How to Replace 2006 - 2009 Saab 9-5 Xenon Headlight Bulbs - Part 1

Are the Xenon headlights on your 2006 - 2009 Saab 9-5 flickering, dim, turning pink, or burnt out? I show you how to replace these bulbs yourself by removing your front bumper cover and headlamp assemblies to do the job the right way.
This is Part 1 of 2, and includes Removing the Bumper Cover, Removing the Headlight Assembly, and Replacing the Xenon Bulb.
Part 2 shows you how to Headlight Installation, Testing, Bumper Cover Installation, and Before & After.
Here are the bulbs I purchased to have a factory stock look:
- Osram D1S Bulbs (The SAAB 9-5 requires D1S)
- amzn.to/2IF5XCc
Tools you need:
- 8 mm socket
- 10 mm socket
- T25 Torx Socket
- T30 Torx Socket
- Trim tool or hard plastic wedge
- Punch or Phillips-Head Screwdriver
- Flat-Head Screwdriver
- Wrenches
- Extension
If you have any questions, leave a comment down below. I hope this video is helpful to you and helps you save some money and enjoy your Saab even more.
This video applies only to the 2006 - 2009 Saab 9-5 with Vision Package or Xenon Headlamps. This is not the process for 1999-2005, or 2006+ with Halogens.

Пікірлер: 70

  • @MrHenrikmon
    @MrHenrikmon4 жыл бұрын

    Used this guide today to change the complete front headlight of my trustworthy SAAB. Had no idea it was this easy to change. Thanks a bunch!

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    4 жыл бұрын

    No problem Henrik, I'm glad it was helpful to you!

  • @urslund01
    @urslund01 Жыл бұрын

    Changed both bulbs yesterday without removing the bumper. Tight but doable and saves a lot of work.

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    Жыл бұрын

    Nice! I followed the WIS for this video. If I still had the car I'd do a remake without removing the bumper!

  • @theworldaccordingtochris4370

    @theworldaccordingtochris4370

    7 ай бұрын

    Good man 👍

  • @MultiBadBass
    @MultiBadBass4 жыл бұрын

    To replace these all you need to do is remove the battery on the drives side and the intake hose on the passenger side. The access port is easily accessible on both sides with the headlight assemblies in place. Takes about 15 minutes in total. Thanks for making this though as a guide for removing the bumper and headlights, the trick I needed to know was rotating the tabs CCW then CW to easily get he bulbs in and out which I did not know and it helped a lot!

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    4 жыл бұрын

    Glad this was helpful! I followed WIS this time around, but I'm definitely going to try out the shortcut next time a bulb fails.

  • @2steaksandwiches665

    @2steaksandwiches665

    4 жыл бұрын

    Agreed. Way less work. I just did it and am waiting for the bulbs.

  • @nopiardiansyah7139

    @nopiardiansyah7139

    3 жыл бұрын

    Same here, i did it without removing the bumper.

  • @efaman
    @efaman2 жыл бұрын

    This helped me very much, thank you! I found the locking tabs by myself, but didn't want to use more force than necessary. Thanks to this video I didn't have to!

  • @bloblo1944
    @bloblo19442 жыл бұрын

    Many Thanks! Your video gave me the right " trick" to re-introduce the bulb in the right way - in my ( Saab Vector 2008) case without disassembly of the front.

  • @JohnLarsson.
    @JohnLarsson.2 жыл бұрын

    if you're a person with small-medium sized hands you CAN do this without taking off the bumper. You have to take the intake housing off with the MAF sensor in order to het the space needed. after that you should be cleared to take out the old bulb. On the Driverside you have to take out the battery box and that's it. Tough taking them out is the easy part. be careful when installing new ones as they can be a pain to align with the numerous pins that keep it in place.

  • @danielanthony9248

    @danielanthony9248

    Жыл бұрын

    I can take driver side bulb out without removing the battery, you have to sacrifice some blood but it’s worth it 💪

  • @fixithome1973
    @fixithome19734 жыл бұрын

    Thank you perfect info🙏🏻

  • @MarcusFrakes
    @MarcusFrakes11 ай бұрын

    Hey thanks for the clear instructions. My new lights are live!

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    11 ай бұрын

    Glad to hear this helped you!

  • @patrickhellgren3277
    @patrickhellgren3277 Жыл бұрын

    Thnx man

  • @user-dd3cj4pq4f
    @user-dd3cj4pq4f Жыл бұрын

    👍👍👍 Thanks, very good video 👍👍👍.Merci !

  • @DT-kl7uf
    @DT-kl7uf5 жыл бұрын

    Great video I really enjoyed it, very detailed. Where were you 8 months ago

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    5 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it! Bought the car about 6 mos ago, but glad this helps for next time.

