HID headlight flickers, then nothing...

[madEG]

Hello folks,

I noticed that my passenger headlight is out today. When I turn the lights on, I noted that the faulty one will flickers quickly - as if it is attempting to start up, but doesn't complete. Then remains completely out (I am 99% sure completely out - will check again at night).

Tomorrow I'll take off form work to pull the wheel/gain access to the light assembly area in front of the wheel-well, then check all the connections, and then I guess first swap a bulb, then next a ballast if that doesn't do it...

Can anyone shed some light on what may be the culprit, based on the "attempting to ignite, but failing to completely" symptom?

I've never had HID before, so I can't say I know much about it...

Thanks!

[telcoman]

Hello folks,

I noticed that my passenger headlight is out today. When I turn the lights on, I noted that the faulty one will flickers quickly - as if it is attempting to start up, but doesn't complete. Then remains completely out (I am 99% sure completely out - will check again at night).

Tomorrow I'll take off form work to pull the wheel/gain access to the light assembly area in front of the wheel-well, then check all the connections, and then I guess first swap a bulb, then next a ballast if that doesn't do it...

Can anyone shed some light on what may be the culprit, based on the "attempting to ignite, but failing to completely" symptom?

I've never had HID before, so I can't say I know much about it...

Thanks!

I think your plan of action is a good one. However if by swapping bulbs and ballasts doesn't prove out the trouble or if you accidently break something then you will have a bigger problem.If the dealer breaks something in trying to repair it its on their dime.I'd get an estimate from the dealer. Having a new loaner and eating whatever goodies they have and not having the aggrevation of trying to do it yourself is worth something.

Good luck

Just my $.02

Telcoman

[madEG]

I got an estimate based on needing new bulb and ballast (worst case scenario):

"Thank you very much for your email! The estimated cost for labor to install the bulb and ballast is $224.00. If your vehicle came with the Xenon headlights, the estimated cost for the bulb is $195.43, and the ballast is $913.01. If it did not come with Xenon headlights the cost of the ballast is $840.00 and the bulb is $56.00. Should you have any questions or require additional assistance please do not hesitate to contact me directly!

Sincerely,

Kimberly MoriartySheehy Infiniti of Annapolis"

...Oooooof! That's pretty heavy. Unfortunately I just had a rear brake caliper die, and it took out the rear pads/rotor, and needed a new caliper...

The wife might kill me if I tell her I need to replace a $1000+ headlight...

Not sure how to proceed now - maybe a junk yard and then a non dealer based mechanic...

Also, when she says xenon vs non xenon - does she mean xenon vs halogen? I didn't think there was a difference between xenon and HID? (I feel so silly but I might as well ask as it never occurred to me that a halogen bulb needed a ballast...)

Have you heard about the ballasts keeling over before?

[Focusedintntions]

you can probably get a whole new set of bulbs and balasts for half the price going aftermarket.

[SteveTheTech]

If it did not come with Xenon headlights the cost of the ballast is $840.00 and the bulb is $56.00. Should you have any questions or require additional assistance please do not hesitate to contact me directly!

Sincerely,

Kimberly MoriartySheehy Infiniti of Annapolis"

Ummm.... there is NO ballast on a halogen bulb system.

Xenon bulbs do indeed only have a life and 6 years is a fair amount of time for one to last. I would start with the bulb first. Put rubber gloves after removing the fender lining if your going to do it yourself. Pull the wheel off and do it the right way don't try to get it from the top...it will leave you bleeding and furious.

Ideally if one bulb goes out there is a fair chance the other one is fading and at the end of it's useful life cycle. As they age they produce less and less light.

[audtatious]

Hello folks,

I noticed that my passenger headlight is out today. When I turn the lights on, I noted that the faulty one will flickers quickly - as if it is attempting to start up, but doesn't complete. Then remains completely out (I am 99% sure completely out - will check again at night).

Tomorrow I'll take off form work to pull the wheel/gain access to the light assembly area in front of the wheel-well, then check all the connections, and then I guess first swap a bulb, then next a ballast if that doesn't do it...

Can anyone shed some light on what may be the culprit, based on the "attempting to ignite, but failing to completely" symptom?

I've never had HID before, so I can't say I know much about it...

Thanks!

Sounds like the bulb. I would get a set of aftermarket and not from the dealership to avoid the high cost. If it turns out to be the ballast then I've seen them for sale on ebay for decent prices. Make sure you replace both bulbs at the same time or you will have mis-matched colors.