2010 Can Am Headlight Bulb Replacement

Headlights are some nice, unless they are burnt out!!!
And when they burn out you have to change them. Have a look and see how I go about changing the headlight bulb on my 2010 Can Am 500 XT Max ATV.
This is not a difficult task. But CanAm being CanAm they made it pretty tricky for an old fella to get his fingers in a very tight opening to get the bulb connector released.
I managed to get it done though and now everything is back working and I can see again at night.
How about leaving a comment and let me know if you ever had trouble with getting to a simple job that was in a tight spot. And being in the tight spot that kind of doubled the heat ache and pain of getting the job done!!!
Also could you click on the 'Like' button and if you haven't done so already, please click 'Subscribe'!!!
If you are new to the channel, thanks very much for dropping by. I sure hope you liked it and come back often!!!
Take care folks and we'll talk to yas ...
#grampiesworkshop
#canam500xtmax
#diyheadlightreplacement

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Very good Mike. That Can Am engineer was sitting at his desk with a bulb and a connector and thought this will work great. Then another engineer said we'll stuff it inside this housing and everything will be wonderful. Until the customer or mechanic has to get it out of the housing while its mounted on the machine. I feel the same way about Phillips head screws as you do Mike. Looked very cold in your shop sir. That takes some dedication to make a video . My hands dont work so well in the cold anymore! Thanks for the video and think SPRING! 🙏👍🇨🇦🇺🇸 Roger

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? That's a good story about the engineers Roger!! Probably more true than we know too. It was a chilly day in the shop but not too bad after I ran the diesel heater for about 20 minutes. It was pretty nice then. Thanks for watching and commenting. Have a great week!!

[@rogermcdonald1607]

@@GrampiesWorkshop Mike ,on the subject of phillips screws i found that the JIS ( Japanese industrial Standards ) screwdrivers work better on all Phillips headed screws , but regular phillips drivers dont work well on JIS screws. I dont know if Can Am uses them or not. They are normally marked with a dot or a small x on the head. They ( JIS drivers )work great because they fit better and have little teeth on the tip. Vessel makes a nice set but they are kind of pricey. I didnt even know about JIS until about a year ago.🤯

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

@@rogermcdonald1607 Thanks for the info Roger. I had heard of this type of screw tip but to be honest, my hate for Phillips screws makes it so that if I see one I try and replace it. I think Phillip head screws need to go the way of the straight slot screws eh!!! LOL I bought a new set of Phillips screw drivers a while ago just to make sure it was not a worn tip that was causing me so much grief. But the new drivers weren't the JIS type tips so that only added to the frustration!!! Take care!!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Bonjour Mon ami, vous avez fait un excellent video et d'excellent truck aussi pour changé votre lumière et bonne semaine 🧐👍👌🍻

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Comment cav va mon ami? Merci Dave pour les tres bonne commentaires!!! Ce n'est pas facile de travailler sur ces lumieres. Mais ils sont repares!!! Merci d'avoir regarde la video Dave et bonne fin de la semaine a vous!!!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@GrampiesWorkshop 🧐👍👌🍻

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Big improvement Mike. Nice thing about this project was that you were halfway there when you started.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hello there Gary!! You're right. I was glad the color of the lights matched or I would have had to change the right side too. Every now and then things work out for us eh!! I appreciate your watching and commenting. Take 'er easy!!!

[@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead]

Hi Mike! Glad to stop by and spend some time with you! Great job with the light!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Thanks for the comments and for the visit!! After some serious nose wiggling I finally got the connector off the bulb and then the job went pretty good. Take care and have a great week!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hey Mike! Well done! The Can Am engineers appeared to have gone to great trouble to make the bulb so hard change, but you proved you were up to the task!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I'm not too sure if the engineers tried to design it to be hard to work on or not. But it sure is hard to work on!!! LOL Thanks for the visit and the comments. Take care!!!

[@jackcollins2344]

Nice repair Mike. Stay safe and have fun as life goes by.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Good day to you Jack!!! I want to thank you for dropping into the shop and commenting on the video. This was a pretty straight forward job, but as usual, the CanAm threw a couple of curve balls at me!! I hope you stay safe and have fun too!!! Take care!!!