  • @larsljungman5417
    @larsljungman54172 жыл бұрын

    Are you planning to put up a clip, how to change the headlight with H7? You make such very good clips, they helps alot :-)

  • @PeterChomanic
    @PeterChomanic5 жыл бұрын

    Just got here because of searching for some fresh SAAB content on KZread :D so, subscribed, let's see what you bring in the future. Will you introduce yourself with this and why you have it etc? :)

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    5 жыл бұрын

    Glad you were able to find it! Happy to do an intro video, too. This 9-5 is my second SAAB (used to have a 60th Anniversary 9-3 and regret selling it), and I wanted to find a daily driver SAAB I could enjoy and work on mostly myself. This one is a manual 2007 SportCombi - 1 of 114 in the US - and as soon as I saw it for sale I knew I needed it. I grew up around cars, and have always been a go-to for friends and family for car buying and repair advice. I wanted to start this channel to help people learn more about their cars and try to give some helpful/thorough how-to's. I'll be adding more videos for this SAAB, my Pontiac G8, and others as I come across maintenance and repair items. I look forward to giving you more SAAB content!

  • @victorvelasquez3719
    @victorvelasquez37193 жыл бұрын

    Nice and helpful video! I just replaced the bulbs in my one. Now I need advise how to restore the crystal clear shine on the outer headlights covers, they do not look crystal clear anymore. Please advice? Thanks Keith!

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hello again! I used the Meguiar's Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit on mine and was very happy with the results. They yellowing is gone and they're clear - though they're about 90% perfect. Once a year I then go back and apply their Headlight Coating spray to the lamps to keep them clear.

  • @sewing33
    @sewing333 жыл бұрын

    Damn it! I was doing it all wrong!!

  • @mmotft3i8
    @mmotft3i84 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for posting this. On my 2006 9-5 I do not see at all how you can get the bulb out and new one in without removing the bumper cover. I tried, believe me, but after about an hour (passenger side) adopted Keith's method, and it took much less time, was easy and let me seat the bulb properly. When it comes time for the driver's side I'll try the remove the battery access but won't fool with it for long. My '06 has the tabs and odd fingers that grip the bulb base, not the wire clip, maybe that is the difference? Anyway, thanks again for this!

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    4 жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear this method ended up working for you! Interesting to hear of the difference. I wonder if it's part of mine being US spec?

  • @mmotft3i8

    @mmotft3i8

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@KeithCars mine's US as well. Prob GM attempt to change for sake of change.

  • @ingemarolsson9705
    @ingemarolsson97054 жыл бұрын

    Used this guide today, and it helped a lot. But, how do you change the direktion bulb? it´s so tight space :(

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    4 жыл бұрын

    It helps to remove the side marker bulb in order to make clearance for the directional/turn signal bulb cap to get removed. Once those are both free, you can get to the direction bulb a bit easier.

  • @sirsmeghead
    @sirsmeghead4 жыл бұрын

    Just did this today on my 2009 9-5 BioPower, and there was only one cable per headlight, the one closest to the middle of the car. There was no cable and connector for the turn signal at all, so made the process just slightly easier to do.

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    4 жыл бұрын

    Interesting! Saab made a few minor tweaks to the '09s, but they don't seem to be well recorded. Glad this still worked for you.

  • @kallegitarr2518

    @kallegitarr2518

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@KeithCars The eurospec cars dont have that sidelight, they have a dummy there instead. (A dummy that always get cracks and are very expensive )

  • @rrud59
    @rrud594 жыл бұрын

    Quick question. The little light bulb.. between the two lenses, on the bottom of the headlight.. ever change those ?

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wow I'm late to this, but yes! There's a pull-tab you grab and slide out, but it's easier with the battery cover removed. The bulb just sits on the other end of that tab/rod.

  • @minepoi0115
    @minepoi01153 жыл бұрын

    You dont have to remove bumper you cab get it from top, i changed mine in 15 minutes from top and it was my first time

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, will give that a go next time! In this video, I followed the SAAB WIS manual.

  • @minepoi0115

    @minepoi0115

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@KeithCars you just have to take battery out and your maf sensor, battery side is quite easy but maf side is a bit tight but for me it was also pretty easy. Was good video still!

  • @AngelReyes-vc1be
    @AngelReyes-vc1be3 жыл бұрын

    Just remove the battery and MAF piping the bulbs pop right out 20 min. Why chance breaking clips and tabs and everything else. And spend 2 hours.

  • @jigglypuff7004
    @jigglypuff70044 жыл бұрын

    What's the little front triangle light for? Its at the bottom of the headlight?

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    4 жыл бұрын

    It's just a design element designed into the headlamp assembly - no bulb in the triangle in between the low and high beams!

  • @jigglypuff7004

    @jigglypuff7004

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@KeithCars oooooh thank you. I have a 9.5 2009 saab assist. I'm going for a driving test next week and all the lights need to be in working order and these are the only ones not working. My manual book is in Japanese so I'm searching on here to find out what it is. Lol

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@jigglypuff7004 Ha! Nothing to worry about. Good luck with the test and inspection!

