Ballast replacement for 02 Q45

[rashid11]

Folx,

after removing the pass-side headlight and replacing what I thought was a blown low beam lamp with a Philips D2R (I know, had to file a new notch), I turn on the engine, flips the lights on and ... still no cigar. Check the fuse - it's blown. Install new one, blows instantly.

Got to ballast with a tester - the 12V input shows a short. So now my question is: the car is 8YO, I own it and would very much like to avoid paying what will likely be $700 charge @ stealership (new ballast and they will prolly replace the lamp too, plus labor). Quick Ebay search shows nothing OEM that is reasonably priced.

So ... any suggestions ? There seem to be generic 35W ballasts out there, I am sure I can mount these into the spot where the factory one was. Any ideas are welcome.

While on it - outside of some differences in light output between D2S and D2R, is there any other reason not to use D2R ?

Rashid.

Modified by rashid11 at 10:57 AM 4/9/2009
Modified by rashid11 at 11:05 AM 4/9/2009

[rashid11]

Something like:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ories ?

[Q451990]

While on it - outside of some differences in light output between D2S and D2R, is there any other reason not to use D2R ?

The light pattern is different... what's the advantage of using the wrong bulb?

Heath

[maxnix]

Folx,

While on it - outside of some differences in light output between D2S and D2R, is there any other reason not to use D2R ?.

No difference in light out put, only in design. D2R is for reflector system (FGY33) and D2S is for projection system (F50).

Falk was banned many rears ago.

[rashid11]

I was told it'd be a match for the stock one by an infinity parts dealer.I kind of hope the original lamp I had is dead as well - so I didn't wastemoney on replacement . I don't want to remove driver side assy to test it.

Just gotta figure out where I can get a working ballast w/o breaking the bank

[rashid11]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...A1318

These seem to be used in pretty much in every single vehicle after 2003 - FX, Maxima, G35 etc. Did any1 try fitting these to 02 Q45 ? They seem to be 3 times less expensive compared to SCB26 ballasts. Same everything - wattage, lamp type etc.

[rashid11]

Mission accomplished for $60.

Got the newer "unified" Nissan/Infinity ballast on Ebay. The seller was in NY state, had it the next day . "Offered" $50 + S&H .

The ballast is mounted by the rear side of the battery - there's plenty of space there.

To let the ballast's connector inside of the housing, drilled a hole (BTW the inside of the headlight housing is NOT hermetic, there's an opening to outside).

Sealed it off with some alum sticky tape and some hot glue

Sealed off the opening from the stock HID with some more alum tape, fewlayers.

Back in biz, doesn't look half bad, saved around $1300 USD (in stealership prices): ~$800 for new HID ballast, $300 for new bulb (they won't warranty the new HID w/o replacing the bulb too) + 2 hrs of labor.

One can get a used original 02 HID ballast for about $250-300 on ebay, but these are very rare, compared to the new Nissan ballasts. Didn't want to take a chance.

[wildacexxx]

cool thanx for the tip. i think one of my ballast is on its way out (flickering light when going over bumps or tapping around headlight/fender). gonna check tomorrow.

[cubanlatino]

I had one light flickering and it finally stopped working. Searched around ebay and read a lot of reviews and videos. I bought 2 Morimoto Ballast from http://www.theretrofitsource.com/compon ... lasts.html for $110.00 they have a 2 year warranty . I didn't want to buy another Factory Ballast if they had problems with them. I just installed them and the rubber grommet that comes with them fits and seals bottom of housing perfectly and the D2s plug is made into the ballast. The are top quality, similar to factory setup and shipping was free. I just called there customer service and asked for a coupon code.