bluexcrush

Hello,

Back from the dead and looking for some advice on my 2005 TSX bulb problem. Here's the chain of events:
1. Passenger side DS2 bulb stopped working
2. I bought a replacement DS2 bulb off eBay (aftermarket product)
3. I installed it and turned on the low beam, there was smoking and burning smells coming from the headlight
4. Thinking it's the bulb, I took out the eBay bulb and did a switch with the driver's side DS2 bulb. When I turned on the low beams, the passenger side had smoke and some burning smell
5. If I take out the bulb and turn on the low beams, there is no smell or burning

Since it is not the bulb, I've narrowed it down to either the housing or the ballast. Anyone encountered this problem before? Can the ballast cause the issue? If it is the ballast issue, can I go either halogen or LED to avoid replacing the ballast?

Thanks in advance!

thoiboi

First of all, D2S.


Second of all, buy legit products, not crappy eBay ones.

Third, make sure you clean the bulbs with alcohol wipes and don't touch them with your bare skin as the oil on your fingers will stick on the bulb and cause premature failure. Sounds like they igniter is failing.

thoiboi

And no, you can't go LED/halogen without some more wiring changes.

bluexcrush

Hey thoiboi,

Thanks for the info and the correction. Honestly, given the age of the vehicle, I'm just trying to keep costs low, I think new OEM bulbs will cost me $80CAD each, whereas eBay bulbs are $10-$15CAD.

Good point on the grease. I'll go check out the igniter.