02 Q headlight repair

[cablemn]

Finally got the cajones to tackle the headlight problem. I had to change the ballast on one of my HLs. I spent about an hour or so trying to find an easier way to do it without taking off the whole front of the car but to no avail. You absolutley have to do it the way the service manual says. The part i couldn't believe was where you have to tie a drag line around the xenon bulb socket and snake it through the housing. That part took much patience and about 30 min. to negotiate. Not to mention having to grow another hand to hold a penlight to see what i was doing. I did finally get it though. Putting everything back together was twice as fast as taking it apart. I do have to go back to Infiniti to buy a load of new fasteners. They are a one way deal. If anyone knows a better fastener to use i would appreciate you imparting the knowledge to me. Somebody must have a better more reversible way of tacking on the panels. I replaced the ballast with an 04 model to avoid the same thing happening too soon. I heard that 02 models are notorious for ballast failure. If anyone needs tips on replacement feel free to ask.

[xerexabante]

I was lucky that the left side failed and it was from the PO. I don't know when the other will fail.

[Q45man1]

Knock on wood my ballast are both still working with 80K miles. I know that replacing those ballast is a pain. Bur well done cablemn.

[kev1n]

had to do the same thing last year, how did you snake the ballast wire? I tried string method but was ready to throw the thing againest the wall. that took the longest!! I ended up jamming it throught via screw driver.

[cablemn]

You need to put a slip knot on the edge of the plug. If you put it around the wires it will bind. Also it helps turn the plug as you go to get it past the tight spots.