ThePattyWagon

Both my headlight ballasts went out within the past month. I took my car into my local shop and they told me it was going to be over $1000 once they order everything and instal it.

I am really trying to not pay that much. They are saying that each ballast is $400 plus labor.

What are my other options? Aftermarket lights? Buy and replace the ballast myself? Is the $1000+ overpriced? Thanks.

nats007

http://www.hidextra.com/

There are many aftermarket options that are affordable. The kits are straightforward and you can do it yourself. I got my HID kit for under $50, I stalled myself, and has been working for over 2.5 years now

ak20eg

if you want oem, just replace them with used ones. find someone on ebay selling them. i'd say a used oem ballast should run about 80-150 each... some bring the ignitor and bulb also. or what nats007 recommended!

fsttyms1

The retrofit source is where i recommend and get all my stuff from.
Its a little more expensive than the cheap ebay stuff but its high quality and they have great customer service.

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/hid-systems.html

3.2TLc

Yeah, as these guys previously suggested. Chances are that your original system is old and compromised by moisture or corrosion.

Read the many previous related threads on our HID system, along with the "DIY" sticky for installation tips. If ya don't feel comfortable splicing a couple of wires, buy the aftermarket replacement kit of your choice and then have any automotive electronics shop install it in about one hour. Less than $200 for the kit and labor.

ThePattyWagon

Thanks everyone!

Im liking what Im seeing on HIDExtra.

What I currently have selected:
Bulb type: D2R
Ballast series: Signature series (35w)
Temp: 6000K

And Im not sure if I will need a Relay Harness and/or a capacitor. Some advice would be appreciated.

https://www.hidextra.com/6000k/

Also, I am still wondering if the $1000+my mechanic quoted me for the ballasts+instal was too high? I have found the ballasts myself for around $200.

01tl4tl

get the 5000k bulbs to see the road! I tried both,,,
stock is 4300
BUY:
standard ballast 35w `kit` from hidextra, no relay needed

buy $2 box of 14-15 gauge wire connectors at parts store- to match ones on new ballast
look online for 10-15% off coupons, even on hids website is a code!

many gen2 are running their system,,no hassle 1 year warranty on all parts

search on azine for low beams or headlights + hidextra
there are a few diy write-ups as well
note new mounting bracket much better than old

01tl4tl

the oe part LEAKS and rust inside = failure
so why buy a used one? no good reason!

new aftermarket ballast is mini sized instead of that brick!
waterproof connectors and seals make all the difference
that,,, and 15 years technology since our setup was made

ThePattyWagon

So no capacitors needed either? What are the purposes of relays and caps?

fsttyms1

No caps needed. Dont know why one would even think they are. Relays are always a good idea when upgrading parts. But because the TL already has HIDs and relays for them nothing is needed. Just connect the corresponding wiring and enjoy.

Also, i wouldnt go higher than 5k for the lights.

Ndanny

Try finding one at a local junkyard

EnzyteBob

The junkyard guys are $75 and up. Even $50 is too much considering the failure rate and that you are buying a ballast that may be on its last leg.

I'm finding that a lot, lately. Junkyard parts aren't as cheap as they used to be.

I'm not some enthusiast, by the way. I have no problem with used, but with a 75% failure rate, this didn't seem like a very smart purchase to me. For $25, I would wing it with used. For $50 or more, new ballasts is the way to go.

For $160, I got two new ballasts and two new lights from The Retrofit Source. I debated using my existing lights, but at the end of the day I didn't want to have to pull off the bumper a second time.

I am going to be selling the working ballast on E-bay to offset my cost. I set $35 as my minimum price - I'll tell you how much it brings when the auction completes.