can not achieve a normal distribution of light. It is worth buying products of reputable companies, which is well proven among drivers.

How to remove the old lamp

To change the bulbs, you need to spend a little time, provided normal access. But most often preparation is required, so the process consists of several steps:

1. First, the space is cleared to allow access to the back of the headlights. This may require the removal of some components under the hood of the car - air filter housing, battery, etc. Here you must proceed from the situation and remove only what is necessary. It is important to do everything carefully so as not to damage parts.
2. On some models, access to the rear of the headlight when replacing bulbs is provided through a hatch in the front fender. In this case, the car is jacked up, the front wheel is removed, and then normal access is provided.
3. If the headlight is removable, it is important to understand how to disconnect and carefully remove it. Usually the element is held on a few screws or snaps, sometimes you need a special configuration wrench.
4. Then the back cover of the case is removed, it is usually fixed with a latch. There are no special tricks, you need to press or gently pull the tab to release the connection. The main thing is not to apply too much force so as not to damage the connection, as it will be difficult to find the cover separately.
5. The bulb is fixed by a special latch, the tabs of which engage in special grooves on the housing. It must be carefully released with your fingers or with a thin screwdriver. The bulb is carefully removed from its seat, and then the socket is disconnected by simply pulling it back.
   The latch holds the bulb in place and prevents it from moving.

Sometimes the base is attached through an adapter. In this case you need to buy it together with the LED bulbs.

Installing the new lamp

Install the H7 LED lamp in the headlights is not difficult, if the old element is removed and there is good access to the back of the structure. It is enough to remember a few recommendations:

1. If necessary, an adapter is attached to the base of the lamp. As a rule, it is installed in dipped beam headlights and is a plastic spacer. It is easier to glue, because of the large size of the base sometimes you need to trim the plastic in some places, it can be done with a regular knife.
2. First, the plastic element is inserted and secured with a retainer. Here everything is done in reverse order. Then the LED bulb is inserted and turned clockwise until it stops, usually a quarter turn.
   It is easier to put the plastic skirt beforehand.
3. The connector is placed on the wire with the driver, which simplifies the connection. It is important to place all the elements in the headlight. Sometimes the lamp does not fit because of the radiator in the back and you have to cut the protrusions on the cover. To avoid encountering such a problem, it is better to measure beforehand.
   Sometimes the lamp housing does not fit inside.
4. If the heat sink is made in the form of flexible metal strips, they are bent and distributed evenly over the reflector from the outside to ensure good heat dissipation.

Video tip.

Typical mistakes and safety precautions

To avoid making mistakes and creating problems, you need to remember simple tips:

1. Remove the terminal from the battery before you start. Make it a rule to avoid short circuits and electrocution.
2. Don't buy lamps with LEDs around the circumference. The light must be distributed as in a halogen bulb, otherwise you will not be able to adjust it properly and the headlights will blind oncoming drivers.
3. Incorrect positioning of the lamp on the seat. Especially it concerns variants with an adapter, if you put it incorrectly, you will not be able to adjust the light.
4. Application of excessive force when removing the old lamp. This applies to both the fixture and the strip. The work must be carried out carefully.

Video: How to correctly place the LED lamp, so as not to dazzle oncoming cars.

Replacing the LED bulb is not difficult even for an inexperienced driver. The main thing is to choose high-quality products and place them correctly. After replacement, you should be sure to readjust the light.