So, I have less than 21k on my 03 TL-S, and I just noticed that the passenger side headlight is dim. It lights, but it doesn't light the way it is supposed to, any ideas to what this could be?

Ballast? Bulb?

I'm going to try the bulb on the driver's side to see if it works there, but just want to get an idea as to what it could be in case the dealer tries to bang me over the head for replacement parts.

Thanks.

 

try a new bulb first, that's way cheaper and if it isn't the bulb, keep bulb because you will need it someday so it's not a waste of money to go buy one. if that doesnt work check the wiring to see if anything is loose, but it doesn't sound like that at all. strange that only one light is dimmer than the other.

 

Could be the igniter is loose on the bulb or the ballast may be going bad. Try the light from the other side.

If it turns out to be the bulb don't replace one bulb, replace them in pairs. There are several places to get bulbs but stick with brand names.

A ballast will cost ~195 shipped from an OEM parts dist. From the Dealer about ~230.

 

So this evening I noticed that when the light first lights it looks like the right color/brightness then after 5-10 seconds it goes to this odd purple color. Does this sound like anything anyone has run into before?

 

It sounds like the bulb is bad. I've seen some older TLs with that have that on the road.

 

If its an '03 with 21k isn't that covered under warranty? I would take it to the dealer and have them figure it out....