Weird noise behind passenger side headlight

[cs152sux]

Hi everyone,

I purchased a 07 M35 about 2 months ago. I love everything about the car and I've learn so much from reading the posts on this forum.

Anyways, recently discovered a weird rattling noise behind the passenger side headlight and couldn't figure out what it is. I took a short video clip of what might be the cause. Hopefully someone here will know what the problem is and how to fix that.

The video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltNgZeNZ5ic

Thank everyone in advance for the help.

NC

[sergio1987]

weird...no ideea

[cs152sux]

Thanks for the quick reply guys.

The engine was on at the time and yes, the noise comes up only when the engine is on.

[sergio1987]

I am thinking that it might be the ballast itself, I remember, on a previous car that I had, when the ballast was dying it was making a sound like that, however only when the lights are on. So does this sound come when the lights are on, or all the time? If it's all the time than it has nothing to do with the lights, and it might be something loose like infiniti_lineup said

[cs152sux]

The noise came on regardless of when the lights are on or not.

I think I've pin pointed the source of the noise. It is the component where my brother's hand was touching in the video. I don't know what it is but a wild guess would be the motor for the AFS? I wasn't sure if my car is equipped with this feature since the dealer where i bought the car didn't list it in their ad. I do have an AFS on/off switch and from checking with the users manual, it seems to confirmed that this option is included. Sorry if I sound noob but I'm still learning about the car.

One thing I like to point out also is that the noise is not that loud as the video perceived. It's not that much louder than an idling engine. You can barely hear it standing a few feet away with the hood open.

[blitzcreager17]

well i read the title and the first thing that popped into my mind was, Is it the passanger?

[thomasm35]

I had the same noise behind the driver headlight - It is the headlight actuator(what ever that is). I had it replaced under warranty. The work order part number is "HOUSING ASSY-HEAD LA-26075-EH100". The Infiniti dealer did not have the part in stock and had to order it.

When I first heard the noise it sounded like the ac compressor bearings were going.

[cs152sux]

blitzcreager17, I never thought of that. lol

infiniti_lineup, Looks like I have to make a trip to the dealership and have them check it out. Hopefully sometime next week.

[thomasm35]

blitzcreager17, I never thought of that. lol

infiniti_lineup, Looks like I have to make a trip to the dealership and have them check it out. Hopefully sometime next week.

When I took it to the dealer they kept the car all day and said they could not hear the noise. I told them that it was intermittent and right behind the headlight and I could point to the component if they needed me to. It is a lot harder to identify where the noise is coming from on the driver side since the intake box and the ac components are all there.

It took me a week to identify the part since the noise would come and go. The part looks like a little motor on the back of the headlight housing - it is on both the right & left headlight. When I played your video that sound brought back bad memories. Even my wife said that sounds like the same noise your car was making.

The service rep said that this was not a common problem.

Good luck!

[cs152sux]

Thanks for the advice. Now I know what to tell them when I bring in the car. I will let you guys know what they find and how they fix it.

[cjrdriven]

This might be a more common issue than they are saying. I have the exact same noise. It comes and goes, and the dealership replaced my waterpump and told me they fixed it. Did not resolve the noise. I will take this info in the next time I go!

[rb30dett]

I have the same issue on my 06. I thought it might have been the AFS as well. It only happens when the lights are on. This is a "comes and goes" issue as well.

[jedgington]

Does the head lamp flutter up and down a little bit when the noise occurs? I have a similar noise from the right side lamp, and I can see the beam moving up and down a little bit as it shines on the garage wall.

Can you order a replacement motor, or do you have to replace the entire headlamp assembly?

[WhoDey456]

I had the same problem on the drivers side and the noise came and went. If I taped the side of the assembly the noise would start and then stop. Took the car to the dealership and they replaced the whole assembly, the dealership said it was the AFS.

Hope you still have a warranty, because I remember him saying in the likes of $1,500+ to replace the assembly!

[jedgington]

Seems to me that the problem would be in the aiming motor since the beam flutters up and down. And, the noise comes from that general area. Too bad that I can't just get a replacement aiming motor because otherwise the headlight seems to function just fine. This assumes that the "actuator assembly" shown in the parts catalog is NOT what I need...that looks like the bulb socket to me.

There are some used headlight assemblies on eBay. Do I have to order the xenon lamp assembly, or can I just get the standard assembly if I want to scavenge the aiming motor from it to replace mine? Has someone attempted this? I have the xenon lights. Thanks.

[venus18812]

nice video

[jedgington]

The halogen (standard) headlight assemblies do not have the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), you would have to purchase a Xenon headlight assembly.

Thanks. I found an assembly from a wrecked M pretty cheap. The electrical components and housing are intact and (hopefully) functional. I'll see if it is possible to remove the aiming motor from the back of it before I tear into mine. If I'm successful, I'll post some pics and how-to, since it seems this has been an issue for several readers here.

[cs152sux]

So I finally found the time to take my car to the dealer. They said they'll replace the whole headlight (passenger side only). They'll let me know when the part arrive in a few days.

[mdstahl1]

Noise like this just started on my drivers side headlight. Anyone determine a price to fix? Hoping its not the $1,500 that WhoDey456 thought it might be...

[sergio1987]

Funny thing... I realized i have the same problem:))) Its the driver side lamp... I spoke to my mechanic and he is researching whether or not there is an aftermarket aiming motor... I realllllllly hope there is

[mdstahl1]

agree, I haven't taken it to the dealer yet, I notice no impact (shutter or vibration) to the light, so at this point, might as well let it fail. I notice it when the car first starts - I'll have to pay attention to what it sounds like when I get to work (about an hour commute). I only notice it on start-up as its usually quiet in the car and I'm in the garage (sound must be reverberating)

[cs152sux]

Luckily for me, they replaced it under warranty. They told me it would cost around $1300 without warranty.

[The Bodyguard]

This is actually a common problem! I had my passenger headlight replaced completely about 3 months ago! Since the dealer said it would be under warranty.... My headlight did not move up or down, vibrate or shake at all but it made that same noise!! I also asked how much and they factored in the labor plus headlight and it was in fact in the $1300 range... Bumper has to come off for the headlight installation!

[mdstahl1]

well that's a bummer - wonder what the cost of the part vs. labor is and if it makes sense to get a used motor. I assume the whole headlight assembly isn't changed out, just the motor?

[cs152sux]

In my case they replaced the whole headlight assembly. My driver side is now making the same noise but not as bad and my factory warranty is expired so I don't think I'll spend $1300 to fix that.

[sergio1987]

i checked ..there is no aftermarket motor available...Bummer Does anybody know whether or not we can buy just the motor from infiniti rather than the whole assembly.? If yes please provide the part number

[mdstahl1]

I talked to the dealer today in Raleigh...can only sell the whole light assembly. $1450 for the assembly, $200ish for install and $100 for tax ---- basically $1,750 out the door. OUCH!

Noticed the problem a couple of months ago, but just noticed today that my light not 'flickers' up and down - noticed for the first time today that its getting worse.

Asked about refurb program or anything like that and he wasn't aware of anything. They had no core charge on the assembly, so I assume they just toss them. If I find one at salvage, they'll put it on, but won't warranty - seems fair.

Going to explore getting the motor replaced as it seems silly to trash the whole assembly...

[sergio1987]

silly is not enough said, this is RIDICULOUS