CapeDave

When I first turn on the headlights, they are OK. Then, after driving a mile or so, the left headlight goes out. If I turn off the lights (while driving) and turn them back on, they both work for a mile or 2, then again the left one goes out.

Could this be solved by a simple bulb replacement or could it be like a mouse ate through some wires and causes this? Or a loose wire, that type of thing.

Thanks much for any insight.

Dave

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

Swap the bulbs side to side, if it follows, it's the bulb. If it doesn't follow with the other sides bulb, then it's the ballast.

Clutchless

Which type of headlights does your car have? HID or halogen?

CapeDave

Thanks for the replies. I will need to check on which type I have.

I have never had a car long enough with the fancy new headlights to have any experience with outages, but did figure that once a bulb is gone, it should stay gone

They do swivel, does that give a clue as to type?

I will post the type later this eve.

Clutchless

Swivel means you have HID. It is probably a bad ballast. Are you still under warranty?

offroad200

A bad HID bulb will work like you are describing. It's not like a filament bulb that once it's blown, it won't work at all. A bad HID bulb may come one for a short time then go out. Chances are it's the bulb. But do as others have mentioned. Swap bulbs side to side to be sure it's not a ballast.

Clutchless

You can buy new bulbs at Amazon or http://www.xenondepot.com/2012-rx350...bs-s/27283.htm or even Auto Zone and install yourself for much less than the $300 the dealer will want.

CapeDave

Ah, I thought the swivel might be a giveaway as to what type. Becasue I am sure my manual has both, so that would not tell me for sure

My local Toyota dealer said 60 for the bulb. I was shocked at how low that was.

I will check that link above, thanks.

These are not my father's heradlights, that is for sure! Back then it was like get a light bulb for $6.95 and shove it in there. BTW, I am 64

Clutchless

$60 is a great price for that bulb. You may need to research how to access it as there is a cover. Many Lexus models have the same set up for HID bulbs but most are similar in design even among different model years.


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...placement.html

CapeDave

The saga continues... The headlight cost me $201 plus labor of $20. Their initial estimate was incorrect. I sort of figured that. But what I did not figure is now that they have installed the new bulb, the dash indicator lights no longer work for Drive Lights or Auto High Beams. And I am not sure if the 30 second timer for head lights still works will test that asap.

So, one way or another, I will be requesting that they fix it. This was at local Toyota dealer where they usually do great work.

Figures all this would come up when I am days away from trading in the car

kitlz

CapeDave, good luck getting everything repaired. Just remember it'll be a memory soon. And I can totally relate. The driver side fog light went out a few weeks before trading in the 3RXh. Had to buy a new pair and replaced them myself. Driving with ugly OEM looking bulbs annoyed me more than anything. So I turned them off.

Keep us posted.

XenonDepot

iTrader: (11)

Was it a factory D4S HID bulb, or did you have an aftermarket HID kit installed?

Steve