Buy Lexus GS460 Headlight Assembly

Overview

The Lexus GS460 headlight-also called a headlamp, front lamp, or light assembly-uses a bright xenon HID projector to help drivers see clearly at night. From model years 2008 to 2011, many GS460s also came with an Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) that turns the beam into a curve for better cornering vision. Understanding the parts, care, rules, and upgrade options for this lamp can save money, boost safety, and keep your Lexus looking sharp.

Key Facts

• Factory low-beam bulb: D4S 35-watt xenon HID (SEALIGHT)
• High-beam bulb: 9005/HB3 halogen for U.S. cars
• Headlight style: single-lens projector with auto-leveling; AFS pivots up to 15° in bends (directechs.blob.core.windows.net)
• Production years: GS460 sold in North America for 2008-2011 (Lexus USA Newsroom)

Compatibility

The GS460 shares the same outer lamp housing with GS350 and GS450h of the same years, but wiring differs for cars without HID or without AFS. Always match the plug shape and ballast connector when buying a replacement. (hidreplacement, Lexus Owners Club of North America)

Bulb Types

HID Xenon (Low Beam)

HID bulbs light by an electric arc and give about 3,200-3,300 lumens while drawing only 35 W. Color temperatures range from factory-white 4 300 K to ice-white 6 000 K. (eBay)

Halogen (High Beam / DRL)

The 9005/HB3 halogen high beam is simpler to swap and costs far less than HID lamps. (Advance Auto Parts)

Smart Technology

Adaptive Front-Lighting

AFS uses steering-angle and speed sensors to swivel the projector so light points into a curve, improving vision on dark bends. Drivers can turn AFS off with a dash switch if desired. (SIA Toyota, Lexus Owners Club)

Auto-Leveling

Load sensors keep the beam from blinding oncoming traffic when the trunk is full.

Common Problems

• Condensation inside lens-often from worn butyl seal; drying the lamp only fixes it briefly. Resealing or new gaskets is the long-term cure. (Lexus Owners Club)
• HID bulb flicker-usually the bulb-not the ballast-after 2 000-3 000 h of use.
• AFS warning light-can follow pothole impacts; system may need sensor recalibration. (JustAnswer)

Maintenance & Care

Oxidized polycarbonate lenses cut light output. Clean with mild soap, sand with 1 000→3 000-grit wet sandpaper, polish, and seal with UV clear coat. (Popular Mechanics, Wikipedia)
A quick fix is toothpaste and a toothbrush, but results fade fast without a sealant. (The Irish Sun)

Installation Tips

1. Disconnect the battery to protect the HID ballast.
2. Remove three 10 mm bolts and slide the lamp forward. (Lexus Owners Club of North America)
3. Never touch the glass of a new HID bulb-oil shortens life.
4. Check aim on a level wall 25 ft away: top cut-off should sit slightly below headlight centerline.

Legal & Rules

U.S. law limits headlight mounting height and glare; proper aim protects you from tickets and keeps others safe. (NHTSA)
Outside North America, many countries follow UN ECE Regulation 112/149 for beam pattern, brightness, and bend-lighting tests. (wiki.unece.org, UNECE)

Environment

HID capsules contain a small amount of mercury. Recycle old bulbs at a household hazardous-waste site-never toss in the trash. (US EPA)

Upgrade Choices

• LED conversion kits give instant on/off and can last 30 000 h, but pick a kit with the same D4S base for best fit.
• Clear lens retrofit sharpens cutoff and can boost usable light by 20-30 %.
• For show cars, switchback LED strips inside the housing add amber turn-signal flair.

Cost & Value

Average low-beam HID bulb replacement runs $240-$257 (parts + labor). DIY swaps save labor but require headlight removal. (RepairPal.com)
A failed HID ballast can top $800 installed, so diagnosing the bulb first can spare big money.

Safety Impact

Good headlights cut night-time single-vehicle crashes by 19 % and pedestrian crashes by 23 %, according to IIHS research. (IIHS)
Brighter LED lamps also explain why some drivers complain of glare; federal regulators are still studying limits. (Vox)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb fits the 2008-2011 GS460 low beam?
A: The factory spec is a D4S 35-watt xenon HID capsule. (SEALIGHT)

Q: Can I put LED bulbs in place of HID?
A: Yes, but choose a D4S-base LED kit designed for projector housings to keep proper focus and legality.

Q: Why does my AFS light flash on the dash?
A: The system detected a fault-often a steering-angle sensor reset or a loose connector after hitting a pothole. (JustAnswer)

Q: How do I turn AFS off?
A: Press the "AFS OFF" button near the steering column; an indicator will glow to confirm it's disabled. (Lexus Owners Club)

Q: My lens is foggy. Do I need a new headlight?
A: Not always. Sanding, polishing, and sealing the plastic lens can restore clarity at low cost. (Popular Mechanics)

Q: Is there mercury in HID bulbs?
A: Yes. Handle spent bulbs as hazardous waste and recycle per EPA advice. (US EPA)

Q: Will aiming headlights too high fail inspection?
A: Possibly. U.S. and UN rules set strict beam-height limits to avoid glare. Always re-aim after suspension or bulb work. (NHTSA, wiki.unece.org)

Q: What tools do I need to adjust the beam?
A: A long #2 Phillips screwdriver and a flat wall 25 ft away are enough for height adjustment. (Lexus Owners Club of North America)

Q: Why does condensation keep coming back after I dry the lamp?
A: The factory sealant may be cracked. Reseal the housing perimeter with butyl rubber or replace the lamp to stop moisture. (Lexus Owners Club)

Q: How long do HID bulbs last?
A: About 2 000-3 000 operating hours; brightness fades before complete failure, so consider changing both sides together. (eBay)

Wrap-Up

Keeping your Lexus GS460 headlight-your front light, headlamp, and night-vision guardian-in top shape means choosing the right bulbs, sealing out moisture, and following aiming laws. A clear, well-aimed lamp guards you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.