Alright guys. I need some help. I'm pretty pissed so I'll try to tone it down. My headlight on my 05 SC430 is flickering (blinking). They seem to flicker when I turn on the headlights and then somewhat stops flickering after driving a couple miles [sort of like the headlight needs to heat up and then is fine?!?]. I changed the HID bulb myself, which was a pain in the ***. ---> BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS! haha.

I was just writing to see if you guys had any ideas on what the problem could be? I was thinking it was the bulb, but nope. Maybe some connection somewhere? I check all connections I could see and all were okay. The car is a 2005 with 40,xxx miles (relatively new). My 2001 LS never had a problem with the HID and it still runs without problems. Any ideas? Thx in advance for the help guys!!

 

Hey, did you get the covers I sent you? Too lazy to PM.

I had a problem with my head ligts on my Civic. Took me a long, long time to find out that it was a short somewhere. As far as you know, your car as never been in any sort of accident?

 

Do both lights flicker or just one.My suggestion is to take the bulb out that you replaced and examine your socket that you plug the light in.The little tabs don't make contact sometimes and have to be pried out with a needle so they do.Turn the lights on and test them before sliding back into housing,took a few trys for me but haven't had a problem since.Good luck

 

Thank you for the suggestion! I will try it out as soon as I can and will post results here after. Crossing my fingers...

 

my general understanding from having HID lights on a few cars is that its simply taking too long to warm up the lights from the balansts. it should be under warranty FYI, and i would strongly consider taking it to the dealer and putting it on thier lap. if it IS the balast and lexus needs to charge you (out of warranty period, etc), simply use this opportunity to upgrade your HIDS and go to any reputable site (xenondepot, advancedautomotiveconcepts, etc) and get a new set of HIDS and ballasts for like 100-150 bucks and not only should it solve the issue, but give you a nice upgraded, brighter, whiter or bluer look.
thats my advice if it helps. but i suggest if you are in the warranty period, head to the dealer first.
joe

 

Also a great suggestion. My vehicle is without warranty now so I had to wing it this go around. I replaced both headlight bulbs and the illumination is MUCH brighter than OEM. I went with a 6000K color temperature. The color seems bluer than the original which was a bit purplish (I like both). I took Wheel Dr.'s advice (above) and tinkered with the socket a bit. The flickering is diminished but not completely gone. I think this may be part of the problem. Is there anything like bulb grease or something that can help induce conductivity? Anyway, I'm glad the flickering is down to a minimum and that I didn't have to pay $xxx to the dealer to get this fixed, LOL

 

^^^big believer in lube...that is grease for light bulbs