HID headlights have been around for a while, and there are two types of these headlights, one’s which come fitted as standard in newer cars (Bi-Xenon headlights), and the after market installation of “HID” headlights, or High-intensity discharge headlights. In this guide, I will walk you through fitting HID headlights as an after market installation into a MK2 Ford Focus (2005-2008).
The Ford Focus has an optional extra Bi-Xenon headlight, which can be requested on ordering a Ford Focus from the factory, but usually these can only be found in the higher range Focus, which usually means these were fitted in the ST or RS models, along with some Titanium models. Please don’t be fooled, as there is another option which Ford provided which allowed for “Cornering” headlights. These headlights used normal incandescent bulbs, with a glass lens which moved depending on the angle of the steering wheel, which allows the driver to see clearly around corners.
This guide will work with the following Ford Focus Range, which have the standard incandescent headlights fitted:
- Ford Focus LX
- Ford Focus Style
- Ford Focus Sport
- Ford Focus Zetec
- Ford Focus Ghia
- Ford Focus Titanium
- Ford Focus ST (Some of these did come fitted with incandescent headlights)
Ford Focus RS
The Headlights
The headlights are available from Ford with either a silver housing, or a black housing, and also in reflector option, or cornering lens option. All housings are exactly the same, and the removal is the same across the range (even the Ford Focus that has the factory fitted Bi-Xenon headlights).
Fitting Information
[alert type=”red”]Fitting after market HID headlights are now classed as MOT failures, as law currently states that headlights with Xenon or HID headlights require auto levelling headlights, and headlight washers.[/alert]Required Tools
To remove the headlights and fit after market HID headlights, you will require the following tools:
- T25 Torx Screwdriver / Socket
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- 15mm Circular Cutter Drill Bit
Required Parts
- After market HID Headlight Conversion (H7 Fitment)
Of course you will need the HID headlights to be able to fit these to your vehicle. You will notice the headlights come with bulbs, wiring, and a transformer block each, as these use a lot of power to provide a bright light.
Fitting HID Headlights – Ford Focus MK2
Fitting HID headlights first requires you to remove the headlights from the vehicle to gain access to remove the standard bulbs, and also the wiring inside the headlight housing.
First locate the T25 screw which holds the headlight onto the body of the Focus. Unscrewing this one screw (one on each side) will allow you to slide the headlight out from the vehicle.
Repeat the above procedure on both sides, sliding the headlights out towards you – You will also notice there is a clip on the bottom of the headlight which supports the bottom of the headlight – this is a simple push clip, which aligns the headlight with the body of the vehicle. There is also a wiring block connecting the headlights on each side, these are simply removed by using a flat head screw driver in the little notch, which will undo the clip holding these onto the headlight housing.
Now that you have removed the headlights, fitting HID headlights is now made a lot easier…
The back of the headlight can now be removed, this is done by pushing two clips down on each side, and pulling the top down. This reveals the two headlight bulb connectors, and the pins which hold both bulbs into the headlight housing. We will be replacing the standard “Dipped” or “Main” beam headlights (You could also use these kits on the “High Beam” lights) – The “Dipped” beam headlight is the one circled above. First you will need to remove the connector – this is done by pulling the connector away from the headlight connectors.
Using your drill bit circle cutter, drill a hole in each of the headlight back plates in the same location I have drilled mine above. This is required to pass the wires out of the headlight housing into the transformers I discussed at the beginning of the “Fitting HID Headlight” guide.
Take care while handling the HID bulb, as these are extremely fragile, and what ever you do, do NOT touch the glass of the bulb, as oil from your hands can burn on the glass, and burn through the glass, destroying your newly purchased headlights. To fit these bulbs into the housing, squeeze the metal containing clip together, and completely remove this from the fitting bracket. Slide your HID bulb in place (taking note to put the out dent part into the containing hole at the top of the headlight (as seen above). Then place your metal spring clip back between the bulb, and place the clips’ feet back into holding holes.
Now feed the wires through the hole which was cut previously, and make sure the rubber grommet is a tight fit around the headlight backing plate.
Now you need to connect the two wires into the headlight wiring, which will provide power to the inverter boxes. Black is your ground cable, and brown is the ground cable on the Ford Focus. Red is your 12v+ feed.
You can now tidy all the wiring up inside the headlight, and place the cover back onto the headlight – You will now be left with 3 connector blocks. These need to be connected to the HID inverter, which I wire tied on the main crash beam under the headlights. these simply plug in to the inverter, and dont forget to re-fit the standard wiring harness back to the headlights, and fit the headlights back into the car.
Fitting HID Headlights cant be any simpler – Its now time to test your installation by turning your ignition on, and switching your headlights on.
As you can see these are much brighter then standard bulbs, and also have a blue tinge. That’s it folks – Fitting HID Headlights – DONE!
Ford Focus 63 reg, bought a H I D kit,but unable to fit it,as bulb is held in square spring block connector, not spring type,so bulb doesn’t fit, I did post a question a while ago,any one done one yet
Have you fitted h I d kit into Ford Focus 09 onwards,as they have got block connector holding bulb in,as h I d bulb is longer and not held in spring as they used to be,
Hi James, firstly many thanks for producing such a great site (and I haven’t even read through half of it yet!) I have a 2007 Focus Titanium 5 door, and as you said, HID lights were an optional extra. I’m seriously considering changing mine to HID, but want to do it with the self levelling and washer jets (basically as close to Ford OE standard as possible).
I’m thinking of buying some used ST headlight units, and then maybe a ST bumper with the washer jets. But I believe that cars fitted with HID/xenons have a lighting control module? But I’m wondering, if HID/xenon was an optional extra, would the module still be fitted and incorporated into the wiring loom? And also what about the self levelling?
I will probably change my mind once I realise the cost of all of this, but I’m hoping that some of these features may still have been included as it was a factory optional extra? For example I believe that some of the basic trim level focuses such as the zetec, had the footwell bulb sockets fitted but hidden out of the way, presumably as it’d save ford having to produce two different types of wiring looms just for the sake of a couple of extra bulbs! If you have any info, I will gladly welcome it. And I hope that you carry on with this website, as it covers a lot of things.
Hi Phill,
I only know of one person who has successfully retrofitted Xennon headlights to their car. You are correct in thinking there is a different wiring loom in the car for the Xennon headlights, and there is also a levelling sensor which is situated into the boot, which wire then goes into the ECU somewhere (I have not tried this myself, so not 100% sure what is required, but I do know roughly what is required).
It looks like you have read up on this already, so know what is required. But I would say it’s not going to be cheap, especially for washer jets, new washer bottle, all the headlights, bumper (sprayed) Xennon module, new headlight wiring loom, connectors and everything. I would say it would all add up to well over £500.
Hi,
Very nice tutorial, many thanks!
One question; which HID Headlight Conversion Kit did you use and where did you purchase it?
Br,
Bart
Hi Bart,
I have had multiple kits from a number of different websites including eBay. You are best to check around the internet and see what the best supplier in your country is.
Thanks
James