02 HID Issues

[Dachristianman]

New here, so if this question has been beat to death, then sorry.

My Driver's side HID will only light every now and then. I'm guessing it's the ballast since when it does light, it's every bit as bright as the other. I can also hear the relay click when the switch is turned, so I know it's getting power to the ballast. All that added with a note I found saying the ballast on the 02 Q-45 is prone to failure leads me to believe mine is taking a dump.

My question(s) is/are, can the ballast be rebuilt? Can I use a ballast from a newer Q-45? Or where can I buy a ballast that doesn't require me to spend $300+ from the dealer?

Thanks in advance.

Tom

[Q_SHIP]

Do like I did and swith the bulbs to see if it continues on the other side. That way you know it's for sure the ballast.

[Dachristianman]

I thought with the HID lamps, that since it was an arc, it either worked or it slowly became very dim.

Also, if it was the lamp, would it work completely when it did work?

Lastly, how do I get that sucker out? I tried to see it, but it looks buried in the housing.

Tom

[Q_SHIP]

Might have to take the lights out.

They can act differently. Mine acted real goofy. Changed color, sometimes it worked and others it didnt. It's worth a shot before you throw money at it.

[Q451990]

Lastly, how do I get that sucker out? I tried to see it, but it looks buried in the housing.

I would download your FSM at http://www.phatg20.net if your owner's manual doesn't tell you. Google for the software to decompress the .rar file.

Infiniti has had a bad habit of making lamp replacement very difficult in recent years. I would swap either the ballast or the bulb depending on which ever one is easier to move. Either one will help you troubleshoot it.

Heath

[marksport]

Get a copy of the FSM. It will take you around 2 hours to fix the unit. You have to remove the engine lower covers, fender wells, remove the bumper and then the headlight. Once you have a replacement ballast pack in and, proceed to remove the bulb, then the metal cover of the connector, unscrew the ballast and unplug the wiring. You will have to wiggle the connector out thru the housing and push the new one in. Reassemble the in car in reverse order. Having done this about a dozen times for various reasons, it still takes a while to get the job done.

[Dachristianman]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll download that FSM and see which is easier to replace and then go from there.

I'll let you know what I come up with.

Tom

[kev1n]

i replaced my ballast on the right side headlight. Let me tell you it was a son of a b*tch to do. The easy part of it was removing the entire grill and bumper to get the headlight out. the Hard part was removing the old ballast and trying to re-snake in the wiring with the new ballast. I would have bought a used headlight from the junkyard if i had to do it all over again.

[kev1n]

Also, check ebay for a ballast, picked up 2 for about $120 a while back

[Dachristianman]

Thanks for the inputs. I'm not ready to tackle it just yet. I just got the FSM downloaded.

Congrats on your ballast find. Are you interested in selling one?

Tom

[kev1n]

Sorry, I'm gonna keep the second one in case my other ballast goes out. good luck on your find.