IS F (2008-2014) Discussion topics related to the IS F model

ISF Headlight Alternatives

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Old 04-05-16, 10:35 AM
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alex2192
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Default ISF Headlight Alternatives

Hi Everyone,

My 09 headlight burnet again for the 3rd time since i purchased the car in November...

First time i did the DIY, opened the unit changed the ballast and it worked for about 2 weeks but condensation got back in a burnet the ballast.

I then Replaced the entire unit for 980$.... Lasted 2 months, water got back in and burnet again.

I want to know what are some alternatives?
Old 04-05-16, 12:09 PM
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j3ff
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I'd say oem is best but it doesn't seem like you've had much luck that way either.

Where are you parking the car and is it always condensation in one side only?
Old 04-05-16, 01:01 PM
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tas02
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Wow. I would be pissed off. Sorry to hear.

Did you purchase the $980 unit at the dealer, from the aftermarket, or 2nd hand (ie. used)?
Old 04-05-16, 01:31 PM
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Sgt350
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When you re-installed everything did you inspect to see you had all the rubber seals and grommets in place ? That one thing I noticed when I installed my headlamp, a grommet coming loose after installation.
Old 04-05-16, 02:14 PM
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ISFjimmy
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I had the exact same problem with my headlights. I ended up buying some headlights from another member that were retrofitted and sealed properly by a shop. What year were the headlights you bought? I think I read that the 2011+ dont have the problem that the 08-10s do.
Old 04-05-16, 04:46 PM
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alex2192
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The unit i purchased was for 09. I would do the 11 +but the conversion looks complecated
Old 04-05-16, 06:25 PM
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zebani
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Have you looked at any of the ebay options? They are below $400 for the set and are LEDs. Maybe not the best quality headlights out there but are worth the price I think.
Old 04-05-16, 07:45 PM
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cha7Li3
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If you have space in the headlight, try putting a couple silica gel packets in there. When I retrofitted my old RSX headlights, it kept the moisture out pretty well.
Old 04-05-16, 07:53 PM
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alex2192
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The way i see it, my options are:

- Open the new unit, replace ballast. Reseal and hope it doesnt happen again...(With my luck doubtful)
- Purchase another 09 Passenger Headlight
- Purchase 11+(Dont really want to spend 2800$ on lights)
- Drive with Daytime running lights only and pretend theres no issue LOL

I was looking at the Spec D ebay kits but they say not compatible for the ISF. (Probably because of AFS)

What you guys think?
Old 04-06-16, 06:49 AM
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lolfunxion
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Originally Posted by alex2192
The way i see it, my options are:

- Open the new unit, replace ballast. Reseal and hope it doesnt happen again...(With my luck doubtful)
- Purchase another 09 Passenger Headlight
- Purchase 11+(Dont really want to spend 2800$ on lights)
- Drive with Daytime running lights only and pretend theres no issue LOL

I was looking at the Spec D ebay kits but they say not compatible for the ISF. (Probably because of AFS)

What you guys think?
Do not EVER buy those garbage Spec-***** headlights. They'll leak soon enough and the light output is equivalent to a bic lighter being reflected by a wet napkin. Seriously, you won't be able to see anything at night and the lenses will turn yellow and haze within months vs. years for the OEM ones. There's a reason they're cheap, you get what you pay for. OEM '08 ones pop up for pretty cheap here now and then or you could bite the bullet and go for 2011/2012+. I just did, and the output is amazing, worth every penny.

Not to mention the LED lines just looks like crap on the fleaBay brand ones, reminds me of the honda-scene headlights. Don't punish your poor F with Honda parts.
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