codj2k

I bought a 2003 Acura TL (not type s) recently.

While all the bulbs/lights on the passenger side work, the only light that worked on the front driver side was the parking light.

I replaced the fuse for the driver side high beam and got that one to work. Replacing the other fuses didn't get the turn signal or HID low beam to work.

I got a pair of HID low beam bulbs as well as a pair of turn signal bulbs.

I replaced the driver side low beam with one of the new bulbs I got, but the light still wont come on. In fact, all 2 new bulbs wont come on.

I took the passenger HID low beam and placed it in the driver side...still no light.

The wiring appears intact.

What else could be the problem?

If its the ballast, does it control just the HID low beam, or does it control the high beam as well?

If its the ballast, can a used ballast from another vehicle fix mine?

I haven't worked on the turn signal yet...can't seem to figure out how to get to it without taking away the fender liner(as seen in other posts). Any suggestions/confirmations as to how to get to the turn signal will be appreciated.

3.2TLc

Hey Codj2k, chances are that you've got moisture within the headlamp assembly......and this is causing the problems and shorting out the fuse. Your best bet may be replacing the original ballast system with a newer designed set-up which is more water resistant. Check out the "DIY" sticky for assistance in the best way to resolve this problem.

Skirmich

Just get an Aftermarket Kit to Replace the OEM Ballast! 01tl should chime in with the Proper Links for Buy...

Catfisha

The ballast is the power source for the low-beam only...AND it has to be your ballast. To be sure, switch the ballasts to check that the driver's side low-beam will work with the passenger side ballast.

OEM ballasts cost a fortune, but as 3.2TLc said, you can get waterproof aftermarkets for WAY cheaper. I did both my HID's and got everything from The Retrofit Source for under $200!

Figuring how to jerry-rig them in place is kinda a pain in the arse though...

01tl4tl

its simple to install the www.hidextra.com $59 kit in our TL
my ballast now reside on the side of the frame rail,,away from the housing
get 5000k bulbs no higher

pull the nose off the car to access and remove housings-old ballast etc and turn signal stuff

must be a lot of water in ballast to pop the fuse!
each low beam has its own ballast system = kit contains parts for both sides
Do you see moisture inside the headlight lens?

3.2TLc

If you've checked the fuses #45 & #43, both 20A...... and found one to be blown, check the receptical , wiring and grounds for problems. The headlamp relays are located underhood on the passenger side. If there are signs of moisture, chances are that the inverter or ignitor got fried.

For the turn signal, it must be something with that individual bulb's socket or wiring.....if fuse #10 (7.5A) is good and all the other turn signals are working properly.

codj2k

I have two new headlight lens/assembly currently in place - barely two weeks old (I got the car 3 weeks ago). The original ones were in very bad shape. I really didn't pay attention to any water/moisture in them at the time of replacement, but from the way they looked, anything is possible.

I will try all other suggestions this week and keep all of you posted.

THANKS FOR YOUR PROMPT INPUTS...AS A NEWBIE, IT MEANS A LOT!!!

UKwrath33

My parents are having a similar issue with their 2003 type S. For the life of me I can't remember what the wording was used by the dealership to explain what was wrong but it boiled down to it being moisture getting inside and completely ruining what's there. Supposedly a $1200 fix. I say it with some pointing in the right direction my dad and I can do it ourselves as we're not bad with DIY as long as it's not too complicated. Originally we had no low beams, only high beams, and then it got to the point that even our high beams wouldn't turn on making our car undrivable once it starts to get dark.

3.2TLc

Bah,...humbug ! $1200 @ dealer is highway robbery. Replace the worn out originals with the new kits from www.hidextra.com that 01tl4tl has previously recommended many times over as a DIY replacement for less than $100.

01tl4tl

59 dollars minus 10% coupons found online www.hidextra.com
get 5000k bulbs, 35 watt system -same as stock
call and deal with a human, mention acurazine as referral

replaces all the parts in the system with waterproof! modern, very small electronics,,,easy diy

you can try to fix the housing seal a few ways,or live with them and abilty to remote mount new ballast,,,ie: NOT directly under the drain hole!

UKwrath33

Thanks guys. I figured 1200 was a stitch ridiculous

dkerz

2005 TL both low beam and high beam wont work. repalced bulbs they went three weeks later any suggestions

codj2k

I got mine working...after eliminating all other options...fuses, wiring, receptacle, ground, switching bulbs and ballasts, I realized that I had a defective ballast on the driver side.

