'99 Headlights dim(ming)

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Old Nov 27, 2004 | 05:27 AM
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'99 Headlights dim(ming)

I've got a '99 TL with 102K miles and I noticed that my lights, when first turn on, are that famous Xenon-blue. However, after about 15-seconds, both lights turn to a yellowish hue and stay that way. I know that the lights supposedly aren't supposed to go bad, but two things: First, how much do they cost to replace? Second, is there a way to tweak them?

Anyone else have this problem?

I love my TL too much to trade it in. Plus, I already have an '05...

Thoughts, please.
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Old Nov 27, 2004 | 06:06 AM
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I think it's normal, my TL does the same thing and has always been that way. Do your headlights put out the same brightness after they warm up? They are very expensive to replace so that's why they get stolen so often.
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Old Nov 27, 2004 | 08:23 AM
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i could have sworn i've seen people say bad ballasts will cause this to happen. i would do a quick search to double check on this. could just be they are getting old. did it happen all at once or over time?

SSTS
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Old Nov 27, 2004 | 10:24 AM
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mine have a slight yellow tint the second I turn them on, then they change (warm up) to the light blue/white. kinda the opposite of yours.
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Old Nov 27, 2004 | 10:42 AM
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i know that the 04 TSX i drove, would turn yellow for a second when i turn it on again after it's warm....
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Old Nov 27, 2004 | 12:29 PM
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Old Nov 27, 2004 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by JetJock
I think it's normal, my TL does the same thing and has always been that way. Do your headlights put out the same brightness after they warm up? They are very expensive to replace so that's why they get stolen so often.
Actually, mine never used to do that until maybe after 75K miles. They were always a blueish tone then turned white.

The dealer mentioned water may have leaked into the ballast, but I'm considering having it replaced. I envy the other TL's with the right light.
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 01:59 AM
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bump
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 09:17 AM
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TLHottie,
Any idea how many hours are on your bulbs? If both headlights are doing it, I kind of doubt it is the ballasts (especially if it has been going on for 25K miles). New bulbs are about $70/pair on ebay. Do a search for seller akinaboy. You need to get the D2R version. Good luck!
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 12:55 PM
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time for 6000k, my 99 did the same thing till they turned pink and died.
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by bigman
time for 6000k, my 99 did the same thing till they turned pink and died.
Interesting. They almost look like they're going to turn pink.

So, in this case - what do I do? I don't know a damn thing about installing lights -- but I would like something that might last a little longer (or would be just brighter than stock TL lights.)

What do I do? Or what should I be asking for?


I'm pretty dumb when it comes to stuff like this.

And, thanks for help, guys.
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by phins2rt
TLHottie,
Any idea how many hours are on your bulbs? If both headlights are doing it, I kind of doubt it is the ballasts (especially if it has been going on for 25K miles). New bulbs are about $70/pair on ebay. Do a search for seller akinaboy. You need to get the D2R version. Good luck!
I don't think they've been replaced since I bought the car in '99. For a couple years I used to ALWAYS leave the lights on and just have them go off using the auto shut-off. Maybe that's where my problem started...I'm sure that wears down the lights a hell of a lot quicker than just turning on your lights when you really need them.

Thoughts?
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Old Nov 30, 2004 | 03:10 PM
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From: Des Moines, IA
The bulbs should last around 2500 hours. You won't find anything that last longer than Philips/Osram bulbs (OEM). You also won't find anything brighter than 4300K. Swapping out the bulbs will give you more white light.
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Old Dec 11, 2004 | 12:44 AM
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Need bulbs? I can help you.
I have philips 4300k(standard bulbs) or 5000k(philips CM) bulbs, which are slightly whiter and bluer but not much different from 4300k bulbs.
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Old Dec 11, 2004 | 08:39 AM
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Akinaboy, i need new bolbs..email me remy912@mail.com
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