GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011) Discussion about the 2006+ model GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450H and GS460

Headlight problem

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Old 04-11-13, 09:54 AM
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ecko1211
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Default Headlight problem

So one day I noticed my right headlight was off while driving. I'm thinking great I need a new bulb. The next day I'm driving I notice that it's back on and I'm like During this whole week my headlight is either off or on on certain days so here is my question. Is this a sign of me needing a new bulb or something with the ballast? I don't know if this is a HID thing where this is a sign of premature failure to the bulb or what? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
Old 04-11-13, 10:03 AM
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worker
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yes.

New bulb = stay on
Getting older = turn off randomly
Old = stay on only the first few minutes
Old 04-11-13, 10:28 AM
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Switch the bulb from the side that is doing this to the other side and see if the problem follows the bulb. If you've switched the bulbs and the problem stays on the same side, it's most likely the ballast.
Old 04-11-13, 01:26 PM
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bluntdaddy
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haha I am having the same issue.... I switched my headlights n fogs to HIDs and they all turn off randomly. While I am driving.... when I first turn them on... and it's not just one side, its all of em. I'm going to switch them out for new bulbs today hoping that the ones I got were just faulty.
Old 06-07-13, 09:21 PM
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ecko1211
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so i installed new bulbs last weekend and the passenger side is not staying on still. so does this mean the ballast is defective? how much do they run for and is this an easy job to do? thanks.
Old 06-07-13, 09:53 PM
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Depends on where you get the ballast will determine cost obviously. I had the same issue with mine and had the dealership take a look at it. The rep told me the ballast are $2k a peice for them to swap them out, they were not able to replicate the issue and I have not had an issue since and that was about a year and a half ago.
Old 06-08-13, 04:09 AM
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3GS404
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Nah ballast only $55 bucks on ebay bro! And its super eazy to replaced it .. Just take bumper off and 4 more screws to bring down headlight.. Then u will see ballast attached bottome of headlight ! Thats it .. Eazy.. Save urself some money and beside ebay seller give u full 1 yr warranty just like those Stealer ! Any question pm me i'll show u GL
Old 06-08-13, 05:09 PM
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ecko1211
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thanks for the info. now i noticed today that the color of the passenger headlight is different than the driver's side. it's not as bright and blue. (i got 6000k bulbs)
Old 06-09-13, 04:21 AM
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What brand are u on now ?
Old 06-09-13, 09:30 AM
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ecko1211
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Originally Posted by 3GS404
What brand are u on now ?

D4S XenonDepot HID Bulb
Old 06-16-13, 11:40 AM
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ecko1211
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swapped bulbs from each side and the bulb still looks white. now the other bulb that worked and looked 6500k won't even come on. the oval part within the bulb is now orange. FML.
Old 08-01-13, 06:53 AM
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deton8
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Originally Posted by ecko1211
So one day I noticed my right headlight was off while driving. I'm thinking great I need a new bulb. The next day I'm driving I notice that it's back on and I'm like During this whole week my headlight is either off or on on certain days so here is my question. Is this a sign of me needing a new bulb or something with the ballast? I don't know if this is a HID thing where this is a sign of premature failure to the bulb or what? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
I just had this happen to me Tuesday, also passenger's side low-beam bulb. So I've been looking at buying replacement bulbs. If it's the bulb/ballast that's going, it's got to get to the point where it just stops working entirely, right? I was thinking I won't bother swapping the bulbs until then, but try to buy some replacements in the meantime.

Anyone know if the ballast is covered by warranty/EW, or is it considered a consumable like the bulb?
Old 08-01-13, 08:43 AM
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Rphilip
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I just had this happen to me Monday. My drivers side light was going off after 10 min of being on. Swapped the right with left light, no problems ever since. Weird.
Old 09-02-13, 09:48 AM
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deton8
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Ended up replacing both bulbs today with brand new ones... Same problem after a few minutes. It shouldn't be the bulb now right?
Old 09-02-13, 09:59 AM
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BinaryJay
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Originally Posted by Rphilip
I just had this happen to me Monday. My drivers side light was going off after 10 min of being on. Swapped the right with left light, no problems ever since. Weird.
Maybe buildup of oxidation on the contacts in the harness or simply getting loose... just pulling and reinstalling bulb provided a better connection.


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