[@keegantimber8571]

Nice video. I usually replace both bulbs at the same time. And, I’ve recently learned….and somewhat frustrated..at the number of DIFFERENT Phillips head screws that require different drivers to to properly fit into the + on the screw. Just craziness. Different angles and depths!! I do fine myself checking my Phillips drivers to see how they mate up with the screw…..before I attempt to use the driver. Sheesh!!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

That is aggravating indeed

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? That is true about Phillips screws. Not only do they have basic different sizes but the tip depth is a factor as well. But to me they are all designed to slip and strip out. Plus I find the Phillips screw driver tip wears out pretty quick and that causes issues too. Thanks for watching Jim and take care!!!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

@@tractortalkwithgary1271 Phillips screws, in my mind at least, are meant for assembly line fabrication and for one time use. When you try and remove them, that's when they start to cause you issues!! I'm not a Phillips Fan!!! LOL

[@BackyardMaine]

You know there’s no such thing as Bigfoot or 5 minute jobs. 😩 You got it done. Good job my friend.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Isn't that the truth!! I thought this would be a quick job and I wasn't even going to video it as I thought it wouldn't be long enough to even post. I was wrong about that too eh!! Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care!!!

[@bt8143]

Great video! I totally understand the frustration with bulb sockets. You handled it well. I sure look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanks!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hello there Barry!!! Thanks so much for dropping by the channel. And thanks for the very nice comment too. It was some tricky to try and get this connector off the bulb. Good job I had the channel loks!!! Take care!!!

[@HuntingFarmerOfficial]

And then there was light…good job on the bulb replacement. Now onto the sewing machine to get your armpit of your jacket sewn back up 😜

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Poor me eh Dave!! With all the money I'm making off KZbin you would think I could afford a new jacket eh!!! LOL But this jacket is just getting broke in and comfy!!! Thanks for the comments and take care!!!

[@RustyGlovebox]

Way to go Mike, you got the light swapped out in record time Buddy

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Changing this light was a battle, but it seems it to me all 'little' jobs on the CanAm turn into battles. It's a hard thing to work on. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. Take care!!!

[@chuckb.5076]

Well done. Great project for the shop. Heat would be nice. Maybe a wood stove just for when you need quick heat for the day? Thanks for the video.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? it looked colder in the shop than it was. I ran a diesel space heater for about 20 minutes and that warmed up the shop pretty good. Thanks for the visit and thanks for commenting too. Take 'er easy!!

[@TheBandit93]

Nice ATV you got there you did a great job installing the headlight it didn't seem to fight with you to much. Good to see the new one don't have any difference in color it looks good. 👍

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Welcome to the channel. I sure hope you can come back again. The hardest part of this job was trying to get my fingers in that tiny opening and release the 2 tabs that locked the connector to the bulb. But the channel - loks worked good for that. I was pleased too that the colors matched. When I ordered the bulbs though I ordered a pair just in case. Now I have a spare!!! LOL Thanks again for dropping by and take care!!!

[@TheBandit93]

Hi there Mike im apologize for the confusion this is Taylor I'm the guy that asked you for one of you stickers. I am working on creating a youtube channel called Backwoods Boy Small Engines I do not have any video content up yet but as soon as the weather breaks for spring I plan to have videos regularly. I hope you will remember who this is.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

@@TheBandit93 Hello there Taylor!! Thanks for the clarification!!! I think that's awesome that you are going to start a channel. I really like the name!!! Having a channel is good fun and we all have something to offer to those who care to watch. If there is anything I can do to help you please let me know. If you have questions or concerns, I'm no expert but have been messing around with this for 4 years so maybe I could give you a short cut on some things!!! I'd be happy to help if I can. BTW, I mailed your sticker away today!! Take care!!!

[@TheBandit93]

@@GrampiesWorkshop I'm glad you like the name i decided on when I started to create my channel I was hoping that others would like the name i chose. Thanks a million for offering your help along this journey of having my own channel if I do run into something along the way that I'm not sure about I will reach out to you. I enjoy chatting with you from time to time I hope everything there is going well and I would like to thank you again for the stickers. I hope you have a nice evening take care.

[@mudnut59]

Good job on the repair, great tutorial Mike! Cheers buddy!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hello there Glenn!!! As usual on the CanAm a simple job took extra time because it was so hard to get to the part I wanted to change!! LOL But I got it and we're good to go now!!! Thanks for tuning in and take 'er easy!!!

[@GardenTractorBoy]

It is daft how you have to remove three bolts and a special bulb connector, it looks like it doubles the time to do the job. We can buy H4 LED bulbs over here and they seem to work very well. Great job getting it done. We do not have a ATV so we have no stories to share but working on our garden tractors, you often need hands of a five year old to get into some spaces 😀

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I was going to order H4 LED bulbs but I wasn't exactly sure of the sizing so decided to go with these ''exact' replacement bulbs. Turns out they were exact replacements too!!1 LOL Having little hands sure would make working on this ATV a lot easier. Thanks for watching and commenting. Have a great week!!

