Stupid HID Headlights

[orbitup]

So I just replaced the power steering pump on my wife's car. It's a 2004 Acura TSX. It has been leaking pretty bad for about 2 weeks. Right before I replaced it we started having problems with the right headlight. It only flickers a little when it's first turned on, then goes out. I am thinking the headlight is screwed up because the back of it (and the control module for the HID) was soaked in PS fluid.

It wouldn't be such a big deal if HID shit wasn't so expensive. Anyway, I plan on pulling the headlight tomorrow and cleaning it off as best I can. I know it's a longshot, but I'm hoping that the flickering means the control module isn't completely burned up.

Any advice?

 

[shooterfpga]

the flickering is usually a sign its ballast is going out or an electrical issue not letting it get enough power. hopefully cleaning it helps.

 

[Rangerscott]

You "could" use an aftermarket kit. You all ready have the HID lens which is the most important part of the system and one of the most non-used part that those ricers and "my truck is taller than yours" don't use.

I know there are a lot of cheap kits, but there are actually good name brand ones that use philips HID bulbs or keep your out of for used OEM on ebay or junk yards.

 

[Rangerscott]

*delete*

 

[orbitup]

You "could" use an aftermarket kit.

I'll keep that in mind if it looks like it's going to be stupid expensive, but I don't think the wife would appreciate redneck engineering on her Acura.

 

[shooterfpga]

it really wouldnt be too much engineering. most ballasts are made the same concept in that they are all plug and play to replace existing ballasts. im sure even the mini/micro ballasts accept the same standard wiring/plugs.

 

[orbitup]

What about when I take this thing apart? I've seen some pretty scary warning labels on HID parts.

 

[Rangerscott]

I've never taken an HID ballast apart but if it's like some other ballast then it's circuitry inside dried tar/rubber stuff.

 

[M. Sage]

So I just replaced the power steering pump on my wife's car. It's a 2004 Acura TSX. It has been leaking pretty bad for about 2 weeks. Right before I replaced it we started having problems with the right headlight. It only flickers a little when it's first turned on, then goes out. I am thinking the headlight is screwed up because the back of it (and the control module for the HID) was soaked in PS fluid.

It wouldn't be such a big deal if HID shit wasn't so expensive. Anyway, I plan on pulling the headlight tomorrow and cleaning it off as best I can. I know it's a longshot, but I'm hoping that the flickering means the control module isn't completely burned up.

Any advice?

The last few times I've seen a HID light and go out almost immediately, it's been a lamp. Good luck, and watch the high voltage. If you want to clean it, try cleaning it with some electronic cleaner, nothing but.

Guessing can get expensive fast... Even the lamps are stupid money.

 

[shooterfpga]

yes sir i paid 600 for my last kit.

 

[orbitup]

This looks like a burnt bulb to me.


But a bad ballast will burn the bulb so I took it apart and it is clean. That doesn't mean it's not bad though.

Maybe I should let the dealer diagnose it. I hate going to a dealer though.

 

[orbitup]

After pulling the other side, I guess they are supposed to look like that.

Just for shits and giggles, I took the bulb from the bad side and put it on the good side. It just flickers.

I am going to sell this thing, buy an old Chevy truck and let the wife drive my car.

 

[shooterfpga]

if its flicking on the good side then the bulb is bad.

 

[orbitup]

You really shouldn't have to go though this for a headlight.

 

[Vaquero]

I paid 78 bucks for a bulb replacement on TBHs Mazda6. Freakin fender had to come off!

 

[Dcav]

I paid 78 bucks for a bulb replacement on TBHs Mazda6. Freakin fender had to come off!

the HID modules are like 475 bucks alone!

 

[Vaquero]

the HID modules are like 475 bucks alone!

These weren't HID, just a freakin bulb!

 

[M. Sage]

After pulling the other side, I guess they are supposed to look like that.

Just for shits and giggles, I took the bulb from the bad side and put it on the good side. It just flickers.

I am going to sell this thing, buy an old Chevy truck and let the wife drive my car.

Congats, you just stumbled into the method the dealership would have used to diagnose your problem.

Survey says - bad bulb. Replace it and go on with your life.

 

[shooterfpga]

yeah it seems like more and more these days you have to remove the whole front end to change lights out. luckily sometimes you can get it out an easier way that might involve cutting and trimming useless metal.