bissettbd

When the headlights quit working on one side I needed to replace the ballasts and bulbs. Knowing I would have to take the bumper off my 2004 TL and it would be a difficult job I would not want to repeat, I purchased the "best" aftermarket ballasts supposedly out there from The RetroFit Source. The ballast crapped out after six weeks. They told me it was probably the bulbs and charged me $35 for another pair.

Their ballasts are made in China just like everyone else.
In addition, the lamp holder melted to the bulb. See attached pictures.

When I contacted Retrofit source they said they could not warranty the ballasts even after I sent them pictures of the melted bulb holder because it had been over a year, but they would put a new pair in my cart at a "special price" since I had trouble. The "special price" was the same as on the website. They are dishonest.

You can buy the SAME ONYX Bulbs the Retrofit Source Sells for $50 for $15 on eBay from onyxlighting.

I put these 55W ballasts in from this vendor and so far they work great from fortemotors on eBay. New HID Digital AC Slim 55W Midas Single Beam, Hi Lo Or Bi Xenon Conversion Kit

New HID Digital AC Slim 55W Midas Single Beam Hi Lo or Bi Xenon Conversion Kit | eBay

It is a lot of work to pull the bumper off and rewire in new ballasts. Don't make the same mistake I did and overpay for junk. I hope I can save someone out there some headaches.

MonkeyTrucker

The bluetooth version or just in general

MonkeyTrucker

You should not run 55w, I'd say that one is all on you boss. Stick with 35w and you should be OK.

EDIT - I've run 35w in my fogs (non HID housing) and have had no issues in three years. It's had to tell if you're running these in you headlights or elsewhere. Never mind, overlooked your "headlight crapped out." Word to wise for others, stick with 35w. Your ballasts and bulbs should both be 35w.

Takes me 10 minutes to remove/install front bumper, ridiculously easy.

MonkeyTrucker

FYI stock bulb from an '06 below...see that 35w.
Again, that one was on you, you're lucky that's all that melted...so far.

MonkeyTrucker

Here's a great thread I think you should read to clarify other misconceptions I feel you may also have:

https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...e-fogs-938476/

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

Your problem was because you ran 55w instead of 35w, as mentioned.

I wouldn't make people beware of the retrofit source, but more like beware of using aftermarket 55w.

DomGSR-T

iTrader: (1)

As for me, I have been using 50w ballasts from retrofitsource for 4+years on my TL and my Integra (with S2000 retrofit projectors). No signs of melting or overheating...

eastcoastguy

I think this post just proves that you have to be careful of aftermarket stuff no matter where its from. I think with things such as headlights it would be best to use OEM stuff (such as ballasts). Also the car isnt supposed to take 55w. I understand some people get away with doing this, but its risky.

bissettbd

You can run any wattage bulb you like (within reason 35W->55W) provided you utilize a relay harness. The irony here is The RetroFit Source told me on the phone I did not need one. Others have posted here, and the new company I bought ballasts from said always utilize a Relay Harness when using 55W ballasts. I think this is good advice.

When the first light stopped working the bulb socket was not melted. When I put the new light in, I cleaned the contacts with sandpaper, bent them out to make better contact, and coated them with a small amount of conductive grease to make sure they had a good connection. (The contacts on the defective ballast had a carbon buildup that was not present on the other passenger side socket.) The drivers side one, the one defective ballast, melted the socket. The passenger one was always perfect. The driver's side bulb worked for another six weeks after I did that with new bulbs.

I have been running the new 55W ballasts with a relay kit without incident for 6 months and am very happy. The RetroFit Source ballast lasted six weeks before the light would intermittently work. The RetroFit Source would not warranty the ballasts or bulbs and when made aware of the situation offered me a "special price" on a new set of Ballasts and Bulbs that was the same price as their website when they implied I would be getting a good will discount. I think that was extremely dishonest. That was my experience and yours may differ. I am just saying go in with eyes wide open.

I have provided people with the benefit of my experience, they can make an informed decision on their own.