Main Menu Vehicle Trails Mechanicals TJ/LJ Mods JK Mods Gallery
Sylvania Silverstar Headlights

Sylvania Silverstar Headlights

Part #:

I had always noticed how dim the headlights were on the Jeep, but never really had a reason to replace them yet.  I was thinking about doing the IPF conversion to them eventually so had held off.  Then came a mysterious draining of my battery.  Not once, or twice, but 3 times the battery was sucked dry.  I couldn't figure out what was draining down the battery.  Until I happened to look down at the Passenger side headlight harness.  I noticed that the insulation had melted back away from the connector, that was strange, so I decided to pull it off and part of the light came with it.  Well now I needed a new headlight.  I had seen pictures of how much brighter the Silverstars were compared to stock, and since I knew I could get them a lot faster than the IPF conversion I went ahead and purchased them.

Additional Parts:
Tools Needed:
T-20 Torx

 

Installation:
This is what I discovered when I looked at the passenger side headlight harness.  After I unplugged it the battery didn't drain down, so I figure this was the problem.
Dsc03319.jpg (493841 bytes)
DSC03320.JPG (63592 bytes)
What it should have looked like over on the driver side.  If your changing out the headlights, you will need to unplug both of these connectors.
 
DSC03321.JPG (339869 bytes)
When I unplugged the harness from the passenger side the upper prong that is supposed to be welded onto the headlight came with it.  I believe that the increased amp draw could have been the cause for the melting of the wires.
DSC03325.JPG (62177 bytes)
DSC03342.JPG (322809 bytes)
I wiped the plug clean and went about removing the wires from the plug so I could clean them up.
 
DSC03344.JPG (351191 bytes)
You will need to remove the plastic clip from the inside of the connector.  It is clipped in, so all you have to do is lift the plastic tab and push it out. Be careful I ended up braking one of the little feet off of the side of it.
DSC03347.JPG (342821 bytes)
Dsc03345.jpg (428090 bytes)
Here is a close up of the wiring, you can see how it is melted back.
Dsc03350.jpg (348263 bytes)
I coated the wires with a couple coats of liquid electrical tape.  Make certain that all the wires are coated well so that they don't touch each other.
Dsc03352.jpg (451312 bytes)
I then plugged them back into the connector after letting them dry overnight.
Dsc03353.jpg (481384 bytes)
Here is the new silverstar, you can see that it is brighter than the old OEM lens sitting next to it.  I thought it might be a trick of the camera, but I held them both up next to each other and the silverstar was definitely brighter.  The OEM was yellowish.
DSC03354.JPG (339103 bytes)
Remove the 3 T-20 Torx screws holding the bezel on.  This will allow you access to the mounting ring torx's underneath.
DSC03326.JPG (347389 bytes)
Remove the 3 mounting ring torx's with a T-20 Torx.  Make certain that you are removing the screws holding the mounting ring and not trying to remove the adjusting screw.  Note that the mounting ring has the tabs in a certain position.  It only goes in 1 way.
DSC03327.JPG (356622 bytes)
This is what the holder looks like without the headlight in.  Now reinstall the new headlight in reverse order.  Don't forget to plug in the connector on the back side.  The headlight has an indexing tab on it, so that you put it in the right way.
DSC03328.JPG (355739 bytes)
Here you can see the light color difference between the OEM (Left) and the Silverstar (Right).  Not only is the light whiter, but it definitely is brighter at night.
DSC03355.JPG (316712 bytes)

This page last updated: 16-Apr-2008

Content and Design © 2002-present WanderingTrail,  Ronald Seegert
Common Sense and Safety should always be observed when working on your vehicle or doing modifications. Jackstands, wheel blocks, disconnecting the battery are a few of the basic safety precautions that should be used and may not be mentioned in the write ups on this site. You are responsible for your own installation, these write ups are a helpful guideline and should not be taken as an official installation instruction. My write up may be different from the kits currently out there, so alwasy double check the manufacturers installation instructions when installing anything. I try to keep the site up to date with changes that have occured as I discover them, but may not have the latest unless someone lets me know. If you feel that an install is above your capabilities after reading my write ups, I recommend getting together with a club and getting some help. Only a few times have I needed to employe some actual help from a shop to get something done. Usually welding or A/C work. While I have spent many years working on mechanical systems, I am not an expert, nor do I pretend to be one. I hope these write ups have been useful to you.
All trademarked names & logos are property of their respective owners
This site is in no way associated with FCA.
Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA.