Upgraded Headlight/Fog Lights WITHOUT Removing Anything

[MoltenFiST]

The factory head and fog lights on the FiSTs aren't the worst but I live kind of in the country so I wanted something more to light those roads. Got a set of Sylvania SilverStar ZXEs for both the headlights and fog lights.

I really didn't want to run the risk of scratching the bumper by removing the headlights like everyone seems to do to access the low beam bulbs. I'm 26 and blessed with slim hands and wrists so I gave it a try. Only took about 30 minutes to change all 4 bulbs WITHOUT removing anything and not jacking up the car. The only real challenging one was the driver side fog lamp due to a combination of the washer fluid bottle, intercooler piping, and lower valence all being around/below it.

Found the best approach for that one was to lay flat on the ground, horizontal to the front of the car with my feet on the driver side. This allows for your straight arm to snake through all the stuff and get to the bulb.

Also, on the passenger side headlamp there is a cable ground that makes putting the rubber grommet back a little challenging but just loosen the ground's screw, pushed it back, then refastened it once the grommet is in place.

All in all was super easy, only took 30 minutes total with no tools, other than a 5/16 wrench for the ground wire. Take your time and you can do it too. Highly recommend these bulbs though! Way brighter than the factories, and super white! Had these on a different car and they lasted 3 years, never burned out I just traded the car in.

 

[MKVIIST]

Glad you gave it a whirl and you're right it's super easy to do. Also removing the headlight housing is super easy and could have save you some time, but glad that you got the new bulbs in without scratching the car.

 

[BlueBomber]

OP,

Congrats on doing the swap - but here is the skinny on the easy way to avoid scratching your bumper - and by the way - you won't - apply painters tape around the edge of the bumper where the headlight will be installed/removed. The only tools required are a T-30 torx driver, panel popper tool ($5 at your local autozone- get these to avoid destroying all those stupid round plastic fasteners) and a phillips head screwdriver.

Removing the headlights takes under 2 minutes, same for reinstallation. Makes installing the bulbs worlds easier, as it would seem this is the way the car was likely intended to be serviced.

Glad the lighting upgrade worked out for you; personally I always opt for Osram headlamps over Sylvania - they're the same brand but the Eurospec Osram versions always have a higher lumen output rating.

 

[fixinit89]

does anyone have a link to order the eurospec osram lights? also what one would i use if I'm replacing the bulbs in the fog lights?

 

[Harvick]

does anyone have a link to order the eurospec osram lights? also what one would i use if I'm replacing the bulbs in the fog lights?

http://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/for...headlamp_with_led_running_light_f_1831960.htm

http://www.fiestastforum.com/forum/threads/362-How-To-Fiesta-ST-Fog-Light-Replacement

 

[PhoenixM3]

Well I've installed the Sylvania (made by Osram) and have not driven the car, but can say that they appear brighter, and almost all of the yellow is gone. I may drive it early tomorrow morning as it is "Wine time" for me and the Wench.

 

[Hijinx]

Probably could have done it in half the time by removing the headlights... If you know the trick to get them back in. But, in any case, good job.

 

[J2FoRS]

OP,

Congrats on doing the swap - but here is the skinny on the easy way to avoid scratching your bumper - and by the way - you won't - apply painters tape around the edge of the bumper where the headlight will be installed/removed. The only tools required are a T-30 torx driver, panel popper tool ($5 at your local autozone- get these to avoid destroying all those stupid round plastic fasteners) and a phillips head screwdriver.

Removing the headlights takes under 2 minutes, same for reinstallation. Makes installing the bulbs worlds easier, as it would seem this is the way the car was likely intended to be serviced.

Glad the lighting upgrade worked out for you; personally I always opt for Osram headlamps over Sylvania - they're the same brand but the Eurospec Osram versions always have a higher lumen output rating.

https://www.amazon.ca/OSRAM-Breaker-Unlimited-Halogen-Germany/dp/B00G4L1V1Q
Are these the ones you use?