Hey All,

Experiencing a weird problem with my headlight(s). Upon first firing headlights will go on at full blast. Once warmed up the lights are fine - no discoloration or flickering. Randomly while driving one of the headlights will go out. If I turn the lights to off and turn them back to on they fire back up with no issue. This is something I have never seen and frankly I am a bit hesitant to drive the car at night! Any suggestions? Bulb/Ballast or other?


Thanks so much!

 

Most likely bulb. Could be ballast. Does it always happen to the same bulb? If so, a simple test is to swap the bulbs and see if it follows the bulb or stays with the ballast. Of course, simple is relative given the labor it takes to change bulbs. Some would surely use that time as reason enough to just put in new ones.

 

Intermittent issues always lead to ballast failure in my experience. But definitely agree with Bond, easy way to test is to flip bulbs from side to side as a sanity check, if it's ballast, replace ballast. If it's bulbs, replace bulbs (in pairs is recommended for color consistency's sake.

 

I guess I am thinking of the flicker complaints we have seen here. A complete shut off does seem to point to ballast. The 2005 did have an HID TSB if I remember correctly.

 

Yes, there is a TSB for this. Check with a local dealer to see if the replacement has been done. There were a few defective units sent out from Saitama, which caused a third replacement of the ballast and bulbs. (Happened to my RL...scan back on my posts for further information.)

 

Thanks for the help thus far everyone! I'm thinking ballast but I will check with the dealership first.

Where is the best place to purchase new Ballast(s)?

- Chris

 

I'm not sure if an aftermarket ballast will be compatible or not. If not, PM oemacurapartstim (board sponsor) and see if he can help you with an AZine member discount or free shipping.

 

Did you resolve this? I had the same symptoms but new bulbs only and all is well now. They come on and stay on. Ballast is usually fine. Problem is, a bad ballast can damage new bulbs.