Mariozechu

I have a 2012 IS350 and I noticed that my passenger headlight went off yesterday but turns back on when I switch from auto to on. I see that this is an issue among many other Lexus owners.
Today I noticed that the light coming from the headlight had tints of yellow in it instead of how it usually is, white/slightly blue 6000k. I have never messed with the lights and the car has 51k miles. It has been in an accident before in the front end. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

It seems your bulb is on its way out.

XSV

iTrader: (1)

or ballast

Mariozechu

Where do you guys recommend that I buy a new bulb? I called Lexus and they want $180 for a new bulb and $360 for a ballast? I'm not looking to spend that much a bulb

MikeFig82

iTrader: (13)

First off trouble shoot the issue. Try switching the bulb to the other side, and see if you get the same results. If you switch it, and the bulb lights up normal then it's your ballast. If the issue is the same it's your bulb.

You can find some good bulbs from XenonDepot. Also I think they carry the OEM ballast replacements. They are vendors on CL.

PM XenonDepot

jtran00

Check amazon, I had the same symptoms with my xenon headlight and it ended up being the bulb. I changed both bulbs just to make sure the color temp of each bulb was the same.

For my 2006 IS350, I picked up Philips D4S Xenon HID D4S Standard Xenon HID Headlight Bulb. Make sure you get the correct size for your 2012.

XSV

iTrader: (1)

XenonDepot

sinister2c

Xenon Depot or the retrofit source. TRS will have both the bulbs and ballasts in stock. Usually those Denso D4S ballasts are in closeout on TRS.
Bulbs should be replaced in pairs, I'd recommend the Osram CBI, CBH, or the new CBBs, those range from $120 to $185 a set. Be careful of eBay or Amazon sellers, may be fake.

XD and TRS are two of the known authorized dealers of Osram and Philips.

516IS

iTrader: (12)

It happened to me too, I got a pair of new bulbs from amazon, good as new...

Mariozechu

I bought some new D4S bulbs, which are not the OEM ones that Lexus sells. My only question is will the new bulbs damage the OEM ballast that is in there right now? One guy told me that you cannot put aftermarket ballast on my 2012 is350 because the computer will not read them and they're $360 a piece at the dealership.

XSV

iTrader: (1)

No, you'll be okay.

sinister2c

OEM are Philips that you can buy them for like $85/set, no need to pay dealer markup for a red Toyota box.

Any D4S will work with stock ballast. Car doesn't car what ballast your have either.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

After the government banned use of mercury in the D4 bulbs they seem to die at 4 to 5 years of use. Aged bulbs may initially fire and light but drop out or glow orange yellow.

As said earlier, swap bulbs first to rule out ballast. If known good bulb works where the other failed, replace the bulbs as a pair.

That said do not touch these bulbs and power them. The oils from your skin will break the capsule.
Clean bulbs with isopropyl alcohol and lint free cloth.