01 QX4 Busted Passenger Headlight

[yakabod]

My 2001 Infiniti QX4 (US) has been inactive for 2 months because of the stupid catalytic converter needing to pass smog. We finally repaired that and now my passenger headlight is not working. I start the car, turn on the switch and the passenger headlight flickers a few times and then turns off. The only I have checked so far was the fuses under the hood. Limited in tools right now, so i'll do more investigating tomorrow morning. You guys have any ideas on why it would flicker like this after turning on the switch?

I have NOT yet checked the relays or DRL module. Thanks in advance!

[zach7685]

Sounds like you need a new Ballast.

[Towncivilian]

You can swap the driver's side and the passenger side ballasts to see if the problem moves. If it does, you indeed require a new ballast.

[yakabod]

Where in the FSM can i see on how to change the ballast?

[Towncivilian]

See EL-34 - it's the "HID control unit". Apparently it's right next to the headlight assembly.

[yakabod]

Thanks for the quick response. Any idea on the rough cost of those puppies? And with my situation it would be pointless to check the relays?

[yakabod]

Also, if i were to go to the junkyard, i just ask them for the "HID Control Unit" for a 2001 infiniti qx4? or is this something i can buy from autozone/oreillys?

[Towncivilian]

This type of failure is common to ballasts, if I recall correctly. I'm not sure any aftermarket ballasts are available, at least I don't see any on RockAuto. I think OEM ballasts were ridiculously expensive last time I checked. I'm sure a junkyard would get the picture if you told them you were looking for a ballast.

[yakabod]

So my junkyards do not have this part. Looking through ebay and found a couple results.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-00-01-Infin ... 5c&vxp=mtr

I shouldn't risk this $30 one huh?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/D2S-D2R-D2C-HID ... 130wt_1141

[zach7685]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-2002-2003- ... 89&vxp=mtr I like this one because you have an extra bulb

[zach7685]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Infiniti-G35-I3 ... 4f&vxp=mtr better yet

[carnal_c30]

Stick with the OEM like Zach posted- the aftermarket one you posted will require wiring modifications and just don't last as long as the OEM usually does.

The replacements are dealer only and super expensive.

I would check the bulbs first just to be sure, replacement bulbs are much cheaper than ballasts.

[thaomyt]

If you need a ballast, pm me. i have one that i took off from a broken 01 QX4 headlight (passenger side)