I had my driver's side headlight "explode" today...not just burn out...now there's 1,268 little pieces in the headlight housing!!!!

Any ideas on how to get them out?

I don't want to just leave them in there, and I really don't want to remove the entire light fixture...unless it's not too time consuming?

Thanks!

 

Same thing happened to me. Take whats left of the bulb out, and get a long skinny stick type thing and put masking take all around the end of it so you can probe it in to the housing to pick of the little pieces. I'm sure this should take you a decent amount of time. Peace.

 

i think i saw this discussed before. someone recommended taking out the housing, filling with water, draining and let it dry for a long time...even use a hair dryer to make sure there's no moisture.

 

I did the coat hangar with duct tape at the end to stcik to all the 1,268 pieces. Then followed by the hangar with duct tape and a wet paper towel to wipe up all the xenon powder. I did this cuz I didn't want to mess with those metal clips on the housing, and pull it all apart.

 

This happened to me. It would probably be easier for you to take the housing out. However, you need to pull the grille and the clearance light. The clearance light is difficult to take out for first timers.
Once you get the housing out and shake the glass out try mild soap and water to flush out the housing.
Make sure the housing is dry before reinstalling.

 

How did it explode? Did the lamp make contact with moisture? If so, your headlight should be replaced.

If not, I agree to remove the housing and clean it out as thoroughly as possible. Your headlight will be VERY cloudy opposed to your other one, won't match and looks ugly with time.

 

To do it right, you should remove the headlight assembly. Consider using isopropyl alchohol (rubbing alcohol) to rinse the inside of the lamp & drain. It will dry quicker & more completely than water, & won't leave spots, stains, or water residue inside the housing.

 

Are you sure alcohol is ok? Just asking, because I tried that but I also used vinegar and water and one of them clouded the reflector.
Maybe testing a small area with alcohol would be safe.

 

It's non-staining & won't leave residue behind because it is pure & evaporates completely. I can't see how it would cause any problems. I'd be more concerned about using H2O.

 

I found a thread where people are heating their headlight assy in the oven. I am skeptical and haven't tried this, but if it works it would be much easier than coat hangars, sticks, and tape . . . . .

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....hreadid=120586