Truly weird headlight issue, ever heard of this?
#1
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Truly weird headlight issue, ever heard of this?
When I first turn on the headlights, they are OK. Then, after driving a mile or so, the left headlight goes out. If I turn off the lights (while driving) and turn them back on, they both work for a mile or 2, then again the left one goes out.
Could this be solved by a simple bulb replacement or could it be like a mouse ate through some wires and causes this? Or a loose wire, that type of thing.
Thanks much for any insight.
Dave
Could this be solved by a simple bulb replacement or could it be like a mouse ate through some wires and causes this? Or a loose wire, that type of thing.
Thanks much for any insight.
Dave
Last edited by CapeDave; 06-14-16 at 08:04 PM.
#3
Moderator
Which type of headlights does your car have? HID or halogen?
#4
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Thanks for the replies. I will need to check on which type I have.
I have never had a car long enough with the fancy new headlights to have any experience with outages, but did figure that once a bulb is gone, it should stay gone
They do swivel, does that give a clue as to type?
I will post the type later this eve.
I have never had a car long enough with the fancy new headlights to have any experience with outages, but did figure that once a bulb is gone, it should stay gone
They do swivel, does that give a clue as to type?
I will post the type later this eve.
#5
Moderator
Swivel means you have HID. It is probably a bad ballast. Are you still under warranty?
#6
A bad HID bulb will work like you are describing. It's not like a filament bulb that once it's blown, it won't work at all. A bad HID bulb may come one for a short time then go out. Chances are it's the bulb. But do as others have mentioned. Swap bulbs side to side to be sure it's not a ballast.
#7
Moderator
You can buy new bulbs at Amazon or http://www.xenondepot.com/2012-rx350...bs-s/27283.htm or even Auto Zone and install yourself for much less than the $300 the dealer will want.
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#8
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Ah, I thought the swivel might be a giveaway as to what type. Becasue I am sure my manual has both, so that would not tell me for sure
My local Toyota dealer said 60 for the bulb. I was shocked at how low that was.
I will check that link above, thanks.
These are not my father's heradlights, that is for sure! Back then it was like get a light bulb for $6.95 and shove it in there. BTW, I am 64
My local Toyota dealer said 60 for the bulb. I was shocked at how low that was.
I will check that link above, thanks.
These are not my father's heradlights, that is for sure! Back then it was like get a light bulb for $6.95 and shove it in there. BTW, I am 64
#9
Moderator
$60 is a great price for that bulb. You may need to research how to access it as there is a cover. Many Lexus models have the same set up for HID bulbs but most are similar in design even among different model years.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...placement.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...placement.html
Last edited by Clutchless; 06-17-16 at 11:55 AM.
#10
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The saga continues... The headlight cost me $201 plus labor of $20. Their initial estimate was incorrect. I sort of figured that. But what I did not figure is now that they have installed the new bulb, the dash indicator lights no longer work for Drive Lights or Auto High Beams. And I am not sure if the 30 second timer for head lights still works will test that asap.
So, one way or another, I will be requesting that they fix it. This was at local Toyota dealer where they usually do great work.
Figures all this would come up when I am days away from trading in the car
So, one way or another, I will be requesting that they fix it. This was at local Toyota dealer where they usually do great work.
Figures all this would come up when I am days away from trading in the car
#11
No, I don't play soccer!
CapeDave, good luck getting everything repaired. Just remember it'll be a memory soon. And I can totally relate. The driver side fog light went out a few weeks before trading in the 3RXh. Had to buy a new pair and replaced them myself. Driving with ugly OEM looking bulbs annoyed me more than anything. So I turned them off.
Keep us posted.
Keep us posted.
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