lsiravi

One of my original low-beam HIDs was dead when I bought the car (2003 TL-P), and it wasn't just the bulb (although I should have done a more thorough job of checking it anyway at that time). Nevertheless, I had it changed about 6 months ago and ever since, it is fickle.

One of the lights doesn't turn on every time - it only turns on after about 3-4 tries of turning them off and on. The other is normal. Even when it turns on the recalcitrant one brightens slowly over several seconds, while the good one is instantly on. Both sets of the ballast, igniter and bulbs are 6 months new, and I don't believe them to be the issue.

What could be the cause of this fickleness? The switch itself? Something else? I have had the lights checked individually and don't believe the ballast/igniter to be the problem at this time. Anything else worth checking?

3.2TLc

Recheck all the wiring connections and grounds.

real_mckoy

^^^ what he said. if the ballast and ignitor is not original, you might need a relay to balance and efficiently start up and circulate electricity through your light. I needed to install one on my car because i was having the same problem at start up only one side would come on and after the 2nd or 3rd try they would both be on.

lsiravi

FWIW, I took it in (I have life-time warranty on the ballast) and they changed the bulb. They also had to take it apart and put it back together again for the bulb change - perhaps it was just a loose connection. Whatever it was, been running without issue the past couple of days. I hope I didn't jinx it by stating it here :/

3.2TLc

Sometimes the simple stuff gets ya.
Don't sweat it, it'll be ok ......if it's no longer being fickle !!!