Changing low beams (non-HID) on Saab 9-2x
How to change the low beam bulb (passenger side):
1. Open hood.
Entire procedure can be done from above, no need to get underneath the car.
2. Remove air intake snorkel
2a. Remove two 10mm bolts that hold the snorkel to the metal frame. If bolts are rusty (like mine), then soak them in a little WD-40 while you’re doing this job.
2b. Pull on the snorkel and it will release from the hole that leads to the air intake box.
3. Open up headlight
3a. Locate the ~4″ round housing for the low beam bulb, black with grippy fins on it.
3b. Notice the orientation of the triangle printed on the black cap, that’s where it should be pointing (towards the radiator) when you screw it back on at the end to get a proper seal.
3c. Unscrew the cap (if looking from the passenger seat, it will unscrew counter-clockwise).
4. Remove old bulb
4a. Unfasten the metal clip. It’s hinged on the radiator side, so you just have to release it from the other side.
4b. Gently pull on the wire, possibly turning the bulb in the housing to remove the old bulb.
5. Dry headlight housing (optional, if headlight housing has condensation)
5a. Leave bulb out of housing, park with headlight facing the sun to dry it out.
5b. Use compressed air, hair dryer, or silica dessicant to remove moisture from headlight housing.
5c. Note that this doesn’t always work, as moisture can find its way if there is a weak seal somewhere. Replacing the entire headlight can be expensive, so I just live with it.
6. Remove old bulb from electrical connector.
6a. Make sure headlights are OFF.
6a. Hold bulb by the metal disk at the base of the bulb and pull it straight out from the black electrical connector. It might be tough to pull out. There are no tabs or anything to press to release it. No twisting is necessary. Just pull straight out.
7. Insert new bulb
7a. Do not touch the glass of the new bulb with your hands. Dirt, dust, oil, or moisture will shorten the life of the bulb. Hold it by the metal disk at the base of the bulb.
7b. Insert new bulb into electrical connector. Note: if you try to test the new bulb now by turning on the headlights, it will not light up because it needs to placed in the housing to complete the circuit.
7c. Insert bulb+electrical connector back into headlight housing. Make sure the metal disk of the bulb is flat against the housing.
7d. Fasten the metal clip to secure the bulb in the housing. You might need to move the wire out of the way.
8. Test new bulb
8a. With the bulb in the housing and fastened down with the metal clip, turn on headlights.
8b. If it works, then proceed to 9.
8c. If it doesn’t, then check the fuse, make sure bulb is inserted properly, etc.
9. Close the headlight
9a. Take the black round housing cover and screw it back onto the headlight. Make sure it is flush and the triangle is pointing sideways towards the radiator.
10. Replace air snorkel
10a. Insert it into the hole to the airbox. 10b. Screw in the bolts that hold the front of the snorkel to the frame.
11. Done.
Extras:
My low beam bulbs of choice are Osram Night Breaker Halogen. Slightly whiter and brighter than stock. Competitive pricing.