I have a 01 LS430 that is having headlight issues(not uncommon I know).

I have researched threads/google thoroughly but have not seen similar issue to mine. I can turn on the headlights and they both work fine, after short period of time one (usually passenger but not always) will drop out (shut off) on its own. If I turn the lights off then back on sometimes they will both turn back on but the rest of the time the working sides will swap meaning the light that was working stops and vice versa. If I shut off the car and restart that seems to get them both back operational again more consistently, but its been getting worse last several months.

I have seen where the ballast/controllers go bad, in my case do I have to just replace them both and hope for the best? Could it be a bulb issue?

Thanks

 

How old are the bulbs? The symptoms of bulb lighting when you turn them on but then going out after some time is a common bulb problem. Turn the switch off then back on and the bulb lights again. Start by replacing both headlight bulbs. Are the bulbs HID (high intensity discharge) type? Get quality bulbs online.

 

I have the exact same problem with my 03 LS430. Let me know if you find out what the problem is. I am going to start with replacing the bulbs.

 

The HID's supplied in our cars, the D2S, can have such symptoms before failing. Sometimes they can even flicker. Rarely do they just stop working. In fact, most of the time they just loose most of their brightness but continue to work no problem.

You guys have cars that are almost 15 years old, and maybe just maybe the bulbs(HID's) have never been changed.
Normally the lifetime of these type of bugs is 2000-2500 hours, after that it gradually starts decreasing in brightness.

Now, on the other hand, getting some D2S bulbs isn't as an easy job as you may think. The market is infused and filled with fake ones that look %99 like the real genuine one. They aren't that cheap as well. Some say, it comes out of the factory costing nearly $80, not sure about that, but it gives an idea of why it is priced at around $200 today for the pair.

The bulbs I'm taking about are the OEM supplied type. The Phillips 85122+
I'd recommend you buying them either from Sewell, and they cost $150($245 before CL discount)
Or fromThe RetroFit Source website.
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/com...l?lamp_size=11

^I've done business with them before, and they have the best customer service you can get, they will always help you out no matter what your problem is.

Good luck.

 

I replaced the bulbs and that appears to have fixed the issue. In full disclosure this is a "fair weather" vehicle for me so I have only driven it 2 times since the bulb swap but all appears OK. I will update after further testing.

 

What bulbs did you get?

 

Philips D2R Xenon HID Headlight Bulb, Pack of 1
Amazon.com $43.36 prime/ea

 

My 04 LS430 uses the D2S bulbs which is designed for the projector-type headlamps. On the other hand, the D2R is designed for a reflector-type headlamps and has different notches on its base than the D2S. I believe 01-03 LS430 uses D2R bulbs, and 04-06 uses the D2S.

 

That's right RKW. The 04-06 introduced the projector, mostly agreeable, the best projector out there till this day.