Jaybeck860

Yesterday I came out of work and realized my driver side headlight was out. So i turned them off then back on and it came on, so i was just like whatever, but then it went right back out a couple seconds later. So i'm thinking it might not be the bulb, it could be an electrical or connection problem or something. Any suggestions on what I should do or try? I hate having a light out, and I'd rather try to fix something than go out and get a new bulb and then have that not even be the problem. anyone??

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

IS300s have HIDs... They work similar to fluorescent lights... There is a ballast inside the headlight housing, and of course the bulb itself... I'd swap bulbs side to side, see if the problem follows the bulb. If it does, I'd buy a pair of bulbs... If the issue stays on the same side, the ballast is bad...

Jaybeck860

didn't even think about swapping bulbs to see if it followed the bulb, thank you!

is3wagon

thats because it's an ancient Chinese secret, and Mitsuguy has many.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

I do have a few up my sleeve!

Jaybeck860

is there anything i should do other than wear latex gloves when removing the bulb to prevent it from breaking?

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

I disconnect the upper portion of the bumper and remove the headlight assemblies... Makes it much easier to get the bulbs in without damaging them... There just isn't a lot of space... Latex gloves aren't a complete solution as they can transfer dirt and contaminants as well... Best off just being very careful as to only touch the base... This is much easier with the headlight out of the car...

Jaybeck860

hey real quick i wanted to ask you about new bulbs! do you know anything about the brands "Hella" or "Recon"? are they any good? and IS 300 bulbs are D2R, correct? I just need to make sure when I buy new bulbs I get ones that will fit.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

I've had reasonably good luck with even the cheapies... I'm sure those brands are fine, just don't spend an exorbitant amount on the bulbs, they aren't that hard to change, and even the good brands have faults...