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Hi Mike. It's funny I think the people that make that headlight housing make them for Hyundai and Kia because they have the same little hole to fit your fingers in and have that same little clip holding the bulb in place. The funny thing is is that I always take the whole housing out of the car to change the bulbs , just like you did. It just makes it easier I think

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hello Dave!!! I was having a hard time to squeeze my fingers in that opening on the headlight housing and I couldn't see in it either, so I took it right off. I agree with you that it makes the whole job easier. Thanks for watching an commenting. Take care buddy!!

[@PaleHorseOutdoors]

Nice work changing out that bulb Mike. Recently I did some bulb changing on my wife's car and I had to go back to the parts store twice because I didn't check that the bases were different. It was pretty frustrating! I won't be making that mistake again. That's a nice quad, but it seems they went out of their way to make maintenance difficult!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I really like the CanAm but it sure is a challenge to do maintenance too. You need little tiny hands and lots of patience, both of which I don't have!!! LOL I was going to put LED lights on the ATV but I wasn't exactly sure of the bulb sizing so I got these bulbs as they were shown to be 'exact' replacements. And it turns out they were!!! Thanks for the comments and for dropping by again!! Take care!!!

[@mikecurtis2585]

Great job that was a lot of work for a bulb! Thanks 😊 🙏

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Mike it seems to me that most any time I work on the CanAm I can count on a simple job being a lot of work just to get to the part I want to work on. But having said that,. I like the Can Am. I think it's a tough ATV and works well. Thanks for tuning in and have a great week!!!

[@SteveRobReviews]

Looks like the same bulb for my f150 😅 Nicely done Mike. ✔

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hello there Steve!! I bet the bulbs are the same. It's an H4, 35 W. I was going to get LED bulbs, but I ended up ordering these are they were supposed to be an exact factory replacement. And it was!!! Thanks for the visit and take care!!!

[@bigsonslawncare]

Reminds me of how my truck bulb works I struggle every time with these fingers of mine.🤣💯💪🏽

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I don't think I have a big fingers or hands, but trying to get my fingers in this little opening and then squeeze the tabs on this connector was just not possible for me!!! The channel - loks did the trick though. Some nice of you to watch and comment. Thanks and take care!!!

[@bigsonslawncare]

@@GrampiesWorkshop Yes sir💯💪🏽

[@janetdickson4451]

Good job - definitely need both headlights out here. Can Am certainly doesn't make any job easy. Glad you were able to get it done regardless. Ha ha I'd say that diplomat doesn't have a chance of getting a Peace prize with that attitude.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

That diplomat was pretty serious about wanting the Peace Prize but I don't think he has a chance!!!

[@bowntown1909]

Thank you sir. Loved the video!! Well done!!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Well thank you and thanks for watching. I find the Can Am is very tricky to work on. All the work you have to do to get to the part you want to work on!! I lucked out here that the lights were the same color and so I didn't have to tear apart the left side!! Hope you can back and watch and comment on some more videos. Take 'er easy!!

[@motorcoachtech7615]

Looks a bit chilly in the shop Mike. I have never worked on a CanAm before, but it looks challenging. Stay Safe Rick

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? It wasn't too bad in the shop temperature wise. Cool but not cold. CanAms really are decent ATV's but they are some hard to work on. But maybe all newer style ATV's are like that!! Thanks for tuning in Rick. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods!! Take care!!!

[@hossdunn8727]

Another great video mike keep up the good work buddy

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? It was a struggle to get at this connector and remove it from the bulb, but then it was a pretty straight forward repair. And now I have 2 working headlights and that was the goal!! I appreciate you watching and commenting. Have a great week!!!

[@gatorsworld]

The design is enough to make a church-going man change his ways and start cursing.....they want you to go to the dealer and buy a new bike. they don`t want you to change the bulb ....CHEERS

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hello there Gator!! You know Gator, that is probably way closer to the truth than I care to believe!!! LOL There is probably a special tool for removing that bulb connector. But for me the channel - loks did the trick just fine!!! Thanks a million for tuning in and take care!!!

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

Now you will be able to see. There's a lot of projects I will video but never get around to edit them. lol Have a good week Mike! See ya!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I find it takes about twice as long to edit and post as it does to do the project eh!! I enjoy it though. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. Take 'er easy!!!

