Headlamp bulb help
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Headlamp bulb help
Anyone changed the headlamp bulb on a 2008 Dyna (FXDB)? I've come across a couple issues. Searched here a bunch, and I have a service manual, no help either place.
1) Can't get the bulb out. Is there any sort of locking tabs, or does it just pull right out? I removed the ring, the housing, pulled back the rubber piece, just can't seem to pull the bulb out.
2) Retaining wire. The picture in the service manual does not match the retaining wire set-up I have.Yes, it's stock. I did not look at it closely before removing it (after all, I have a manual right?) and now can't figure out how the thing goes back in.
Never thought changing a light bulb could prove a challenge.
1) Can't get the bulb out. Is there any sort of locking tabs, or does it just pull right out? I removed the ring, the housing, pulled back the rubber piece, just can't seem to pull the bulb out.
2) Retaining wire. The picture in the service manual does not match the retaining wire set-up I have.Yes, it's stock. I did not look at it closely before removing it (after all, I have a manual right?) and now can't figure out how the thing goes back in.
Never thought changing a light bulb could prove a challenge.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 52,957
Likes: 44,480
From: SW OH.
RE: Headlamp bulb help
And I thought it was just my bike!When I changed the headlight bulb on my 07 fxd(h4) I had a hard time getting the old bulb out,it's like it was glued into the connector which should simply just unplug from the bulb.I ended up destroying the old bulb to get it out.I soaked it with wd 40 and pried at the base till it finally came off.I then installed my new piaa with no problem.A few weeks later I installed a new headlight visor and easily removed the plug to clean inside the shell.Is it possible they actually glue the connectors on to discourage non dealer replacement?Or are they afraid the connector may vibrate off at night and cause an accident?
RE: Headlamp bulb help
I just replaced my stock headlight with a Sylvania Ultra yesterday. Had no real problem removing it. There is a small retaining clip you first have to remove. You will see that there is a small phillips head screw where the clip is sucured. Loosen that screw then push down on the other end of the clip, you will see that it needs to be pushed down the away from another retaining clip.
Once that done the bulb should come right out.
Now putting the clip back in thats where I had a problem. Put the new bulb in (theres only one way it will go in btw) but could not get the clip back on correctly. After about an hour of fiddgitting with it I was able to get the top of the clip on the lip where the screw is to tighten it down but still could not get it exacely the way it was when I took it off. Seems to be holding up alright so far. I've not ridden at night yet since the change so I'm not sure about any issues but I'm probably going to take it apart later this weekend and give it another try. Bugs the bejezzers out of me not having it exactly right on a brand new bike.
Anyway's hope this helps you out and if anybody else out there thats made a bulb change and has run into a simillar problem I sure would like to hear how you went about fixing the problem.
Once that done the bulb should come right out.
Now putting the clip back in thats where I had a problem. Put the new bulb in (theres only one way it will go in btw) but could not get the clip back on correctly. After about an hour of fiddgitting with it I was able to get the top of the clip on the lip where the screw is to tighten it down but still could not get it exacely the way it was when I took it off. Seems to be holding up alright so far. I've not ridden at night yet since the change so I'm not sure about any issues but I'm probably going to take it apart later this weekend and give it another try. Bugs the bejezzers out of me not having it exactly right on a brand new bike.
Anyway's hope this helps you out and if anybody else out there thats made a bulb change and has run into a simillar problem I sure would like to hear how you went about fixing the problem.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 52,957
Likes: 44,480
From: SW OH.
RE: Headlamp bulb help
Thats just a spring clip,you shouldn't have to loosen any screws to remove the bulb,just unhook it from the retainers and hinge it up.ALL h-4 bulbs are mounted this way,I still don't understand why my connector was so hard to remove,i've replaced lots of bulbs in the past 40 years and have never had a problem.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: Headlamp bulb help
i have a '08 fxdb/i,changed bulb at 7500 miles no problem with plug.just for info i put in harley performance bulb,it didn't last 5000 miles.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 128
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From: anthem, arizona
I never thought I'd have so much trouble and frustration replacing a bulb. I had to rip the connector from the old bulb with pliers! Once I got it off, all went well. Only took about an hour or so.
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