I came to the point where I was ready to upgrade my headlights. I searched for a write-up on how to do it and found only advice on which way to get the bulbs out. I decided to go ahead and take some photos on how I did it to help those who have the same question. I went with the "remove the grill" method. It took about 40-45 minutes from start to finish.

****Disclaimer****Please take this as my way and not the ONLY way. Some have said that they would prefer to stick their hands in the small spaces available. That didn't work for my hands

I purchased the Sylvania Silverstar H13 to replace the poor OEM headlights


The first step in removing the grill is to GENTLY pop out the plastic tabs that hold it in place.




Once you get the plastic tabs out the grill will release the top portion only. There are clips on the bottom that hold it in. To get these out GENTLY pull the bottom of the grill straight back until the clips release. You will also unplug the turn signals at this point before you can take the grill off (see picts below).

Turn signal plug


Once the grill is off you will need a Torx 15 to remove the actual headlight from the Jeep


Remove the ring around the headlight


Pull the old headlight out and replace with new bulb (DO NOT TOUCH THE NEW BULB with your FINGERS)



Here is the comparison between OEM (Driver) and new Silverstar Headlight (Passenger)


There are several threads on the comparisons between the OEM and Silverstars so I won't get into that.

Now it is time to put everything back together. Reverse the above steps starting with the turn signals (assuming you already put the headlights back in )!!! Then just gently push the bottom tabs back in and then pop the plastic tabs in the top of the grill. Make sure everything is working before cleaning up.




I hope this helps some folks out there that were wondering how to do this.

-Michael

 

Just an FYI, I purchased my replacement Silverstars for $30 for the pair. Cheap and easy upgrade, the kind I really like

 

Thanks for the write up. This is a task I have been wondering. I recently found out the IPF headlights are illegal on the street so I'm not comfortable going with that. Did you see a big improvement over the stock lights. Your comparison photo is good, but to make sure I am tracking, the light on the left of the photo is your new silverlight right? Thanks again for the write up.

 

I just put the silverstar headlamps and fog lamps in myself. The difference is significant. They are brighter and the color is a much whiter. I'm very happy with mine. I definitely recommend them for a low-budget mod with a noticable impact.

 

Great write - up......and affordable

 

Nice job... Thanks for the write-up

 

Yup, sorry for not clarifying The one on the left is the new Silverstar. The difference is amazing. I do a lot of night driving and there is far less strain on my eyes with the Silverstars. Now people are constantly flashing me thinking I have my brights on.

 

Here are some picts I just took as the sun has gone down.

Straight on:



From inside the Jeep Low Beams:


High Beams:


You can see with the high beams that you can start to see the house at the bottom of the street!!!!!

 

I've got the silverstar ultra white bulbs and they are amazing! No pics tho :( cheap upgrade for better lighting!

 

Well, IMHO, this is a very cheap alternative to HID (I am saving for lift kit and engine skids). It took me more time to post this write-up than it did to actually install the bulbs, so not pointless, again, IMHO. Oh, and I will be doing the $20 grill mod when we get rid of this snow/road salt so taking the grill off was a bonus. Now I know how to do it