Hi all,

A little less than a year ago I replaced the headlight bulbs in my TL as one of them went out (passenger side). I replaced them both to ensure they color match.

Today I noticed that my driver side headlight was out. I quickly checked fuses to rule those out and all of them are ok.

So, now it's either the bulb, ballast or igniter. While turning my headlights on and off, I did notice a sound coming from the driver headlight. It's a faint sound that I can only compare with that of a fuel pump firing when turning the ignition. The sound only lasts for about a second.

Is it fair to assume that it is the igniter trying to fire the bulb? Or could it still be the ballast. To compare, the working side (passenger side) does not make that sound. The sound happens each time the lights are turned on.

I will remove the bumper this weekend and first swap the bulbs to rule that out completely. I am assuming its easier to swap the igniter than the ballast, so I will try that after the bulb and lastly try to swap ballasts.

Thoughts about the sound anyone? I would assume it's likely that it is either the ballast or igniter seeing my bulbs are 11 months old?

TIA!

 

Oh forgot to mention, when I replaced my bulbs, I did not take off the bumper but completed the install through the fender wells. Is it fairly easy to swap bulbs, the ballasts and igniter with the bumper removed?