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Looking for a bit of feedback on HID Ballast replacements.
My passenger side headlight has failed. I bought new bulbs from Diode Dynamics, but both replacement bulbs didnt fix the issue. I noticed the igniter(?) (whichever part screws into the light) wasnt hot while the lights had power, so I presume its the ballast. I will be checking the fuse before I order a replacement. If at all possible, I'd rather not replace both passenger and driver.
Anyone have experience w/ these ballast replacement options or elsewhere I should be looking? I'm presuming the cheapo headlightsdepo option isnt going to work well, similar to the cheapo Amazon options I'm looking at. Not afraid to spend a little coin, but would rather avoid the $230 OEM replacement cost if possible.
Did you check the fuses?
Do any of the other light work (turn signal, city)?
Does the lamp (bulb) attempt to ignite (flicker) or is it completely "dead?"
Do you have a multimeter? If so, did you check for voltages at the harness connector?
i'm working on getting to the fuse box now. Found it and trying to pull it "up" - not going so great. Any guidance?
Turn signals work.
It is completely dead. I changed the ballast. I did not change the igniter.
The bulbs are 6k d2s, installed by previous owner. I have a set of 4.3k that I havent tried yet.
The ballast I went with is here : https://www.z1motorsports.com/front-...t-p-21498.html
Ordered two, figured I change both out since I had the car apart. I've tried both and no change.
No multi-meter. That is on the list after the fuse.
Assume you mean the box in the engine compartment. Just wiggle it and maneuver that thick a-s cord with your hand until it releases. It gets stuck on something sometimes.
I did install a new igniter, as I thought the fuses were good. Once that didnt work, started chasing electrical issue. Once I realized the ballast wasnt receiving voltage, i pulled the fuse box again and realized one of the 15 amp fuses were bad.
Still not entirely out of the woods. Even with new ballast, igniter and fuse, the light is flickering everyone once in a while. May go back to the 4300k lights and see if that solves the flicker.
Remember everyone, there are 2 sets (at least) of fuses for each headlight in that fuse box. Slow down and read - dont be me. Any learn to use a multimeter - I'd still be swapping random parts w/o it.
I did install a new igniter, as I thought the fuses were good. Once that didnt work, started chasing electrical issue. Once I realized the ballast wasnt receiving voltage, i pulled the fuse box again and realized one of the 15 amp fuses were bad.
Still not entirely out of the woods. Even with new ballast, igniter and fuse, the light is flickering everyone once in a while. May go back to the 4300k lights and see if that solves the flicker.
Remember everyone, there are 2 sets (at least) of fuses for each headlight in that fuse box. Slow down and read - dont be me. Any learn to use a multimeter - I'd still be swapping random parts w/o it.
I'm having a similar issue with my 2012 G37xS Coupe. My passenger side Xenon turns off after about 30 minutes of driving. It turns off quicker and sometimes doesn't turn on in the cold. I recently changed the ballast and that didn't work. I swapped out the bulbs and this didn't change anything. So I will check the 2 fuses. Maybe I have a defective fuse? Also sometimes when I go over bumps that light flickers. I'm going to swap out the two fuses and check the wiring harness. I'm also going to consider switching to a plug and play LED conversion kit.
New ballast didnt fix the issue either. So now Im a bit confused. Any idea of what the issue could be at this point?
OEM ballast is 1:1, the same characteristics as your original ballast, aimed to meet even exceed the OE specifications but only a fraction of the price.
OEM ballast VS aftermarket ballast
OEM Ballast is generated from original ballast, with its aim to hands down the higher quality. But aftermarket ballast are for universal usage, RFI and EMI are the mostly caused problems.
Did you check the fuses?
Do any of the other light work (turn signal, city)?
Does the lamp (bulb) attempt to ignite (flicker) or is it completely "dead?"
Do you have a multimeter? If so, did you check for voltages at the harness connector?
How Do I Know if My Ballast is Bad?
Physically.Look for the following signs on your ballast first. If you see any of them, then most likely, your ballast needs replacement.
Burn marks
Swollen or melted casing
Damaged or perforated case