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

@@GrampiesWorkshop Yea, and when you have slow internet it really takes some time. lol

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

@@LouisianaTractorworks 10-4

[@stevoj8959]

Funny how you get geared up for a 10 min job and it takes a hour. Not such a big deal if you are in a warm shop. I have a couple painting jobs on hold till it warms up here as well. Thanks Mike. Stevo

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? It was kind of on the chilly side in the shop this day, but not too bad. I ran the diesel heater for about a half hour before I started the job. But you're right when you say a 10 minute job can take an hour, especially on the CanAm!! Thanks for the visit and the comments. Take 'er easy!!!

[@allenbonner7149]

Looks Like the same engineers at can am that designed the wire harness for my Chev Silverado headlights. The wires were so short it was almost impossible to change the bulbs out. I ended up soldering wire extensions in to make it easier to get the harness out. On your atv I think they wanted you to remove the front strut to get he bulb out 😂

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I think engineers have created some pretty impressive things over the years, but 'making things easy to work on' certainly isn't a priority for them it seems eh. This job would have been easier with the strut removed. I was going to take the wheel and tire off too!!! LOL But the bulb got changed and we're back in business. Now that I know the trick to getting the connector off the bulb, this will be a simpler and easier job next time!! LOL Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care!!

[@MannistoCay]

That's like a Chinese mouse trap! Well done Mike.👍 That might be the same bulb for the tractor 🚜? You've got some new special effects. 😵‍💫

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? It's a Chinese 'finger' trap for sure!!! LOL It was a challenge but then I got the channel - loks and all was good after that!!! The 'new' effects are just some of the transitions on my video editor!! Thanks for tuning in and take care!!!

[@bdogjr7779]

Awesome Grampie《☆》Nice work Brother👍✔Guys that work on their vehicles could teach Engineers a few things eh🤳Send us some more cold weather while you're at it🖖🤓🏈

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hello there Bdog!! It wasn't too cold here today, but we have had a spell of pretty cold weather. I'd be glad to send some your way. Here ya go.... I just sent you some!!! Thanks for the view and the comment. Have a great week!!!

[@BruceLyeg]

What a pain in the butt! That connector with the clips on both sides drives me crazy but i have a story that may explain why. My old Polaris quad was just the regular three prong with no clips, just held on by friction. It vibrated or was jarred itself loose constantly. The problem with LED headlights is they don't melt the snow that lands on them. Good job on the fix, they look the same color to me too

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I expected that the tabs on the connector were to prevent it from coming loose while underway, but they sure aren't easy to get released!! I was happy the bulbs were the same color too!! Always nice to read your comments Bruce. Take 'er easy!!!

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

@Bruce L. That's a good point about LED lights and snow, and worth considering when thinking about upgrades. Thanks.

[@twinbrookacres]

I've always said that engineers should be required to service their own designs. My Kawasaki Bayou ATV needs much work. Mostly engine work - tune up, etc. It barely runs. I don't have time, so that might get farmed out.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I agree with you about the engineers Rick!! ATV's are some handy to have around for work in and around the property and they are worth fixing too. The price of a new one is getting pretty scary!! Thanks for the comments on this video and take care!!!

[@bigvicsworkshop]

Your ready for a nite ride on the 4wheeler now Mr. Mike! It certainly took more effort than one would think that's forsure... I have a 2001 Polaris 500 HO it only had about 400hrs on it... that rascal is covered up in the shop i cant even get it out...I can get to it to crank about every month or so..haha.. have a good'un

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? It seems with ever job I do on the CanAm it turns into some kind of 'total head scratcher' to try and get to the part or get at the part. It's a decent machine,. but man it's a hard dog to keep under the porch!!! Thanks for tuning in Vic and have a good'un too!!!

[@thebeardedstork432]

You have to be a contortionist to work on some of this stuff!So far, I have not had to replace one on my Polaris yet! Mine has the two like that, plus the centre one up high. The battery on mine is in a real tough spot to get at, not under the seat like so many are.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I had a 1997 Honda Foreman 400 and it had the up high center light too. I really liked that as it turned with the handle bars. Made it good for night driving. The battery on the CanAm is in a real hard spot to get at as well. It always amazes me that things are made so that they are nearly impossible to work on. Thanks for watching Brian and take 'er easy!!!

