Replacement of xenon headlight / headlamp ballast.
#1
Replacement of xenon headlight / headlamp ballast.
When one has their Xenon (which is your low beam) lamp go out, and it is not the bulb / fuse; then it is most likely the ballast. I, of course, would switch bulbs first, and check the fuses too, before purchasing the more expensive ballast. The ballast is made by Valeo, and ballasts are not designed to last forever, so they will eventually "burn out."
When this time comes, I wish to share the following so that my fellow Jag members can save $, and since I have not seen this information already here in any threads. Buying this ballast from a Jaguar dealer is a rip-off. Also, buying used on Ebay for $200-300 is very risky as they may be down to their last hours of use. Fortunately, this Valeo (12 pin) LAD5G ballast is used in several other cars by several other car companies. After researching them all, this ballast is sold cheapest by Chrysler / Jeep / Dodge. The part# is 68019173AA (the part number is the same whether you look it up in a Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge parts catalog as they are all owned by Chrysler), and this is the exact same 12 pin Valeo ballast. It retails for $332 from Chrysler (much more from Jag or Audi), but can be had online for $228 plus shipping. Simply google: Mopar, parts, wholesale; and a variety of online wholesale vendors come up with this ballast in the $230 price range.
The ballast is located by removing the headlamp, turning it upside down, then replacing the old one. Hope this helps when the time comes.
When this time comes, I wish to share the following so that my fellow Jag members can save $, and since I have not seen this information already here in any threads. Buying this ballast from a Jaguar dealer is a rip-off. Also, buying used on Ebay for $200-300 is very risky as they may be down to their last hours of use. Fortunately, this Valeo (12 pin) LAD5G ballast is used in several other cars by several other car companies. After researching them all, this ballast is sold cheapest by Chrysler / Jeep / Dodge. The part# is 68019173AA (the part number is the same whether you look it up in a Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge parts catalog as they are all owned by Chrysler), and this is the exact same 12 pin Valeo ballast. It retails for $332 from Chrysler (much more from Jag or Audi), but can be had online for $228 plus shipping. Simply google: Mopar, parts, wholesale; and a variety of online wholesale vendors come up with this ballast in the $230 price range.
The ballast is located by removing the headlamp, turning it upside down, then replacing the old one. Hope this helps when the time comes.
The following 7 users liked this post by Red1bw:
Chris77 (10-07-2021),
davidwin (12-14-2018),
giandanielxk8 (09-18-2018),
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Mvirgil (10-09-2014),
and 2 others liked this post.
The following 2 users liked this post by Frog:
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Orthodixie (12-14-2018)
#3
Used Ballasts cheaper on foreign eBay sites.
After looking around on eBay for some time, I do notice that the prices for these Ballasts are consistently cheaper on the UK eBay site than the US site; even taking into account shipping. So it looks like with a little patience one can have these ballasts used for approximately $100 US from UK eBay, or about $200 US from the US eBay (used ballasts). Thanks Frog.
#5
DRLs have been compulsory on new EU cars since the beginning of this year, but you don't have to use them and certainly older cars don't have to drive around with their dipped beams on. Some people do, however - usually idiots in Audis showing off their xenons
#6
HIDorigin.com
I've also noticed that new LAD5g ballasts can also be had from HIDorigin.com. I got two shipped here to the US for $430, so about $215 each (sold in British Pounds for about 145 each plus about 10 shipping). These are OEM for Jaguar, Audi, VW; whereas there is a chance the earlier ones I mention for Chrysler / Mopar could have some differences.
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giandanielxk8 (09-18-2018)
#7
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#8
David,
Recently, I replaced both Low Beam HID Bulbs and Ballast,,,,The XKR is a 2005 built 2/84.....The HID's had started flickering some and finally the right-side had gone out.....I ordered a Kit from HIDConcept.com and got (2) D1S Bulbs and (2) Valeo LAD5G Ballast (12-Pin). I guess they were on sale then as Today they cost $489.99 for the set... I didn't pay that much 2 months ago....When I took the Lights out, I found the following problems:
#1. The Lights were flickering, as they were old or had been used a great deal....but on the Right -side... The one that had gone-out, I found that the plastic part that covers the access-hole in the Fender Well was missing and the Cap that covers the HID Light was also missing.....That allowed Mud and Water is be thrown up into the Light access hole causing the HID Bulb to stop working.....I'm still looking for the little round cap that covers the hole. Just happened to have an extra Access cover in the Garage for the Fender Well...but no Cap! Haven't seen one for sell yet....
