Got F?

Just wondering if anyone here has any ideas on this head-scratcher:

About 2 years ago, I had my 4300K headlamps swapped out with 6000k bulbs at Jotech Motorsports. Within a year, the driver-side headlamp started to switch off at random times while driving. If I flipped the lights off and then back on again, the bulb would come back on and stay on (there were a few occasions when it would switch off again but it was never permanent). The passenger-side bulb never had the problem. Eventually I concluded it was a faulty bulb so I took it back to JoTech and they replaced the bulb. Now, less than a year after that replacement, the driver-side headlamp started switching off again at random times but there have been times during this winter when I can go 4-5 days and don't have a problem at all.

What I've been able to determine (I think) is that this is now only happening when it's above 65 degrees outside. Does this mean that the bulb or the housing is overheating during warmer temperatures? If so, then why wouldn't the problem start occurring immediately after the new bulb was installed? I never had this problem with the 4300K stock bulbs, which were problem-free for 3 years. I wouldn't think it would be a problem with the bulbs themselves because the passenger-side hasn't had this problem and the driver-side has had the problem with 2 different bulbs.

Any troubleshooting advice would be appreciated - thanks!

BTW, I don't know what brand of bulb is in there now.

Boma

iTrader: (4)

Did this happen when you had the OEM bulbs in? Check your fuses and make sure they are still intact. If they're OK, check the headlight wiring and make sure they haven't developed any damage; maybe when your shop tried replacing them they yanked them out the wrong way. If it looks all right then maybe your ballast needs to be replaced.

Rossi

iTrader: (5)

It is your ballast.
I am not if sure if the left and right ballast are interchangeable, but if you could swap them, you might see the problem on the passenger side instead confirming the ballast is the issue.

PhiDeltBee

iTrader: (1)

Might try swapping the bulbs as well. A lot of the aftermarket bulbs are the same quality as the Phillips OEM. My aftermarket bulbs were only $30 for the pair but look really good, however, I don't expect them to last very long. Still have my stockers on hand.

rapsquared

iTrader: (2)

Funny I have jotech 6k hids also and the driver side will do the same thing. I swapped the bulb twice and it did it on passenger side when the bulb moved. My third set now just started doing it. Think it's time for Phillips bulbs

Petshark

iTrader: (1)

I would have to say it's a faulty ballasts.

Got F?

Thanks for all of the feedback! I'll do some additional troubleshooting.

ISFpat

iTrader: (10)

Quick question.. When changing out to 6k bulbs, is it necessary to change out the ballasts as well?

Petshark

iTrader: (1)

Negative. Should be good as long as the bulb has the same style connector.

zapa

I have some stock ballast up for sale if you want to buy them they have 41000 miles on them.

ISFpat

iTrader: (10)

That's what I believe as well. Thanks for verifying.

06isDriver

its not the ballast.... I've had this same problem in my IS350 ever since i went with a non oem bulb. The new ones will last a while until eventually one of them will start switching off.

New bulbs always fix the problem for some time.