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Headlight Problems

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Old Jan 29, 2019 | 01:36 PM
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Default Headlight Problems

Both headlights are polished and clear and look the same during the day. But at night I noticed the passenger headlight is turning brown while the drivers is still bright white. You can see the difference in the pic but its more noticeable in real life. Also the drivers has a random soft flicker.

Both headlights are stock original factory with original factory bulbs no mods. I don't get it. Bulbs going bad? Dirt getting into the housing??



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Old Jan 29, 2019 | 01:44 PM
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So those are the original bulbs from 2005/2006? Time for replacements! I replaced mine in 2015 before any of them stopped working. One was actually like yours and the output was different than the other.
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Old Jan 29, 2019 | 01:52 PM
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Bulbs. Change them, they're looooong overdue. You'll see an immediate increase in available light on the road at night.
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Old Jan 29, 2019 | 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Zmon
Bulbs. Change them, they're looooong overdue. You'll see an immediate increase in available light on the road at night.
Any suggestions for bulb replacements other than factory bulb. My car has the bixenon with AFS. And how easy is it to replace bulbs??
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Old Jan 29, 2019 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Gville350
So those are the original bulbs from 2005/2006? Time for replacements! I replaced mine in 2015 before any of them stopped working. One was actually like yours and the output was different than the other.
What replacement bulbs did you use? LED or XENON?

Last edited by Ken167; Jan 29, 2019 at 02:08 PM.
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Old Jan 29, 2019 | 03:05 PM
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Use HIDs. IMO, I'd recommend OEM brand bulbs. Philips, Osram/Sylvania, Toshiba, etc. I personally have Osram's on mine, specifically CBIs.
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Old Jan 30, 2019 | 05:41 AM
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Several years ago I switched to Osram CBI bulbs that I bought from ClubLexus sponsor Xenon Depot, and am very happy. Be aware that there are a lot of counterfeit HID bulbs for sale on eBay, Amazon, and elsewhere so if you see prices that are too good to be true, you are probably buying a knockoff.
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Old Jan 30, 2019 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Bichon
Several years ago I switched to Osram CBI bulbs that I bought from ClubLexus sponsor Xenon Depot, and am very happy. Be aware that there are a lot of counterfeit HID bulbs for sale on eBay, Amazon, and elsewhere so if you see prices that are too good to be true, you are probably buying a knockoff.
I was on XD saw the replacements very expensive. Im gonna try Lexus dealer and use my dealership discount. I see a lot on ebay LED and xenon yes they are knockoffs I may have to get those for now.

Any bulb install tips??
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Old Jan 30, 2019 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken167
I was on XD saw the replacements very expensive. Im gonna try Lexus dealer and use my dealership discount. I see a lot on ebay LED and xenon yes they are knockoffs I may have to get those for now.

Any bulb install tips??
If you don't want to pay the premium for OEM bulbs, just buy an aftermarket set then. TheRetrofitSource sells a set of D4S bulbs for $60.

I remember paying about $200 for my CBIs 3 years ago. I see they're down to 150 now, and rated for a 6000k temp for some reason.
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Old Jan 30, 2019 | 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken167
What replacement bulbs did you use? LED or XENON?
Factory-replacement HIDs online. And yes, the bulbs are actually fairly easy to exchange. Just be careful not to touch that bulb glass!
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Old Jan 30, 2019 | 03:57 PM
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I don't think you can run LED bulbs on a car that came factory with HID.
the LED bulb market is always moving and I wouldn't be surprised if they did make an LED bulb compatible with the factory HID ballast. I haven't seen one myself though!

if you do accidentally touch the bulb glass with your fingers (the oils on your hands will cause premature failure), you can clean it up with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free towel.
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Old Jan 31, 2019 | 09:05 AM
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Wear a thin pair of latex or nitril gloves, as mentioned, don't want oil on the bulb
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Old Jan 31, 2019 | 10:49 AM
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If you need help with the ballast lmk.
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Old Jan 31, 2019 | 10:57 AM
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Those are the original bulbs? Wow thats some longevity! Wonder if your on the original ballasts too. I went with Morimoto XB35's when i needed new bulbs. Half the price of Osrams or Phillips and a pretty reputable company. Been working great for almost a year now. Very happy with them.
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Old Jan 31, 2019 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by timmy0tool
I don't think you can run LED bulbs on a car that came factory with HID.
the LED bulb market is always moving and I wouldn't be surprised if they did make an LED bulb compatible with the factory HID ballast. I haven't seen one myself though!

if you do accidentally touch the bulb glass with your fingers (the oils on your hands will cause premature failure), you can clean it up with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free towel.
Just a fun fact, TRS provides alcohol wipes to clean your bulbs prior to first use. Even if you don't physically touch the bulb (having gloves on), you should still wipe them with the included wipe.
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