[@thebeardedstork432]

@@GrampiesWorkshop I keep a maintainer on the battery all the time because it sits for so long. I had to run a cord out to a convenient spot to connect and disconnect. If I tried to connect alligator clips to the battery where it is, I would surely short something out! Mine is a 2007 500 X2 with the rear dump box and full seat for a passenger. I bought it new and really only use it for plowing snow. I think it has 169 hours on it!

[@regsparkes6507]

Good tips here! I have the exact same model except mine's a 2009 model with about 4900 km on it ( nearly worn out, isn't it :) I have yet to have to replace a bulb anywhere on my CanAm, Outlander 500 Max EXT, ( two-up size ATV ) I have had to replace a battery on/in my Buddy's 2010 CanAm .with the 400 engine. If you want some 'fun' try replacing the battery in this era of CanAm Outlander,...tip,... you'll need plenty of patience.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hello there Reg!! I hear ya about replacing the battery. I had to replace the battery on this one and I got the battery at Canadian Tire. They said it was an exact replacement. Well after the struggle to get the old battery out and the new one in I come to find out the new battery wasn't an exact replacement. The posts were on opposite ends and you know there is no extra cable to marae the connections, so out it came and back to town I go!!! :-( I wasn't too happy with Canadian Tire I'll tell ya!!! Thanks for sharing and I think at 4900 km, your CanAm is just getting broke in!! They are nice machines, but man they are hard to work on eh. Take care!!

[@regsparkes6507]

@@GrampiesWorkshop I'd like to 'have a chat' with the designer or engineer at Bomdardier who was responsible for that battery placement, just to try to understand why he 'dislikes' CanAM owners that much! Hahaha> "Crappy Tire" aka Canadian Tire, get's another 'thumbs down' from me for that, and a lot of other reasons. But giving you the wrong battery is so very annoying I know, not to mention the drive to and from your Canadian Tire store. Two round trips! Grrrrr!

[@joeo1352]

Think it was ford motor company that first used Phillips screws, please correct me if I’m wrong. Adjustable pliers and cursing is always my go to and every thing can be a hammer. Nice fix Mike be good stay safe 👍

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hello there Joe!!! It could have been Ford that started using the Phillips screw. I don't like them, but they are on everything eh!!! I like your approach to working on things. I have several adjustable wrenches and I have been known to utter a curse word here and there too!! LOL Thanks for watching an commenting. Take care!!!

[@loggerjohn01]

Hey, Mike. They sure don't make things easy eh? They do it on purpose I swear so you have to take it to the dealer. Well if all else fails you could always duct tape some flashlights on the front. But you got it all fixed up! Take care buddy.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I think that's their plan John, make it so hard to work on, you end up taking it to the dealer. But it takes them time too and you pay for that time!!! LOL It was a battle but once again, goodness and niceness has over come evilness and badness!!! LOL Thanks for watching and take care!!!

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

Hi Mike, is it me but everything seems to be complicated when it comes time to do maintenance work on a Can Am, did they over engineered it 🤷🏼‍♂️. Nice job getting it done Mike 👍🏻, have a great week my friend 🙂🙋🏼‍♂️👍🏻

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I like the CanAm and I would buy another one, but I do find them hard to work on. You need to have tiny little hands and a lot of special tooling it seems. LOL Thanks for dropping by the shop today Luc and have a great week!!!

[@AliAhmadi-hq9pj]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Good day eh! So glad you liked the video. Come again please. Take 'er easy!!!

[@EverydayProjects]

Q: How many bureaucrats does it take to put it in a lightbulb? A: One to assure everyone that everything possible is being done while the other inserts the bulb into the water faucet. Q: How many mystery writers does it take to change a light bulb? A: Two-one to screw it most of the way in and the other to give it a surprise twist at the end. Q: How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? A: Only one, but the bulb has to really want to be changed. Good job on changing that bulb, Mike!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Ha Ha Ha!!! These are good. Can I use them? Thanks for the comments!!! Take care!!!

[@EverydayProjects]

@@GrampiesWorkshop "...the bulb must want to change." These were found online under Light bulb changing jokes...there are many good ones out there..Haha

[@CaperCountry]

👍

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Not too bad for an old electrician !! LOL Thanks for watching Darrell. Take care!!!

[@DIYVariety]

Lol no I wouldn't want to put those screens in either. Lol

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? I think a job on the CanAm assembly line would be interesting -- for about 10 minutes!!! Then I'd be looking for the breakroom!!! LOL Thanks for watching and commenting. Have a great week!!