  • @minepoi0115

    @minepoi0115

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@KeithCars isnt that a park light?

  • @theswottishclan
    @theswottishclan4 ай бұрын

    Whyyy do they make it so difficult to change a lightbulb??? How about a hatch in front, done!

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    4 ай бұрын

    Some are saying there is an easier way that allows you to get to the bulb covers with them in the car, but I sold it years ago and can't give it a go. This is still the official WIS directions, though.

  • @rrud59
    @rrud594 жыл бұрын

    I definitely changed mine without removing anything. Not even the battery or intake yada yada. I even changed the entire left headlight without removing the bumper cover.

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    4 жыл бұрын

    I will try that next time! I followed the official Saab WIS for this video.

  • @clutchitupk1181

    @clutchitupk1181

    3 жыл бұрын

    Can you post a video of your alternate process?

  • @mattkaustickomments

    @mattkaustickomments

    3 жыл бұрын

    On the driver’s side-If I could just see exactly how that metal wire clip works (that actually holds the back of the bulb snug) I could change mine without pulling the bumper cover... UPDATE I just used a long T-Handle Allen wrench and pushed it off to the ‘open’ side that I could see and popped it off.

  • @rrud59

    @rrud59

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@mattkaustickomments when i changed the xenon bulb, the thing that held the bulb snug, it twists. Turn it and it releases the base of the xenon bulb

  • @rrud59

    @rrud59

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@clutchitupk1181 sorry for the late reply, this was years ago, so no video. But I had a friend help, it was alot of bending and pulling and holding. And it was summer. The warm weather Probably helped prevent anything from snapping

  • @karlsholmen
    @karlsholmen5 жыл бұрын

    Why dismantle all this, when you easily can access the bulb just by opening the rubber cover? Maybe remove the battery and the air hose on the right side.

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hey Espen, thanks for watching. This is the official WIS/workshop process to replace the bulbs/housing. If I can get to them in an easier way I will be sure to post an updated video.

  • @karlsholmen

    @karlsholmen

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@KeithCars As I wrote in my post.. remove the battery on the left side and the hose on the right side and there you go :)

  • @ganymedes1558

    @ganymedes1558

    5 жыл бұрын

    Espen is right , thank you so much . It is much better to do that and faster ! :)

  • @sirsmeghead

    @sirsmeghead

    4 жыл бұрын

    Removing the battery and air hose is in no way making it easy to replace the bulbs, the method from WIS isn’t really hard or time consuming, just saves you a lot of hassle from trying to see and fiddle with the lamp connectors in very small tight spaces where big hands and fingers don’t really fit well.

  • @theworldaccordingtochris4370
    @theworldaccordingtochris43707 ай бұрын

    Naaaa, you can change the bulbs without all that. Take out the battery and the airflow sensor coming up from the air filter and there you go 👍

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    7 ай бұрын

    Totally - learned about your easier approach after I sold the car or I'd have redone this video. But this is the official 'SAAB WIS' way of doing it.

  • @lari-jukkapeltomaa2466
    @lari-jukkapeltomaa24662 жыл бұрын

    I really not understand why you remove the bumper. There is enough of space after removing left side battery, or for the rigth side air mass meter with their houses. I done this a couple of times, on both my Saabs and friends Saabs, both the 02-05 and 06 forward models without any problems. And its way faster than have to removing the bumper.

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    2 жыл бұрын

    I followed the WIS instructions exactly for this video. Sold the car last year otherwise I'd make an update. Thanks for the tip!

  • @ebz3783
    @ebz37835 жыл бұрын

    To be honest, you don’t need take the bumper off, passenger side u just move the air intake rubber hose, driver side just move the battery cover, that’s it. I did before…

  • @KeithCars

    @KeithCars

    5 жыл бұрын

    Good to know! This video shows the WIS directions, which some argue was developed more for billable labor hours :)

  • @cleo2cleo

    @cleo2cleo

    5 жыл бұрын

    EB Z is correct. Just changed the passenger side zenon bulb by taking off the rubber intake hose. It took two people, one to hold the intake housing away from the light assembly. Be sure to disconnect battery before changing zenons!

  • @sirsmeghead

    @sirsmeghead

    4 жыл бұрын

    Keith & Cars More billable hours yes, but also less chances of scrapes and cuts on your hands ^^

  • @klangley32
    @klangley322 жыл бұрын

    This is ridiculous, absolutely absurd! Why does replacing a simple bulb have to involve removing the entire bumper, and the headlight assembly! This is a 1.5 hour long job! Stupid Saab’s!!!

  • @Comrade420_

    @Comrade420_

    Жыл бұрын

    That's saab for ya'!