I called www.hidextra.com and they sent me the entire set: ballasts, bulbs, wiring, pictorial instructions etc. for $59.99

All my lights are working now. It was kinda difficult/almost impossible to replace them without taking the bumper off so I took it to a mechanic friend who did it for me - of course, he had to take the bumper off. Just didn't have the time to do it myself.

Thanks to you all for your prompt and helpful inputs.

NickFury

codj2k Whick kit did you get from them?????
was it this "Factory White D2R 5000k HID Kit"?
http://www.hidextra.com/d2r/5000k/

codj2k

Yes. That was exactly it!

STONEColdAcurazineLegendZ

I wish I would of known this before. But ya theres a diy section. you have to remove platic peices and stuff like that to take off the bumper along with the fender guards if you dont have them should be easier,

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...llast+inverter

I spend 300.00 for a brand new ballast when i bought my car cause water leaked in cause they never put in the headlight gasket when they put in new headlights so when it rain water leaked all in the ballast and burnt it right out,
I was trying to keep it as factory as possible and this was right when I bought my tl so I didnt know much about them, you can always look online for better prices on factory parts but yes they are pricey. the design is kinda flawed like alot of other stuff but aye I guess thats how they make there money sometimes stuff breaks and we end up haveing do the repairs.

01tl4tl

dkerz this is gen2 you need gen3
we have a big problem with moisture getting inside the housing lens and dripping out- onto the ballast
electricity and water- not the best of friends

ck for 10% off coupon codes online for www.hidextra.com

not sure what gen3 runs- different than us
post over there--good luck!

01tl4tl

there is no way to do the kit install with the bumper on the car

there is some remote mounting of the new ballast and sliding extra wire under the housing as it slips back into place

its a simple puzzle

NickFury

I took off the bumper and both headlights. Driver side headlight had
water pouring out of it. I checked the ballast and could see the water inside.
Took the bulb from drivers side and moved it to the passenger side. I got lucky
it worked, but the passenger side if you shut the light off and on it does not come
on right away. I got one low beam on. I disconnected the passenger high beam, and
moved the drivers side high beam to where the low beam is supposed to be. Looks crazy
but I have headlights working until my new lens and hidextra kit comes in.

NickFury

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That is what posts look like from an iPhone.
Lol.

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

I've made every single post I've ever had from my iPhone and mine turn out ok

NickFury

I just installed my hidextra kit and changed driver side lens. The only problem with the hid kit is my drivers side light does not come on the firs time I turn my lights on. On thry number 2 it alwasy does. I guess for $59 plus 30% off I can live with turning them on twice. I kinda wis that i had bought the passenger side lens also.

01tl4tl

is it coming on weak,, or not at all? mine take a few seconds to fully power up
ck all your connections--what connectors used for main power?
add a ground wire to ballast

there is a break in period for the bulbs- run them all the time to get 50+ hours of use
then all probs should be gone,,if any remain call hidextra for replacement part/warranty

rootbow

UPDATE on this thread:
found the kit on hidextra for $70 with bulbs. Adding the capacitor makes it $80.
Coupons were available online for hidextra, found 15% off.

Follow up question:
Are capacitors recommended on 02 TL?

01tl4tl

because we have a 35 watt HID system stock, we don't need any extra relays or other parts to install the hidextra 35 watt `kit`
15% off is the best I have found, call them and mention acurazine

again I suggest 5000k color bulbs for best to see road with, stock was 4300

Christalfristal

I have an 03 Acura tl and my driver side hid headlight isn't working and my mechanic wants 1000 for the repair. But if I find a kit I have another mechanic that will install it cheaper. I seen a few links on this thread for kits but which kit would be the best one for my 03?

01tl4tl

try reading this thread or any of the low beam out threads
HID Kits | Conversion Kits | Xenon Headlights | HIDeXtra is a great supplier 70 bucks gets you all thats needed
a decent mechanic or body shop person (more likely to have removed the cars nose and headlight housings before) can install- 1- 2 hours is DIY speed~

also look in our Vendor list for other suppliers- ck websites and decide for yourself.
mention acurazine for best discount/codes -CALL the 800 number for human interaction

iirc the 03 uses a different bulb than earlier years- with glare shields I think (gurus of 03 lights step up!!)
Some time ago, there was an issue of hidextra bulbs not being exactly correct- maybe not for 03
customer support should know- they have dealt with a lot of us!