Buy Lexus GS450h Headlight Assembly

Quick Summary

The Lexus GS450h headlight-also called a headlamp, front lamp, or driving light-comes in two main versions. Early models (2007-2011) use HID projector units with D4S bulbs, while the 2013-2018 redesign adopted full LED assemblies with an available triple-beam upgrade (Wikipedia). Both generations may include the Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) that turns the beam into curves and auto-levels the light.

Core Features

• Lighting technology - HID (High-Intensity Discharge) D4S bulbs with a projector lens on 2007-2011 cars; full LED modules on 2013-2018 cars, with an optional triple-beam LED pack replaceable separately inside the housing (Lexus Owners Club).
• Adaptive Front-Lighting - AFS swivels the beam left or right when steering and self-levels the lamp height. A flashing AFS dashboard light means the control sensor or motor needs service (Lexus Owners Club).
• Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) - Built into the headlight on all model years.
• Automatic High Beam (AHB) - Standard on later years; toggled through steering-wheel menus.

Fitment Years

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Bulb & Ballast

• Low beam bulb - D4S HID capsule, 35 W, color 4300 K stock for 2007-2011.
• High beam bulb - Separate halogen 9005/HB3 on HID cars; integrated LED chip on 2013-2018.
• Ballast (control unit) - Mounted under each HID housing; a failed ballast causes one side to flicker or stay dark and can trigger the AFS light .
• LED driver - 2013-2018 lamps use an internal driver; the triple-beam pack can be replaced without changing the full assembly (Lexus Owners Club).

Common Problems

• AFS Light Flashing - Often a height-sensor fault or motor issue (Lexus Owners Club).
• Moisture / Condensation - Reported by owners in both HID and LED housings; usually fixed by resealing the lens perimeter or adding a new housing vent (Lexus Owners Club, Club Lexus).
• Flicker or No-Start HID - Caused by worn bulbs after ~2,000 hours or a weak ballast.
• High-Beam Failure - Both beams out with good fuse points to the headlight relay or stalk switch (Club Lexus).

Aiming & Laws

Poor aim can waste the lamp's strong output and blind other drivers. The U.S. DOT/NHTSA low-beam alignment guide shows the vertical tape-line and 25-ft wall method (NHTSA Static). On a GS450h you reach the vertical adjuster by popping the wheel-arch liner and turning the long screw (Lexus Owners Club, Club Lexus). Always adjust on level ground with ½ tank of fuel and normal cargo.

DIY Installation

1. Disconnect the 12-V battery (HID systems fire at 25,000 V).
2. Remove the bumper clips and three bolts securing the headlamp.
3. Unplug the multi-pin harness and washer hose (if equipped).
4. For bulb changes only, twist the dust cap, unplug the igniter, replace the D4S bulb, and lock it to 12 o'clock.
5. Re-aim the beams using the DOT guide above. A video walk-through shows the whole process (YouTube).

Upgrades & Mods

• LED Conversion Kits (2007-2011) - Plug-and-play D4S-to-LED bulbs lower power draw, but keep the projector cut-off and do not delete the ballast.
• Triple-Beam LED (2016-2018) - Adds three stacked projectors with wider spread; needs ECU coding if retrofit.
• AFS Disable - Hold the "AFS OFF" button or use the steering menu; see tutorial video (YouTube).
• Clear-Lens Swap - Aftermarket glass lenses sharpen the cut-off and boost lux.

Maintenance Tips

• Check lens clarity every oil change; haze can be polished with a non-abrasive kit.
• Inspect gaskets for cracks after any front-end hit; leaks lead to fogging (Lexus Owners Club, Club Lexus).
• Fuse checks: the head-lamp upper (H-LP UPR) 20 A fuse sits in the engine-bay fuse block; diagram on p 423 of the factory manual (Manuals+, Lexus Owners Club).
• Replace HID bulbs in pairs to keep color match.

Safety Ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates 2013-2018 GS models "Good" for frontal crash and lists the LED projector low beam as "Acceptable," noting a clear cut-off and long reach (IIHS Crash Testing). Properly aimed lights improve driver vision up to 150 feet on low beam and reduce oncoming glare when auto-level works.

Recalls & Compliance

No open U.S. recalls target the GS450h headlamp itself, but always run the VIN through the NHTSA database before buying a new unit (NHTSA, Cars.com). State laws generally follow Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, requiring white low beams and amber side markers.

Environmental Note

HID capsules contain a small amount of mercury. Recycle used bulbs at a household hazardous-waste center instead of regular trash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb size does my 2008 GS450h use?
A: Low beam is D4S HID, and high beam is 9005 halogen.

Q: Are 2013-2018 LED headlights interchangeable with 2016-2018 triple-beam lights?
A: Yes, the housings fit, but you must flash the body ECU so AFS and high-beam assist work.

Q: Why is my AFS light blinking?
A: The self-level sensor or motor is out of range. Scan for codes and check the rear-axle height link .

Q: How do I dry fogged headlights?
A: Remove bulbs, warm the housing with a hair dryer, then reseal the perimeter with automotive-grade butyl .

Q: Where is the headlight fuse?
A: In the engine-bay fuse block, 20 A "H-LP UPR" position .

Q: Can I just aim the lights higher to see farther?
A: No. Over-aiming blinds traffic and fails inspection. Follow the DOT wall-aim guide .

Q: Does disabling AFS harm anything?
A: No. It only stops the swivel motor; the beam still lights normally .

Q: What is the color temperature of stock HID bulbs?
A: About 4300 K-slightly warm white for best wet-road contrast.

Q: Will LED conversions trigger dash errors?
A: If the ballast stays in place, normally not. If deleted, the headlight ECU may set a "bulb open" fault.

Q: How long do HID bulbs last?
A: Around 2,000 engine-on hours (6-8 years of typical driving).

References

1. Lexus GS article noting full LED lamps (Wikipedia)
2. Lexus Owners Club thread on triple-beam LED pack (Lexus Owners Club)
3. AFS warning-light discussion (Lexus Owners Club)
4. YouTube guide to switching off AFS (YouTube)
5. Headlight condensation fix threads (Lexus Owners Club, Club Lexus)
6. Headlight height-adjust screw location (Lexus Owners Club)
7. HID adjuster access tip (Club Lexus)
8. NHTSA low-beam aiming bulletin (NHTSA Static)
9. Fuse-box diagrams and thread (Manuals+, Lexus Owners Club)
10. NHTSA recall VIN lookup page (NHTSA)
11. Cars.com recall summary (Cars.com)
12. IIHS headlight and crash rating for GS (IIHS Crash Testing)
13. YouTube guide to headlight aiming on Lexus (YouTube)
14. High-beam failure troubleshooting thread (Club Lexus)