How-To: Replace A Headlight Bulb

[kramnala58]

I just replaced m headlamp bulbs. Here's what I learned/did. I chose to replace both bulbs at the same time because: a) if one went how long would it be before the next one would burn out, and 2) I did not use OEM bulbs, so I wanted to be sure that they matched.

1. Put the PCX on it's center stand as you want to be moving the front wheel/fender/forks out of the way as you work.

2. Access to the bulbs is available by reaching behind the headlight assembly above the front fender. It is quite difficult to see under there, particularly when your hand(s) need to be in the way. You may want to use a light to take a look in order to get a feel for the layout of the wiring.

3. Each bulb is protected by a rubber boot/hub. The boot/hub pulls off with a bit of wiggling.

4. Push and twist the wiring harness. It twists about a fifth of a turn counterclockwise (left). You will feel it push in and as you twist it, it will unlock. Even though it will come loose, you may need to wiggle it a bit to fully remove it.

5. Move the harness out of the way then take hold of the back of the bulb and twist it about a fifth of a turn counterclockwise (left) and remove it.

6. You will notice that the wiring harness has three small tabs sticking out of the base and the bulb has a single tab sticking out of its base. The position of these is important to get everything seated back into place properly.

7. To install the new bulb, point the small tab to 12 o'clock, insert it in the opening and turn the tab to about 1 o'clock. It will be somewhat loose, but it will stay in place. Remember to wear cotton gloves if you are handling a halogen bulb because getting body oil on the glass surface drastically reduces the bulbs life span.

8. Take the wiring harness and point the three small tabs to 10 o'clock, 2 o'clock and 6 o'clock (if I recall correctly). Press it in firmly against the bulb and give it a slight twist clockwise (right).

9. Check to make sure that the bulb is working in both the high and low beam settings. Mine was not working in the low beam position. I re-seated it and was was okay. I don't think I had the harness properly seated.

10. Replace the rubber boot/hood by pressing it on as you wiggle it a bit.

11. Repeat the procedure for the other bulb.

[dasshreddar]

Pictures please , aren't the Thailand headlight bulbs different than the US headlight bulbs?

[WhiteNoise]

Excellent kram! Well said This will be a big help when mine blow. (For Das ), I have a picture from the manual to share too

[kramnala58]

From the look of the picture Whitenoise, it does look like Thai bulbs are different than US ones (and possibly the rest of the world too)

[OriginalRocket]

They are. USA and WORLD bulbs are a 30/35watt halogen bulbs. I've read many posts about how much the Thais complain about the crappy dim bulbs they get. I think they are standard filament 25/25 watt.

I want to get an HID kit for the PCX as at night I don't think it is enough light for the speeds I ride.

[dustin91]

Bumping... I bought two replacement bulbs that are supposed to be a little brighter than the stock. FOR THE LIFE OF ME, I could not get the existing bulbs out. I could see why they need to turn to be removed, but they just would not budge at all. Hard enough reaching underneath the wheel well to access them, and I just couldn't produce enough torque to twist them free. I think I'll ask my shop to replace them when I take in my 150 for the 2,500 mile service. Oh well!

[kramnala58]

Bumping... I bought two replacement bulbs that are supposed to be a little brighter than the stock. FOR THE LIFE OF ME, I could not get the existing bulbs out. I could see why they need to turn to be removed, but they just would not budge at all. Hard enough reaching underneath the wheel well to access them, and I just couldn't produce enough torque to twist them free. I think I'll ask my shop to replace them when I take in my 150 for the 2,500 mile service. Oh well!

Sorry to hear about your struggle. I had a challenge with mine to because of the limited space, but eventually I got it. I would agree that having the shop do it while it is in for service anyway, is probably the less stressful way to take care of it.

[dBusteR]

I am looking to install one of those garage door openers, a flash2pass unit. It ties into the headlight wiring and is activated from flashing your highbeam. On my Vulcan I mounted it in the headlight bucket but on our PCX 150 that is somewhat different.

Is there a housing that the headlight is housed in that I could connect and stash the unit? Anyone have any photos of this area? Maybe a diagram from a service manual or any type of diagram showing how the plastic is taken apart to get to the headlight area?

thanks in advance.

[you you]

They are. USA and WORLD bulbs are a 30/35watt halogen bulbs. I've read many posts about how much the Thais complain about the crappy dim bulbs they get. I think they are standard filament 25/25 watt.

I want to get an HID kit for the PCX as at night I don't think it is enough light for the speeds I ride.

40mph?

[Mel46]

On the subject of headlights, I think I read that the turn signal light socks are empty on the American version. Does it take a special wiring harness to get the turn signals for those sockets?

[wolfpaws2]

Krammnala, I too wanted to replace the OEM bulbs on my PCX. I found some bright HS5 30/35 watt bulbs on eBay for $25 a pair and followed your instructions to a "T". Had my new bulbs installed in 15 minutes! They are much brighter, thank you for the detailed instructions. Next will be to install a fender eliminator kit. Someone has a nice LED one for sale on eBay for $125.

[kramnala58]

Glad I could be of help ... I had forgotten that I had posted those instructions.

[djcat]

Krammnala, I too wanted to replace the OEM bulbs on my PCX. I found some bright HS5 30/35 watt bulbs on eBay for $25 a pair and followed your instructions to a "T". Had my new bulbs installed in 15 minutes! They are much brighter, thank you for the detailed instructions. Next will be to install a fender eliminator kit. Someone has a nice LED one for sale on eBay for $125.

Where did you get those bulbs? Do you have a link?

[foggyhelmet]

No wonder I feel like I need to keep the brights on 24/7.

Sidenote: makes me want to add a flashlight to my miner's cap

[k2apache6.0]

Thanks guys, doing this weekend, great info

[k2apache6.0]

Thanks guys, doing this weekend, great info

So just done them and as one poster commented they are tight, I used a small flat blade screwdriver to carefully push on a flat to get them started, now I have brighter lights. The make was Prosense, HS5, color approx 5,500k white/blue, got them on ebay a week ago but the listing seems to have ended for now. But here's a video he uploaded to youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-mZLe1FfIE

[k2apache6.0]

OK, for anyone who's interested here's the ebay seller link, he re-listed them
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-PCX-150-P ... 15?vxp=mtr

[Ishkabibble]

OK, for anyone who's interested here's the ebay seller link, he re-listed them
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-PCX-150-P ... 15?vxp=mtr

Anyone ever do a review of these? If they did, I can't find them. I'd love to get my mitts on them, but not without knowing if they'll work well and properly on a 2013. Only the best for my Natasha!

[WhiteNoise]

The above link(s) have been re-listed again. Here's today's (7/8/16):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-PCX-150-P ... 40?vxp=mtr

k2 have you installed yours yet? Your reply and info is Not for me, but for a new member asking about changing out headlight bulbs to LEDs. I will link him to this thread so he can follow it.
Thanks for helping

[chicaboo]

Since the description and title don't match, are the eBay bulbs 35/33W or 35/30W?