Just got home from work a little bit ago. I pulled into my driveway and noticed only one HID was on. I'm pretty sure they were both running when I started it up at work, so I believe it turned off while I was on the road. When I noticed it, I flipped the headlights off then back on--twice--and they both came back on, both times.

So is this a red flag, or just a fluke? Think it could be a malfunctioning switch? I hope it's not the dreaded ballast I've read about

 

Sorry man, that's indeed it. How long till it becomes more of a problem is the question.

 

Damn So is this just going to get more persistent as time goes on, until it just goes out completely? I'm not familiar with HIDs, so I dunno how different they are from normal headlights.

btw just out of curiosity, what exactly would a ballast be categorized as? I mean, I still have my extended warranty, and they say they don't replace bulbs, but this isn't a bulb, right? But it might still be a wear and tear item..? I might call them tomorrow (or whenever I get over my cold) but I was just curious.

 

Its not a bulb. IIRC Honda calls it an inverter.

 

Damn, just looked up in the coverage booklet, it says it doesn't cover "headlight assemblies"

 

So are these ballasts like a factory defect or a wear and tear item? Or are there are a lot of threads about them just because they're a pain in the ass to replace?

 

With the frequency that they die, they might as well be a wear and tear item.

But, they shouldnt be considered the headlight assembly. Try to get them to fix it.

 

It's 12 volts to the ballast, and from the ballast to the bulb, that is all. Not too complicated. Ballasts can be bought on line pretty cheap.

 

Yeah I'm sure they're gonna try to get me to think the ballast is a part of the headlight assembly. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to persuade them to think differently. This ext. warranty company douched on me before and I had to get my Acura dealer to get on their asses about it.

 

Good luck. Warranty companies are horrible.

 

Sorry guys, I'm new to the ballast ordeal. Are these ALL failing due to water damage? I did a look around on the 2G TL forum and I could only find how to clean the ballast/inverter.

If so, could I tell my dealer to do something about it so they can hopefully seal it up themselves?

 

If you were to take one off the headlight you will see where the ignitor attaches and you will see all the circuitry. With the ballast being on the bottom of the headlight, all of the water will end up there. I wouldnt say all ballasts are dying due to water damage, but Id say most of them are.

 

Hey guys, Im having the same problem. My driver's side headlight has been coming off and on coincidentally and sometimes if I hit the dashboard. (weird) But I switched the bulbs around and now both turn on. Could it still be the ballast? Thanks.

 

lol tried taking it to a local mechanic, they were certain it was just the bulb (he tried to tell me the bulb has a built-in ballast) but I told him I'm pretty sure it was the inverter/ballast.

20 minutes later I hear a bunch of commotion, the guy comes back and says "well it's not the bulb, and it could be the inverter. Problem is our mechanics don't want to touch it because there's a sign that says '120,000 volts could kill' "

Don't think I'll be going back there.

 

 

Keep an eye on it. If the same side starts acting funny again, its probably the ballast.

 

I just got my headlights fixed because my driver side light was out. So i popped in a brand new HID with no luck.I took my car to a stereo shop and they told me i need a new ballast. I ended up walkin out paying $300 bux and some change. I was pissed and i hope i did not get ripped off. But now im runnin xenon lights, so its 30 bux pair...... HID was $150 for the pair. Hope this helps???

 

Xenon = HID

 

yeah i had same problem i chaanged the bulb and it didnt help so then i changed the ballast and it help it cost me around same amount payed 150 for ballast and 150 for set of bulbs...

 

So I solved all this by swapping the bulbs (driver side bulb -> passenger side, vice versa) and I figured it was the bulb, so I changed it.

Now I'm being told that may not be it? Like if it was the inverter, the bulb will burn out again soon? Why would a new bulb be able to work if the inverter was bad?

 

I would suggest checking craigslist if you want to save some cash. I found a bunch of places much cheaper then what i paid at the stereo shop.

 

damn, mine just started this too, and it gets really foggy in the driver headlight

 

there are places close to me that will give me a whole new kit and installed for $100 with a lifetime warranty, so this is an easy fix and will be done soon for me...

 

anybody in chicago needs ballast replaced... $150.OEM used part, out the door! Not some china inverter ,caulking glued conversion crap!!!

 

Why would anyone pay that much for HID's anymore? I recently re[laced my stock bulbs with aftermarket 6k bulbs from sharphid.com. I have bought 3 kits off of them for other cars. I think it's like $80 for the full kit with a lifetime warranty. Bulbs are around $30 a pair.