I recently had the passenger side Xenon go out on my 2004 COOPER 'S'. Actually, it flickers on and off with the switch on. I would like to switch the bulbs to test it out, to see if it is the bulb, or the ballast igniter? I don't want to disconnect the battery if I don't have too. I know these units are high voltage, but if the ignition is off, and the headlamp switch is off, there shouldn't be anything hot there and it should be completely safe??? I'm no electrician or rocket scientist, but I think it should be fairly safe and straightforward to switch the bulbs? (famous last words) Thanks!
Mini Estate

 

I have replaced my bulbs a few times. Never had to disconnect the battery. I didn't test to see if anything was "live" though.

Nik

 

Any particular issue with disconnecting the battery? (just in case, of course)

 

Thanks. Yes, with all the newfangled electrical bits on these newer cars, I'd be worried that something is going to end up having to be "reset" if the power is disconnected! Then I'll probably end up having to make a trip to the Dealer. Don't even want to chance it. Mini Estate

 

Any time you work on the car you should remove the negative battery terminal.

I would remove it when working on a high voltage application like the HID lights for sure.

 

no, actaully if you disconnect your battery for these cars, nothing bad will happen. you have to disconnect the battery to do a lot of different types on engine work (i had to when i installed by alta cai because it required i mess with the ecu a bit.) The only thing removing the power does is resetting the ecu to the stock configuration and un-learnign it (your car aclimates to yoru driving style if you didnt know, adjusting a/f ratios to how you drive, either giving you better gas milage or more hp) if i remember, i may try to write up a quick synopsys of the bently manual for switchign out hte xenon's tomorrow if someone doesnt beet me to it. (i would do it now, but its late and the shop manual is in the car, which is in the barn garage)

 

Hi. And thanks one and all. I didn't bother with the battery disconnect. It took less than five minutes each to change out the Xenon bulbs. I don't know why the Dealership said that it's not something for the everyday "Joe" to tackle??? Piece of cake actually. Thanks again! Mini Estate

 

Could anyone give me a detailed DIY on how to remove the HID bulbs whether I disconnect the battery or not? Thank you