dmcoolj

I'm new to the forum, Acura, hid and ballast problems. My driver side headlight went out soon after purchasing the vehicle. This was preceded by an alternator that went out. I think the bad alternator may be related to my headlight going out. My DRLs have also stopped working. I've checked all of the fuses and they are good. I've switched the hid bulbs and the problem does not follow the bulb. Therefore, I'm thinking it is probably the ballast and/or igniter. From what I've gathered on this forum, I should probably switch the ballasts from side to side to verify a bad ballast. Is there anything else I can do to troubleshoot other potential problems before going to the trouble of switching the ballasts? If it turns out to be a bad ballast, who is a good vendor for getting a remanufactured ballast? BTW, dealer quoted $593 to change out the light and ballast. I was in disbelief!

thoiboi

Nope switching is the best option.

What year TL do you have?

dmcoolj

I have a 2008 type S with 166K. Just got it about a month ago. The previous owner took really good care of it. With the mileage, things are going to go out. I'm learning a lot from this forum. After I get the lights issue fixed, I'll be tackling the HFL. I see there is a lot of talk about this with remedies anywhere from baking the board at 385 degrees to changing capacitors on the board.

thoiboi

Ahh gotcha. Well switch them to confirm the diagnosis and put try to buy a used one. I do have working used ballast from an 08 Type S I can sell if you determine that to be the true culprit!


As for the HFL, the baking fix is truly just a stop gap. I've since just disabled the HFL altogether and picked up a Bluetooth to Aux adapter so I have the added benefit of Bluetooth streaming.

I have this exact model:

dmcoolj

Ok. I may do the switch tonight. I will let you know. What is your price on the ballast?

I ran across that very BT adapter and was considering it. It sounds like you are satisfied with it.

dmcoolj

Apparently, a bad ballast I have. Outed light followed the ballast. Interested in the ballast you have. Let me know.
I'm wondering about the drls. Related to bad ballast? bad bulbs? Probably bad bulbs since both sides out.

thoiboi

DRL can be multiple things, A lot of people to the DRL LED hack by installing a wire harness and some LED bulbs, you'll have to dig out those bulbs and take some pics so we know what we're troubleshooting here.

dmcoolj

drl light.

thoiboi

Yup, LED bulb, go back to regular Incandescent, LED DRL's are a pain to work with.

dmcoolj

Replaced the bad ballast and DRL bulbs. All is working now. Hope I don't have to get in there again anytime soon. Not too complicated, just kind of a pain the first time doing it. I'm sure it will go easier the next time. I now have a slight misalignment of my HIDs. Driver looks a little lower.