Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Precaution 1






HID Headlamps, Usage and Safety Precautions

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Protective eyewear

Gloves


Never replace lamps when you are not familiar with the corresponding actions, safety precautions and tools.

- Note the following whenever 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

Notes on hazardous high voltage / currents


Light system control modules, connectors or components in the bulb socket area conduct dangerous high voltage

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


Switch off ignition, switch off all electrical consumers and remove 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


There are pressures from 7 bar (101 psi) (cold) to 100 bar (1450 psi) (hot) in the glass portion of the HID bulb. The hot glass of the bulb can reach temperatures of up to 700 degrees Celsius.

The glass can explode and there is a danger of burning.

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


Lamp must only be operated in headlamp housing (protection against contact because of hot lamp, absorption of ultraviolet radiation, avoiding danger of glare, explosion protection).

Glass cones of bulbs can become very hot - danger of burns!

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 (Xenon / Bi-Xenon) 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 replacing a bulb, the corresponding electrical consumer must always be switched off.

Switch off ignition, switch off all electrical consumers and remove ignition key.

Do not touch glass cone of bulb with bare fingers, use clean cloth gloves. The remaining fingerprint would evaporate due to the heat of the operated bulb and condense on the reflector which would impair headlamp luminosity.

A bulb must only be replaced with one 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.