OEM HID's very dim - where do I start?
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Driver
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OEM HID's very dim - where do I start?
My OEM HID's are very dim. The auto leveling on both sides appears to be working.
Where do I start diagnosing or replacing parts to fix this? I've got a 98 GS4 with OEM HID's. Do I just start by replacing the bulbs with replacement 4300's or can I test something? I don't really want to get into replacing the whole HID system out of the shoot, but these lights are dim as **** - probably the same or worse than OEM halogen lights on a normal car.
Any insight?
Where do I start diagnosing or replacing parts to fix this? I've got a 98 GS4 with OEM HID's. Do I just start by replacing the bulbs with replacement 4300's or can I test something? I don't really want to get into replacing the whole HID system out of the shoot, but these lights are dim as **** - probably the same or worse than OEM halogen lights on a normal car.
Any insight?
HID bulbs get dimmer with use. Your car is almost 10 years old so if the bulbs have never been changed, they'll have a lot of hours on their. I guess all you can do is get new bulbs do a projector retrofit.
Lexus Test Driver
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From: Field of Dreams
ChrisES is right. What color are the bulbs after being on for 1 minute. If they are not white or yellow/white, than they are fading out and will need to be replaced. You can get a used set of bulbs on Ebay for under $100. Make sure you buy D2R is you decide to go this route.
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From: North Carolina
Also consider what condition your plastic lens covers are in... if they're all scratched up & dirty then you also lose some brightness that way. Consider cleaning them up (several threads in the detail forum)
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Driver
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From: Minneapolis
This is my hope. I'm thinking these are the OEM bulbs. The previous owner did not seem the type to replace bulbs at $100/bulb (OEM replacement type guy - not E Bay)..
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Driver
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From: Minneapolis
ChrisES is right. What color are the bulbs after being on for 1 minute. If they are not white or yellow/white, than they are fading out and will need to be replaced. You can get a used set of bulbs on Ebay for under $100. Make sure you buy D2R is you decide to go this route.
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Driver
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From: Minneapolis
By any chance could this be an issue with my balasts or wiring or is this almost certainly a problem with bulbs?
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Dealer wants at least $200 a bulb.
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