Notices
LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017) Discussion topics related to the current flagship models LS460, LS460L and LS600H

Low beam issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 28, 2015 | 05:30 AM
  #1  
Doublebase's Avatar
Doublebase
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
Default Low beam issue

I've tried searching for the problem I'm having, but I can't seem to find a solution.

What is happening is my driver's side low beam light goes out while driving. I usually can notice a little flickering of my headlights prior to this happening and then all of a sudden the left bulb goes out. I then shut off my headlights for a second and turn them back on - and they tend to stay on for the remainder of my journey. This now happens every time I use them. It goes out, I shut them off, turn them back on...then the problem tends to be gone for the rest of my trip...unless I shut the car off, then it will happen again (once per drive cycle it seems).

I imagine it's not a bulb because those either work, or they're burned out. I would think perhaps it's a loose connection, but it happens only once per drive cycle and it happens every single time. Loose connections aren't as predictable as that.

I'm not really sure what the headlight systems of these cars include...weather it be resisters, modules, motors, etc. I realize the headlights turn when the steering wheel does, so there is a motor involved. I know when I bought my car the driver's side headlight assembly was replaced, but it didn't give me any troubles for the first year I've owned it. It is very cold where I am right now, with temperatures in the often falling into the single digits...I wonder if that's not helping things? And I do wash my car at least twice a week - and I do spray the salt off the front quite vigorously...perhaps there's some freezing going on in the connectors? I don't know. And like I said I know next to nothing about how this system works on this car...anyone know anything about the headlight system?
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2015 | 05:34 AM
  #2  
Doublebase's Avatar
Doublebase
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
Default

Guys sorry for the wasted thread...I think I found the answer right on this site by doing a google search (that brought me here), rather than searching through this site's search bar.

According to the thread I found it's the headlight bulbs. The guy had the exact same problem and someone answered that the bulbs were going.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2015 | 05:52 AM
  #3  
greg3852's Avatar
greg3852
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 32
From: Massachusetts
Default

Glad you found the answer. And it made me want to go wash my car.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2015 | 06:01 AM
  #4  
Doublebase's Avatar
Doublebase
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
Default

Originally Posted by greg3852
Glad you found the answer. And it made me want to go wash my car.
LOL! Yeah it's been a couple of days for me - the road salt must be getting less on the roads because my car still looked almost clean for two days. Progress, but it will need an undercarriage spray on Monday. I'm getting sick of living around here.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2015 | 07:14 AM
  #5  
Tee's Avatar
Tee
Moderator
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,761
Likes: 72
From: Atlanta, GA
Default

Originally Posted by Doublebase
Guys sorry for the wasted thread...I think I found the answer right on this site by doing a google search (that brought me here), rather than searching through this site's search bar. According to the thread I found it's the headlight bulbs. The guy had the exact same problem and someone answered that the bulbs were going.
Double make sure you replace both low beams so they will color match temp wise and provide the same light output.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2015 | 07:25 AM
  #6  
Doublebase's Avatar
Doublebase
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
Default

Originally Posted by Tee
Double make sure you replace both low beams so they will color match temp wise and provide the same light output.
Sound advice. I can buy the original Philips bulbs for around 65-70 bucks a pair on eBay right now. I've done a little more research and apparently there are other factors to consider...balister and igniters, with the bulbs being the number one culprit. Also apparently cold weather does have an effect on the problem...and I've also read that a weak bulb can destroy the balister.

I'm probably just going to do the bulbs as they seemed to be of different intensity/brightness anyway.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2015 | 08:37 AM
  #7  
roadfrog's Avatar
roadfrog
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
Default

Originally Posted by Doublebase
Sound advice. I can buy the original Philips bulbs for around 65-70 bucks a pair on eBay right now. I've done a little more research and apparently there are other factors to consider...balister and igniters, with the bulbs being the number one culprit. Also apparently cold weather does have an effect on the problem...and I've also read that a weak bulb can destroy the balister.

I'm probably just going to do the bulbs as they seemed to be of different intensity/brightness anyway.
As stated, you must replace both bulbs for accurate and equal light output.

Furthermore, you may be happier with these (I know I am):

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/com...d4s-bulbs.html

I installed 5k version and they are amazing. HIDplanet.com rates them very highly and they're a great value compared to other bulbs manufacturers (Phillips etc). A few members here at CL have them and love 'em.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2015 | 11:20 AM
  #8  
Doublebase's Avatar
Doublebase
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
Default

Originally Posted by roadfrog
As stated, you must replace both bulbs for accurate and equal light output.

Furthermore, you may be happier with these (I know I am):

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/com...d4s-bulbs.html

I installed 5k version and they are amazing. HIDplanet.com rates them very highly and they're a great value compared to other bulbs manufacturers (Phillips etc). A few members here at CL have them and love 'em.
Excellent, and the 5500k look great...how much is it to ship? I haven't created an account yet and I didn't notice shipping in the menu.
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
story-7

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

 Brett Foote
Old Feb 28, 2015 | 12:00 PM
  #9  
roadfrog's Avatar
roadfrog
Lexus Fanatic
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
Default

Originally Posted by Doublebase
Excellent, and the 5500k look great...how much is it to ship? I haven't created an account yet and I didn't notice shipping in the menu.
Well.... my order came to 67 bucks all in. Not sure if shipping costs change according to your location. I shipped mine to Washington State.

Also, there are a few online discount coupons available, so be sure to try those too.
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2015 | 01:15 PM
  #10  
Doublebase's Avatar
Doublebase
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
Default

Originally Posted by roadfrog
Well.... my order came to 67 bucks all in. Not sure if shipping costs change according to your location. I shipped mine to Washington State.

Also, there are a few online discount coupons available, so be sure to try those too.
Ok, thanks. Looks like a good deal....I'll be ordering a pair this week.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SalvoIS300
IS - 1st Gen (2001-2005)
2
Dec 11, 2013 04:44 PM
M45owner
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
6
Nov 18, 2013 06:46 AM
dzl1907
GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011)
12
Oct 1, 2012 12:18 AM
JamaicanSC
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
5
May 6, 2008 12:29 AM
maxgee
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
4
Feb 26, 2008 05:56 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:48 AM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE