Headlamp: Service Precautions

HID Headlamps, Usage and Safety Precautions

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Protective eyewear

• Gloves

Note the following when working on HID headlamps:

• Notes on hazardous high voltage / currents.

• Notes on pressure, temperature and radiation/electric arc.

• Assembly notes for HID lamps.

• Disposal regulations for HID lamps.

Always disconnect the battery before working on any HID headlamp components marked with the yellow high voltage symbol.

Then switch low beams on and back off. This removes any possible residual voltage.

The gas-discharge lamp control module should not be operated without the gas-discharge lamp.

Due to the high voltage (over 28000 V when igniting the lamp) and temperatures, the HID headlamp bulb should only be operated inside the headlamp housing.

• Never change an HID headlamp bulb if you are not familiar with the corresponding steps, safety precautions and the tool.

Warnings For Dangerous High Voltage And Currents

Control modules of lighting system, connectors or components in area of lamp socket carry hazardous high voltage.

The control module and igniter may be used only on the HID headlamp bulb.

• Turn off the ignition and all electrical consumers and remove the ignition key.

• When working on headlamp system, ensure all components are without voltage, including relieving residual voltage after switching headlamps off.

• Residual voltages are discharged by switching low beam on and off again after ignition key was removed.

• Make sure lamps cannot be switched on when working on headlamp system.

Notes On Pressure, Temperature and Radiation/Glare

• The HID headlamp bulb may only be operated in the headlamp housing (it offers protection against touching extremely hot lamp, absorption of UV radiation, prevention of glare, protection against explosion).

• The glass HID headlamp bulbs can become very hot - risk of burning!

• Avoid looking directly into light beam, since UV radiation of the HID lamp is approximately 2.5 times higher than that of standard Halogen lamps.

• Avoid looking into light beam (danger of glare); vision can be impaired for a longer period of time.

• Avoid contact with burst glass cone.

• H7 bulbs and HID bulbs are under pressure and can burst when replaced - danger of injury!

• When removing and installing HID bulbs, always wear safety glasses and gloves.

Assembly Notes On HID Lamps

• Before changing an HID headlamp bulb, the affected consumer must always be switched off first.

• Turn off the ignition and all electrical consumers and remove the ignition key.

• Do not touch an HID headlamp bulb with bare hands, use clean gloves. The remaining fingerprint would evaporate due to the heat of the operated HID headlamp bulb and condense on the reflector which would impair headlamp luminosity.

• An HID headlamp bulb must be replaced with an HID headlamp bulb of the same version. Bulb identification can be found on bulb socket or glass cone.

• Harness connectors must engage correctly when installed and must be checked for proper connection.

Disposal Regulations For HID Lamps

• HID lamps must be disposed of as hazardous waste, never dispose of HID lamps via domestic waste.

• HID lamps contain metallic mercury (Hg) and traces of thallium, they must not be destroyed.

• These components must be returned for proper recycling in accordance with national legislation.

• Dispose of only in the designated containers at the responsible collection point.