The dealer says the ballast (inverter) of my 2001 3.2CL has died and that's the reason the fuse is blown and the headlights on the RH side don't work.

It would cost more than $500 if the dealer does the repair, with most of that going for a new ballast.

Can anyone direct me to a source of a replacement ballast -- either factory or aftermarket -- that would "drop right in" without modifying the car? (BTW, I have the shop manual.)

I'd also consider a *used* OEM ballast from a reliable source, too.

Thanks!

-- MikeT

P.S. The car is at the dealer right now, getting a new transmission at 35K miles...

 

Hey Mike,

I've been there and can say I have done that! I've gone through (2) ballasts on my 01 3.2CL both being on the DRIVERS SIDE. Its definetly a job you can do yourself with no problem and save you a few hundred bucks in LABOR.

When the ballast went out the first time I went the USED route and purchased one off of EBAY for $100 with shipping - However, 2 months later and it was out again. So I went ahead and spent the $340 on a NEW BALLAST from the dealer and installed it myself. So unless your used part comes with some type of warranty you might be better off getting a NEW ONE with 1 year warranty from the dealer.

Hope this helps! and GOOD LUCK!

HC

 

Thanks.

I'm not inclined to install a used one unless I really knew its history.

And, at this point, it looks like the only source of a new ballast is an Acura dealer. The local dealer is quoting $395 but distant ones will sell mailorder for $340 or so.

If anyone knows a better source, I'd love to hear about it.

Do you have OEM lamps in your car? I'm wondering if after-market lamps make the ballasts more susceptible to failure. (Mine has after-market lamps, the result of a scumbag shop.)

--Mike T

 

I'm buying a new set of headlights and it come with the inverter..... If i have no use for them i can sell them to you. oh yea these are OEM ballast too
GOOD Luck

 

Good. I won't repair my light until I hear from you. When do you think you'll know if you need the ballast(s) that came with your kit? My email is lindbergh@cfl.rr.com. -- MFT

 

I won't get the headlight until sometime this week.......and i gotta check to see if the ballast are in working condition, I'll update once i install my new headlights

 

Try Acura.com they have EVERYTHING! At regular price

 

Thanks, Ricky.

So you know, I found www.oemacuraparts.com can supply the ballasts and is willing to compete on price a bit.

I couldn't find the ballasts on its website, but telephoning did the trick. --MFT

 

Do you still have the link to from ebay when you bought the used ballast? I want to see if it was a used OEM or a aftermarket ballast.

 

It wasn't I who purchased a ballast on eBay.

I couldn't find *any* source for a ballast (inverter) other than Honda. It is made by Stanley (in Japan) and Stanley sells only to OEMs. Acura (Honda) may be the only practical source.

Also, the inverter has connectors for power and the lamp that are probably specific to the make and model of the car.

Finally, I'm leery about buy used electrical components from distant sources.

So . . . I bought a new inverter from www.oemacuraparts.com. Competitive price, good service. -- MikeT