Question edited for clarity
Not easy as it is HID. It is not normally the bulb, but the transformer unit. Details in the link.
Yes, it CAN be done without pulling the bumper, fender and entire headlight assembly.
I just completed a HID bulb replacement on my 02 SC430. Took about two hours and included a copious amount of swearing. It is a PITB process that is largely done by braille. Sausage fingered individuals should not even try. The clearance is very small - just enough to get your hand into position.
if you google search agains "sc430 headlight service manual" you will find a pdf of the headlight service procedure. I largely followed those instructions, but I have a few hints...
1. Do the passenger side first. Removing the air cleaner gives you some ability to see what you are doing. That lets you learn the process before you go do the driver side "blind".
2. The service manual did not mention a few wires that are present. The leads for the amber indicator light stretches tight across the HID moisture cap. You need to pull the amber indicator bulb assembly first. Fortunately, that is a simple twist and pull. Once the amber lamp was free, I disconnected its harness and set the bulb aside in a safe location.
2b. A pair of wires were physically attached to the HID cover. These make it extremely difficult to maneuver the cover, particularly when putting the cover back on. I ended up physically detaching those wires from the cover permanently. Made life a lot easier and will make replacing the HID bulbs simpler next time.
3. The HID bulb socket easily detaches. The wire spring bale is hinged and won't fly away when you get the two ends free. Those are freed with a squeeze and pull movement. You can do one side at a time.
4. Make certain the spring bale is swung out so it does not impeded placement of the new HID bulb.
5. Because you are doing most of the bulb insertion blind, it is difficult to avoid touching the quartz jacket to something. Practice with the old bulb first. Once in place, you gently rotate the bulb until its notches allow it to seat. You can feel that pretty easily.
I used the "MAXLUX HID Xenon Bulb D2C (D2S/D2R) 5000K" bulbs obtained via amazon. Yes, that price is indeed for a PAIR of bulbs. I thought it was for a single bulb due to the low price and ended up with four bulbs.
The new bulbs light up much brighter than my aging 02 HID bulbs. A slight bluer than the OEM Lexus bulbs, roughly the same color as the HID's on the Aston. Longevity is, of course, yet to be evaluated.
Success. It can be done, but I guarantee a lot of colorful language during the process.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Changing+a+headlight+bulb+2002+Lexus+SC430
..
×