process for replacing HID ballast on 08 Rogue

[michael6550]

Hi,
My 2008 Rogue, which I bought used a couple yrs ago, came with the HID low beams. Now the right side is flickering. It will go off and if I simply toggle the lights, it will come right back on. But then it happens again. I did the usual checks for something loose but found nothing. More reading and research seems to say that ballast is going. I can see the ballast, attached to the underside of the headlight assembly but, despite looking for a DIY article about replacing the ballast, I'm striking out. Have not found an article about removing the headlight assembly either. I didn't see instructions for that, even in the service manuals made available on this site. My owners manual doesn't talk about the HIDs, just talks about halogens. But the 08 AWD SL Rogue did have the HID option and the original owner obviously took it.

My question is whether or not I really have to remove the bumper assembly to get the headlight assembly out. The ballast is wedged between the headlight assembly and the windshield washer reservoir so that I can't get at the screws holding the ballast. And, despite looking and following other threads on NicoClub and elsewhere, I still don't know if I need a 35w or a 55w ballast.

If anyone knows of a good article, video or other resource to help me on this, I'd appreciate hearing about it. Thanks.

Michael

[ImStricken06]

yes, you will need to remove the bumper cover to remove the headlight. i have done this like 4 times already, and its not that bad. its actually painless.
the ballast is under the headlight, its a round pancake looking thing, with 3 screws. the plug/harness is inside/under the headlight





if you think you have it bad, try this.... this was my driveway on Oct 2013, putting my car back together after a woman ran a stop sign lol