jake14mw

Hi all,

On my 2004 TL, when I turn on the headlights, the one on the passenger side will dimly flicker for about 5 seconds and then fail to go on. The light color looks blue. I went to my mechanic, and he told me that if it was just the bulb it would be a couple hundred dollars, but it could be two other components, and if it's one or both of those, it could be $800 - $1000!

I did some searches here. Looks like a PITA to try and replace the bulb myself, but I will try it. My main question is, does the fact that it flickers for about five seconds when I attempt to turn it on point to whether it is the bulb or some other problem? Thanks for any help anyone can provide. My TL is not in the best shape cosmetically, and I don't expect to keep it too much longer.

TheSauceBoss

The fact that it turns on at all makes me think that it is indeed the bulb and not the ballast, but either way, you ought to switch the dysfunctional bulb with the opposite side working bulb and see if it still flickers. If it doesn't, you need to replace the bulb. If it does, you need to replace the ballast and/or igniter.

jake14mw

Thanks, I guess I will try that. I suppose I should change both if I take off the bumper. From searching, it sounds like some people take off the bumper, and other people use other quicker methods. How long should taking off the bumper take? I'm not a very mechanical person. Also, in searching for bulbs, I found prices that seem all over the place from $15 to $200. If I go to NAPA I suppose they will simplify it for me.

thoiboi

jake14mw

Oh boy. I did a google search on ballast and found this. https://www.ebay.com/i/152776626854?chn=ps I'm guessing because this is the same price as the bulb itself that you pointed to that it's not good? This car is just transportation for me, I don't need upgrades, just trying to get the headlight to work again for as little as possible. Thanks for advice!

thoiboi

You get what you pay for That's some crappy Chinese aftermarket ballast, can't guarantee how long it will last but give it a shot

jake14mw

Yeah Thoiboi, that saying is generally true. How do you suggest I tackle this? I have Friday off and could do it then. I'm thinking I could buy the bulb, ballast and inverter, the ballast and inverter on Amazon, . Then take the bumper off, replace both bulbs, see if that fixes my issue. If it doesn't, then replace the ballast and inverter? If the bulb does fix it, return the ballast and inverter to Amazon since the original parts should be a lot better quality? If the Amazon product is crappy also, where do you suggest I get it from that I can get it quickly and has a good return policy? Thanks for your help.

This is ridiculous what you need to go through to change a headlight bulb these days.

jake14mw

Well, ordered the parts from Amazon. Turns out it was just the bulb. The bumper removal was a huge job for me. Three bolts snapped off. I'm not a mechanical person, so keeping track of all of the bolts and clips was tough. Took me several hours and ran out of daylight last night. Will finish up today.

jake14mw

Does anyone know where these go?
Well, only 3 screws and two clips that I could not figure where they go

Superunknown

Clockwise from the top:
Bolt A on the bumper
Bolt A on the strake
Bolt D on the strake

jake14mw

Wow Superunknown, that is fantastic! I never expected getting an answer that would be that clear and effective. Thank You!