CarapellucciM

Took my TL into acura today, one of my HIDs wasn't working after i put in a new bulb.

They said the condensation in my headlight ruined the ballast and the fuse.
They want $800 for the headlight, $650 for ballast and $350 for the fuse. And 150 an hour for labour.

Ive found the headlight and the ballast on ebay for WAY cheaper of course, but what exactly is this fuse that works in hand with the headlight? Not sure what I'm looking for online if anyone knows let me know thanks.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

maybe talking about the Igniter?

CarapellucciM

Could be? They definitely said fuse and had my fuse box open. Also could be BS'ing me into more money but I'm not sure. I can ask for the part numbers tomorrow when i pick it up i guess

CarapellucciM

Thinking of just getting these instead of a regular OEM. Are they solid?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/G-07-08-ACURA-TL-TYPE-S-CLEAR-CORNER-Bi-XENON-HID-D2S-PROJECTOR-BLACK-HEADLIGHT-/171860063255?fits=Year%3A2007%7CMake%3AAcura%7CModel%3ATL&hash=item2803a87417&vxp=mtr

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^well, have you looked at the fuses yourself to determine if any were blown?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the only thing wrong with the ebay headlights is that we dont know what kind of optics they are using.
the TL's headlights, specifically the projector lens is one of the best in the business.
matter of fact, our bi-xenon projector setup once was the most used set up in the headlight retrofit scene.
very nice cut off with beautiful colors.

but hey, it's not my car and if you want to do it, go ahead.

CarapellucciM

No I'm not that experienced and don't know how to check for that. Im sure its easy but i dont have my car and haven't had the chance to look up how to do it.

So your saying the lens might not be as high quality? So light output won't be as clear or...?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

yes, the lens is unknown.
while it will do what it's supposed to do, i have a funny feeling that it's a cheap knockoff.

but, alas, I'm a purist. I would never install those ebay lights on my car.

and p.s. you should solve your problems FIRST! before you start buying unnecessary "modded headlights"

thoiboi

'fuse' MIGHT be referring to the headlight relay which i believe is also in that fusebox.

Stay clear of this dealership for those shitty prices on parts... Check out our vendors instead!

Agreed with Justin though, optics (lens (internal 3.5" glass lens) and projector build may not be the same as OEM.


Condensation isn't too hard to combat, take it off the car, leave it in the sun to evaporate, drop some silica packets in.

CarapellucciM

Its part of thesolution to my problem haha.. i need a whole new headlight assembly so i figured i might as well check out aftermarket. Thanks though

CarapellucciM

That would include baking it and resealing in order to get the packets in or is there another way?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the ballast, igniter and fuse are separate of the headlights.
so, no. the ebay headlights ARE NOT apart of your solution.

you need to fix the ballast, igniter and fuse FIRST!

CarapellucciM

As i said my headlight has condensation and they said if its not fixed theres a high chance the ballast and igniter will get damaged again so yeah, a new headlight is part of fixing the overall issue is it not? lol

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

no, because condensation dries. it was only the initial moisture that damaged the electrical components.
unless you have a big giant crack somewhere that's letting in water to damage those components.

thoiboi

Do you believe everything your dealer tells you?

If so, I have this bridge in New York that I'd love to sell you too.


No you don't necessarily have to bake it to put the silica packets but baking it would be a surefire way to remove it once and for all. Once you're in there, you can also customize it too!

CarapellucciM

well the moisture has been there ever since i got the car. On really hot days its almost completely gone away but then always comes back. So i either need to reseal it or get a new headlight.

CarapellucciM

Of course not haha but it only makes sense no? If water ruined it in the first place and isn't taken care of theres a high chance it will return. Unless the water really has nothing to do with it and its something else that they didn't tell me and just want me to buy a new headlight.

thoiboi

Red lemming IMO.. If you're comfortable with saving money, then bake the headlight, remove the water, add silica packets, reseal. Then buy new bulb, igniter ballast. maybe relay.


I think the water led to it AND replacing the headlight assembly WILL fix it, but it's unnecessary. Akin to instead of troubleshooting a problem, just throw parts at it. It's obviously going to fix the problem but it's above and beyond what is the minimum.

arpypat

If it's not the bulb, it should be the ballast or igniter. The OEM ballasts and igniters should last the life of the vehicle. I had a similar problem in my Altima; one of my headlights went out and first instinct was to change the bulbs. Upon further inspection, I saw one of the ballasts had water damage and shorted out.

I recommend looking online to find an OEM ballast after you check all fuses. I ended up buying a used ballast from a G35 and it worked out perfectly. You might be able to find a used TL ballast on Ebay or maybe even a TSX one.

CarapellucciM

Fair enough, ill check out the DIY. Thanks

CarapellucciM

Yeah i found a brand new ballast and igniter on eBay for $180, compared to 1000 which is what the dealer wanted for both. Was it pretty easy to hook up when you did it?

thoiboi

We just trying to help you save money here