I have a 2002 TL-S and yesterday the passenger side headlight stopped working. I jumped the gun and ordered a new bulb. Later on in the day I went out to the car and just turned the lights on without starting the car. They both came on and stayed on. Basically sometimes it works and sometimes I have to turn them on/off a few times to fire up the passenger side headlight. What would you recommend my next step be replacing the igniter or the ballast? Thanks

 

Check for signs of moisture. May be time to replace the OEM set-up with the low cost newer HID technology available through aftermarket sources.

 

its time to scroll thru the main section and this problems special area for low beam threads
You are one of us!!! water gets past lousy seal on headlight lens- then drips out a hole on bottom right on the ballast- gets inside after a while and rots it away
for less than 1 OE bulb you can get a full both sides all new modern waterproof advanced technology `kits` to replace the aged hid system
do not need extra relays or wiring since we have hid- just swapping in some new parts and new bulbs
Stay with 35 watt ballast and 5000k color bulbs

2 good suppliers are DDM and HID Kits | Conversion Kits | Xenon Headlights | HIDeXtra under 100 bucks either way, 60 after coupon at hidextra!

the power of new lights will blow your mind

 

I can relate.

If there is moisture in the headlight you need to dry it out. When it's completely dry, throw a silicone pack (the things that come in leather shoe boxes that say don't eat) in it. Make sure it's under the housing!. They absorb hella moisture but not forever. You'll need to reseal the entire headlight. I did it, it got moisture in it again. So the next time I did it, I CAKED that RTV Sealant on there like I was busting on a sweet teen.

If there is a lot of moisture in it, chances are some of the water buildup drained into the ballast. See if your ballast has orange s**t on the plug. If your ballast is bad and your headlight is getting discoloration try cleaning the ballast before buying a new one. Use computer parts cleaner. You might need to solder a bit on the board, check youtube. I think there's a diy. Maybe on here. Idk. I forgot.

Of course my issues were a result of a DIY Black housing. Your leak might not be as bad.

 

that's bs for us
the way to go is replace all the worn out oe stuff with a good aftermarket `kit`
100 bucks or less gets you modern parts AND new bulbs-
you don't realize how much light output they have lost with use until you get new ones