I replaced my HID bulbs with 6000K ones from a good-reputation xenon bulbs seller.

Two years no problem. Then a few weeks ago one bulb started to flash occasionally and shortly after wouldn't even light up (it flashed and tried to light up when i turned on the low beam but wouldn't stay on). I swapped the bulbs to the other side and the same bulb wouldn't light up... so I concluded it's the bulb's problem and since the bulb is covered by a 'lifetime warranty' I sent the bulbs back, feeling pretty confident that I'll get a replacement.

One week later an email came back saying the bulbs have been tested and no problem and I have to pay the shipping to have the bulbs shipped back. The guy insisted it's not the bulbs' but the ballasts' problem. I argued a bit and they just ignored my emails altogether.

My question: Could it possibly be the ballasts' problem? I just can't imagine that two 'still good' bulbs from the same batch can be turned on by some ballasts but not some other after two years of usage. Doesn't really make sense to me.

Second question is, what do you think I can do now? I mean, I can always just say out the name of the shop and start some heads-up threads in different forums telling people how bad this shop's customer service is... but any idea/suggestion for me to get the best out of this situation now?

Thanks very much!
Kenny

 

they told you what the solution was and you want to bad mouth them??
Dealer would have charged 100 bucks just to tell you that!!
You pay return shipping- thats normal for parts found to be working

Ballast lose the power required to start these bulbs
Do some reading on how the system works- these are not your moms headlights, more like the mega lights used in parking lots or sporting venues- HID
Look in the Black Market for good price on a ballast

Whats the warranty on the ballast and ignitors for your car?

 

O did you misunderstanding me or I misunderstand you?

I am not saying I shouldn't be responsible for paying the return shipping if it's not defective. I'm saying I am not totally convinced that it's my car's ballast's problem. I mean, two ballasts in my car, both could ignite one of the bulbs but not the other one. And FYI, I changed back my stock Acura HID bulbs, both bulbs could be ignited fine with my ballasts. It's only that single aftermarket bulb that couldn't be turned on, regardless which ballast it's being ignited by.

I'm in regret not testing those aftermarket ones in another car before I sent it back to confirm that it's that bulb sole problem, not any ballasts' as the rep. so said. I'm trying to get it covered by warranty, not having them ship back that's known to not work in my car.

Just wanna get people who are familiar with the whole HID thing to tell me if it still could be my ballast's fault.

Kenny

 

I know how hid works and I am saying you need to read up on them to see how ballast - capacitors and ignitors all work together to make a spark big enough to ignite the gas

Why would a reputable company say they tested ok and send them back if they were not certain they passed inspection there.
Giving you new replacement bulbs is easy- BUT they want to make sure you know to look at the real problem, or any bulbs will work a few times-
again- understanding hi voltage systems is where you need to start- try the internet!

 

Alright, sounds reasonable. I was looking for some explanations and that maybe the case~ thanks