2001 Qx4 - OEM HID lights flicker when starting

[gjernstrom]

I appreciate any insight into my current headlight problem.

My 2001 Qx4 has the stock HID low-beam headlamps. The lights turn on when the key position goes to the ‘ON’ position after a couple flickers. The lights then flicker again when I turn the key to start the vehicle. I would not be concerned, except that the lights often don’t turn on after the ‘flicker’ (either one light or the other).

I have to turn the lights off and on manually, until both lights stay on. After that, they are almost always good for the duration of the car trip.

I already installed new bulbs, and plan to check the relays but it seems to be a problem with both lights together.

Is this normal for the headlights to flicker between the key ignition ‘ON’ position and turning the key to start? Could it be a problem with the Headlamp Battery Saver Control or the Switch Stalk?

Also, the headlights turn off immediately when I go from the ignition ‘ACC’ position to ‘OFF’. Is this the correct operation? When I go from ‘ON’ to ‘ACC’, the headlights wait the standard 45 seconds before turning off (if the doors stay closed).

Thank you in advance!

[skiski329]

Sounds to me like the ballast is going

[RC_51]

Your ballast(s) is on it's way out....

The dealer will ask for an arm and a leg for a new one, and Matsushita doesn't even make that ballast anymore (meaning, you'll have to retrofit it). If you go the used ballast route, please note that that there were two different Matsushita ballasts used during the 01-02 years that have different connectors and thus, are not universal.

Please check out my post and link to my story here..

2002-qx4-headlights-not-working-t569090.html#p6429843

[gjernstrom]

Thanks Skiski and RC_51. I had previously read headlight posts from both of you and they were very helpful.

Do you think my issue is still with the ballasts even though once the lights are able to turn on they can stay on for hours?

All the fuses look good. Also, I checked the voltage with the relays off and everything looked good with 12V at 1, 3, 6. I was not able to check with the relays in because of the housing around the relay and lack of access underneath.

Can anyone verify if their stock HID headlights turn off briefly or flicker between the key ignition 'ON' position and starting the vehicle?

[RC_51]

When mine started to "go" the symptoms were erratic. Sometimes they would both come on immediately and then one would go out halfway through my commute (could have been as quick as 2 minutes or as long as 20). Other times it wouldn't come on at all.

I never started my car with the lights on (nor did I have daytime running lights if that is your case) so I can't attest as to whether or not they went off during your "test". The ballasts draw quite a bit of power from the electrical system so I wouldn't be surprised if this was intentional while you are starting the vehicle. I will say that most "flickering" is a sign of a ballast on it's way out...and given the age of your vehicle and the fact that I had to change mine a year ago (and mine was a 2002), if you still have the stock Matsushita's it's more than likely them.

Sadly, I just traded my 2002 in last week. Every oil change was turning into a $200-$300 repair (from a trustworthy mechanic) and I needed a new rack and pinion.

[fueler]

are you sure BOTH lights are flickering? Park close to a wall or garage door to determine.... your QX4 has two separate bulbs and two separate ballasts....

[gjernstrom]

Yes, it is both lights that briefly flicker at the same interval.

I am testing/replacing the battery this weekend to see if there is any change, then moving on to the ballasts. I will post my results.