Anyway, the HID's are much brighter now and the Light is much brighter and Whiter...no more Flickering!
Billy Clyde in Houston
Recently, I replaced both Low Beam HID Bulbs and Ballast,,,,The XKR is a 2005 built 2/84.....The HID's had started flickering some and finally the right-side had gone out.....I ordered a Kit from HIDConcept.com and got (2) D1S Bulbs and (2) Valeo LAD5G Ballast (12-Pin). I guess they were on sale then as Today they cost $489.99 for the set... I didn't pay that much 2 months ago....When I took the Lights out, I found the following problems:
#1. The Lights were flickering, as they were old or had been used a great deal....but on the Right -side... The one that had gone-out, I found that the plastic part that covers the access-hole in the Fender Well was missing and the Cap that covers the HID Light was also missing.....That allowed Mud and Water is be thrown up into the Light access hole causing the HID Bulb to stop working.....I'm still looking for the little round cap that covers the hole. Just happened to have an extra Access cover in the Garage for the Fender Well...but no Cap! Haven't seen one for sell yet....
Anyway, the HID's are much brighter now and the Light is much brighter and Whiter...no more Flickering!
Billy Clyde in Houston
The following users liked this post:
Orthodixie (12-14-2018)
#9
FWIW, one of my HID headlights had been flickering for a long while and then finally went out a few weeks back. After looking around on the forum and dreading HID work, I ended up ordering a pair of "German made" D1S from eBay for less than $20. I replaced both "bulbs" and my headlights have been fine since. As there is a huge difference in cost between ballast and bulb, so start with new bulbs and go from there. Just my thoughts.
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Orthodixie (12-14-2018)
#11
If you have the lamp out I highly recommend changing to HID on the main beams. Changing my lights was one of the best things I have done on the car. Made such a BIG difference to driving at night.
It started the same way when my ballast went. Had to remove the headlight to change the ballast. Then took the risk of changing the system completely. Did not use Ebay but sourced mine from a well know and established UK company, I obviously live in UK.
I do not recommend many things but changing the main beams over is a definite must.
This is what I did..... HID change. https://www.jaguarforum.com/showthre...=1#post1025402
If anyone has not removed the headlight before on their Jag this may help https://www.jaguarforum.com/showthre...=1#post1080771
It started the same way when my ballast went. Had to remove the headlight to change the ballast. Then took the risk of changing the system completely. Did not use Ebay but sourced mine from a well know and established UK company, I obviously live in UK.
I do not recommend many things but changing the main beams over is a definite must.
This is what I did..... HID change. https://www.jaguarforum.com/showthre...=1#post1025402
If anyone has not removed the headlight before on their Jag this may help https://www.jaguarforum.com/showthre...=1#post1080771
#12
Chris,
Thanks so much for the Access Cover information! I ordered one a few minutes ago....and Man, They are proud of them....$30.00 plus $15.00 to send them to me! I'm sure they are made of Plastic but I guess they think it's Gold or something......My little Plastic Bag that I have covered the opening with is still working just fine, but this is a Jaguar XKR and a Plastic Bag will not do!
I appreciate your help!
Billy Clyde
Thanks so much for the Access Cover information! I ordered one a few minutes ago....and Man, They are proud of them....$30.00 plus $15.00 to send them to me! I'm sure they are made of Plastic but I guess they think it's Gold or something......My little Plastic Bag that I have covered the opening with is still working just fine, but this is a Jaguar XKR and a Plastic Bag will not do!
I appreciate your help!
Billy Clyde
#13
#14
Sorry!
Billy Clyde
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