Need repair/diagram info for HID actuator assembly

[laineys]

To make a very long story short.....

My lowbeam (HID) started failing intermittently - high beam works just fine. Learned that this is a known service issue (see: http://consumerguideauto.howst...6.htm)

Talked with a nice (AZ) Infiniti Parts Mgr who shared with me that I need to replace the "actuator assembly". Bought the part and am using a local (BBB approved) autocare place for the labor. They are unable to come up with the repair/diagram instructions. The local Infiniti shop will not share that info. I am unable to locate such details on the internet nor in the books.

Any suggestions?

[bullittandy]

Let me first warn you that there will be several replies to your post that will be insulting and will question your repair strategy.

It seems that your car is a 2002+ but am not sure (not stated) and if the "actuator assembly" is the ballast then its a very simple remove and replace. The ballast is likely attached to the headlight (it is on earlier models).

Both the dealer and Infiniti shop can handle this easily and for likely little more money than the autocare place. Good luck!

[Q45tech]

98% of the technical information available to dealers is also available on Nissan Technical Web Site all you have to do is pay $19.95 for 24 hour access and download.

Generic shops have no economic reason to keep their technical competence as high as dealers on specific models.

They usually don't buy specialty test equipment beyond simple OBD2 scanners.

It would be a good idea to download the FSM and any TSB [unzip] and keep file [*.pdf] on a USB memory stick so you can provide info to any generic shops you might use.

[maxnix]

If you have a 1999+ Q45, the low beam is HID.

Check eBay for replacements if it is not covered by warranty, or buy new from http://www.infinitipartsusa.com

Welcome to NICO!

Be sure to complete your profile.

[laineys]

You guessed correctly.....2002 Q45 Premium. Sorry for omitting that pertinent piece of info.

My experiece with the local Infiniti dealer/service shop has not been positive. In fact, I had to become a Royal B**** in order to get past service calls "corrected" - misleading quotes, 'extra' unauthorized tasks, etc. I suspect that my profile at this dealer has been updated "accordingly".

Hence, the use of local autocare shops. Thanks for taking the time to reply and set my expectations.

-Lainey

[laineys]

Q45tech - thanks for pointing out that valuable website. I also like your idea of downloading to my nerd key (aka USB memory stick).

[maxnix]

http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/infiniti/