Headlight flicker. Not the bulb

[SimonSaysM35]

I have an 08 M35 Sport. When I turn my lights on and wait until they are fully colored, I see that my left headlight moves. It's easier to see when I'm parked in front of the garage and see it shine. It looks like the light is constantly moving up and down. My car has the adaptive headlights where the lights move when I turn. Could it be something wrong with the adaptive headlight system? Infiniti said its normal when you first start the car, but I think they are talking about when I first turn the car on, the lights move. Any idea why my car does this?

[Rishi1331]

I get that as well but with a grinding noise. I was told the headlights is bad and they also auto focus up and down

[The Bodyguard]

I get that as well but with a grinding noise. I was told the headlights is bad and they also auto focus up and down

Exactly what I had!! A grinding motor noise... Go to dealer you'll get a new one!! You are still under warranty right??

[SimonSaysM35]

I get that as well but with a grinding noise. I was told the headlights is bad and they also auto focus up and down

Exactly what I had!! A grinding motor noise... Go to dealer you'll get a new one!! You are still under warranty right??

I forgot to mention that I also hear a grinding noise! The dealer said it was the bulb or the motor for the headlights? Yes, my car is still under warranty. Why is it constantly trying to auto adjust? I just bought 5k HIDs for my car as well, but havent installed them yet. Will that make things even worse? I'm worried that if I install the HIDs then the dealer will blame the problem on that and will void the warranty or something. Sorry for all the questions. Thanks!

[The Bodyguard]

Do NOT install the 5k HID on there... It is in fact the motor that is failing and giving that grinding noise... First thing they asked me when I had mine in to get checked was are those stock bulbs?? Surprised dealer hasn't changed it if they already told you its the motor???

[SimonSaysM35]

So basically, get the problems fixed first, then change to 5k? Your saying that the headlight is constantly trying to adjust, so once I fix everything and switch the bulbs to 5k, will it cause this problem again since it's not stock and constantly trying to adjust to 4300K or something?

[The Bodyguard]

Its not the bulbs at all.... Just get your headlight replaced then do the light bulb swap. The motor is simply giving out so its steady trying to adjust... My dealer had the whole light assembly ordered and replaced! They said replacing just the motor didn't make sense...good luck! Got this done at West Houston Infiniti just in case its needed.... I often mention that some of my other M owner friends have certain issues and it makes it more believable!! Not that its not true but let's them know you're not the only one with this issue.... Good Luck!

[The Bodyguard]

Just noticed you're in SW HOUSTON!! I take my car to Norman Isaac at West Houston Infiniti. He's been there for a very long time and is really good with these cars!! I've heard very good things about SW INFINITI as well but its further out for me...

[SimonSaysM35]

Thanks for the heads up. I've had good experiences at both locations. I stay in SW but work in north so either location will work out. Thanks!

[The Bodyguard]

Thanks for the heads up. I've had good experiences at both locations. I stay in SW but work in north so either location will work out. Thanks!

Kool! No prob. I had gone through three service writers with my m35 they just kept coming and going... When I got my M45 I made sure to ask for an experienced long term service writer.... Norman Isaac had been great!!

[TonyO5976]

Glad I looked this up on here. Good info on these posts. I have the same issue. Unfortunately West Houston Infiniti wasn't much help. Took it in twice and none of the Techs could recreate this issue. The MORONS didn't have the Ignition to on. That is the only time the self leveling features is active i guess. I had to take it to Southwest to get the whole assembly fixed.

[sergio1987]

What should I do if I'm out of warranty!? I heard the headlight is somewhere around $1000

[TonyO5976]

Yeah, I do know they are pretty pricey. They range 550+ on Ebay. (at least the ones i found.) Maybe a salvage yard would be less expensive and they will install it. Did that for my Acura. Way cheaper than getting the dealer to do it.

[The Bodyguard]

Glad I looked this up on here. Good info on these posts. I have the same issue. Unfortunately West Houston Infiniti wasn't much help. Took it in twice and none of the Techs could recreate this issue. The MORONS didn't have the Ignition to on. That is the only time the self leveling features is active i guess. I had to take it to Southwest to get the whole assembly fixed.

Sucks you had a bad experience at West Houston Infiniti...
Beautiful car Tony!!

[TonyO5976]

Sucks you had a bad experience at West Houston Infiniti...
Beautiful car Tony!!

Yeah it was disappointing. I still get my oil changes done there. Thank you. Try to keep it looking nice. Yours looks pretty clean. Have you done your 60k service locally?

[sergio1987]

Yeah, I do know they are pretty pricey. They range 550+ on Ebay. (at least the ones i found.) Maybe a salvage yard would be less expensive and they will install it. Did that for my Acura. Way cheaper than getting the dealer to do it.

Yeah, but how do you know that it doesn't have the same issue!?

[TonyO5976]

Yeah, but how do you know that it doesn't have the same issue!?

That what doesn't have the same issue?I am saying take it to a salvage yard to get the part and have it installed by them if you cant afford the dealer. =\

[ple99]

These headlights are simply not reliable. Replacing them will only provide you with another opportunity to replace them again when they break again. Which they will. May as well disconnect the vertical adjustment motor, adjust the beam appropriately, and be done with it. The lateral motor is separate so they will still turn side to side.

[The Bodyguard]

Sucks you had a bad experience at West Houston Infiniti...
Beautiful car Tony!!

Yeah it was disappointing. I still get my oil changes done there. Thank you. Try to keep it looking nice. Yours looks pretty clean. Have you done your 60k service locally?

Yes, did my 60k service at West Houston Infiniti but I had it broken down since I had so much I had already done.. brakes, wipers, air filter (R2C intake), etc. I did the major stuff, including coolant flush, transmission service, (drain and fill not flush), drive belts, and oil change ofcourse...

[TonyO5976]

These headlights are simply not reliable. Replacing them will only provide you with another opportunity to replace them again when they break again. Which they will. May as well disconnect the vertical adjustment motor, adjust the beam appropriately, and be done with it. The lateral motor is separate so they will still turn side to side.

Yeah. Very true. That is a good idea.