Drivers Side headlight going out

[Tblaze315]

I have a 2007 M35x and the low beam keeps going out. If I switch from Auto to on after it goes out It will turn back on and then go out again. Sometimes it stays on for the duration of the ride and other times it goes out immediately. I feel like the bulb isn't the issue and I went to the infiniti dealership and they are telling me I have to purchase a whole new headlight assembly because you cannot just purchase the ballast. Does anyone have any idea what the issue could be and how I could get this fixed?

[psyopper]

Halogen or HID? I'd vote ballast if it's HID. I don't know if they sell only a ballast, certainly not an OEM replacement, but these guys might be able to help: http://www.theretrofitsource.com/. Also, Ebay is a good source for used ballasts.

[Tblaze315]

They are HID and thanks for the link. Prob just makes sense to just change them out with a morimoto kit unless I can buy the ballast on eBay. Any idea how difficult it is to change out the ballast if I just went that route?

[DoN_BLaZe34]

You can buy used OEM ballasts on eBay or go aftermarket with the Morimotos as suggested.

[kmiles]

I was just checking on ALLDATA and it indicates that what you are looking for isn't called a ballast by Infiniti. They call it the "HID Control Unit" and for a 2007 M35 they indicate the part number is 253C0EH001. It shows that you can replace it by itself and don't need to replace the entire headlight unit. There are troubleshooting instructions in the online service manual in the LT section. In the TSB there is also a part number that includes the HID Control Unit and the Starter (combo cable that connects the Control Unit to the bulb) = 28474-8992A. I also found this TSB:

Classification: EL10-022A
Reference: ITB10-027A
Date: June 29, 2010
XENON HEAD LAMP SERVICE
This bulletin has been amended. The Parts Information has been updated. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLES: 2005 - 2011 Infiniti with xenon headlamps
IF YOU CONFIRM
A xenon headlamp is not functioning because of an issue inside the headlamp assembly (an internal issue),

ACTION
Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, follow the diagnostic and repair information for xenon headlamps.

NOTE:
In most cases, replacement of a bulb or HID control unit will solve the incident.
Do not replace the entire xenon headlamp assembly when a bulb or HID control unit is available to solve the incident, if one should occur.

NOTE:
The HID control unit includes a starter (xenon bulb socket). For some models, the starter is not replaceable. In this case, replace only the HID control unit using the old starter.
Torque specification for the screw that holds the starter to the HID control unit is: 1.3 - 1.7 Nm (0.13 - 0.17 k-gm, 12 - 15 in-lb)

[svard75]

I have a 2007 M35x and the low beam keeps going out. If I switch from Auto to on after it goes out It will turn back on and then go out again. Sometimes it stays on for the duration of the ride and other times it goes out immediately. I feel like the bulb isn't the issue and I went to the infiniti dealership and they are telling me I have to purchase a whole new headlight assembly because you cannot just purchase the ballast. Does anyone have any idea what the issue could be and how I could get this fixed?

What doesnt make sense to me is if the hid balast was gone it wouldnt even start the lights and you have one per light so chances both went are slim. Control, maybe. I think you have a low lamp relay issue. Go to a auto place and ask them to test your low beam relay.