Hi there. I am a new user, so I apologize in advance if this post is in the wrong location, but hopefully I've got it right. I have a 2004 Acura TL with an intermittent headlight issue that I've been dealing with for a few years. I have looked through all of the other posts on this sight pertaining to similar issues, but since I have experienced such a specific set of symptoms, I was hoping I might be able to get some more tailored assistance.

In summary, my headlights started to become intermittent a while ago. Both headlights would go on and off but not at the same time and not while driving. There was no guarantee that both would come on at the starting of the engine. I then had everything replaced by a trusted mechanic (ballasts, ignitors, bulbs). I also replaced the headlight relay on my own. He suggested putting in a whole new system (not the original HID) and I wasn't completely for it, but my parents said I should go for it as it would be worth it if it resolved the issue. Those headlights seemed to work (after requesting he switch the bulbs a second time because the ones he put in were incredibly dim), but now I am back to experiencing more intermittent issues. Only this time a bit different. Now both headlights always come on at the time that the engine starts. They will go out while driving unlike before, and the most likely one to go out is the driver side, but passenger side has gone out as well. Once one goes out, it wont come back on until the engine is restarted. Also, the drivers side headlight "blinks" or goes in and out while driving (as in it will significantly dim and then come back to full frequently prior to going completely out). This leads me to believe there is some sort of ground wire or connection problem? But I am not certain how to trace that. I have the electrical manual at home so I am able to look at that but if anyone has any specific suggestions on where to start, that'd be great because I am reluctant to return to the mechanic another time (it would be a forth time having him look at these lights). Thanks so much in advance for the help.

 

Do you have the parts numbers or pictures of the parts that were replaced?

 

Unfortunately I don't have exact part numbers. The system put in was an after market HID system because it was cheaper. I just spoke to my mechanic and he offered to take another look but I'd love to hear ideas about what it might be! Sorry I couldn't provide more specifics...

 

Poor grounding - that is what I faced last time when got blinking headlight.

 

Possibly a loose connector

 

I figured it was that, but I am unsure how I would pinpoint the issue without experience testing for this issue. Were you able to identify the grounding issue on your own or did you have to take it in to someone?

 

I agree that this makes sense, but I don't know where to start for testing for this.

 

Take it back to the mechanic and have him do it.

 

Yeah, I'm actually taking it up to him today. Hopefully it is something simple to trace.