IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

Strange HID problems.

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Old 12-24-11, 04:26 PM
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GRZMNKY
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Default Strange HID problems.

I've read up on the common HID problems with the IS250s. My driver's side bulb will intermittently turn off while driving, and if you flick the switch, it stays on for a while.

So, I swapped bulbs to check it out, and the problem follows the bulb. (Now on passenger side.)

I order some Garax 6000ks from IJDM but they are on back order. So I bought some HALO 6000ks of off Amazon and put them in. Same problem, but on the passenger side. So I swapped the bulbs again, and it moved to the driver's side. I called up Amazon and they over-nighted some new bulbs and those worked out.... until today. Now the driver's side is doing it again...I've tried other bulbs and the know good OEM bulb. The problem is...when one goes out, I'll switch sides and it follows that bulb.

Is there any way it could be the ballast, even though it follows the bulb?
Old 12-24-11, 05:01 PM
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Shouldn't follow the bulb - if you didn't say that I would have bet it was the ballast
Old 12-24-11, 05:19 PM
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chris07is
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Originally Posted by JEFFOS69
Shouldn't follow the bulb - if you didn't say that I would have bet it was the ballast
^^^ ballast on this one...if its keep happening with the new bulb, then im thinking the ballast, if not maybe the wiring...
Old 12-24-11, 11:00 PM
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Antihero
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i have the same problem but i just turn the light switch and it would stay on but some times it would go out again ...i havenet bought any new bulbs but i have been eye on the Philips Ultinon or garax if i dont have the money. But if it is the ballast, how do we deal with it or fix it?
Old 12-24-11, 11:05 PM
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Buy ballast on eBay, remove problem headlight, open up headlight and replace ballast and seal back up headlight. Reinstall and you're done.


Or buy an entirely new headlight.

One option is a out $100 the other is about $700
Old 12-27-11, 04:12 PM
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GRZMNKY
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I just pulled both bulbs and swapped them... the problem was with the driver's side bulb. So I swapped a new bulb into that side... well, it does the same thing. So I thought it was the ballast. So I put that bulb in the pass side, and the good bulb in the driver's side...

Well, now the pass side bulb goes off... So, not the ballast. Well, I change that bulb out with another new bulb...and viola... no problem...

Until later today. I have to flick the switch a couple times to keep it on, but it stays on... I'm at a loss here...

I'm going to check the relay just in case, and check voltage at the connector, but this is driving me crazy

and on top of it...the heater is only blowing hot while moving....
Old 12-27-11, 08:06 PM
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Check and make sure the HID bulb harness is on all the way.

When I was swapping bulbs a week ago I was surprised how easy it was to remove....

(My bulb kept going off while driving too ... now, nothing...)
Old 12-27-11, 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by GiantsFan
Check and make sure the HID bulb harness is on all the way.

When I was swapping bulbs a week ago I was surprised how easy it was to remove....

(My bulb kept going off while driving too ... now, nothing...)
Well, I just did that. I rechecked all the harnesses and then smeared a tiny bit of di-electric grease on the ground portion of both and reconnected it... It flickered once on startup, but has been faithful since,
Old 12-27-11, 09:49 PM
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its your ballast
Old 12-27-11, 09:51 PM
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^If you swap bulbs and the issue switches sides with the bulb... that doesn't sound like a ballast issue though ...
Old 01-05-12, 10:58 AM
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Memout
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Hey I just wanna let you know I'm having the same issue as well.
My driver's side turns off, and if I turn then headlight of then back on, they both work.

I'm anxious to know what your solution is
Old 01-06-12, 07:49 AM
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Peaches79
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There is a DIY video on Youtube of how to change the ballast. Looks pretty intense though. I'm having the same issues with my headlights. I can tell the ballast is still working though because i can hear it buzzing. I bought new light bulbs and new ballasts and will be working on it this weekend. Hopefully just a light bulb issue though.
Old 01-06-12, 09:14 AM
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yeah someone let me know when they find a resolution! I've been having the same issue too.
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