Last night, as I was driving home, my driver's side headlight sputtered and then went out. I turn it on today and it comes on for a minute and then out.

Does it need replacement? What the heck should I do? Just got a new house and don't have the cash to buy a new one just yet....

 

It's a HID by the way.....Self-Adjusting Unit...

 

Pull the fuse and check it first. Do not do what I did and check the fuse in the slot remove it then check it.

 

No, the light comes on for a bit and then goes out.....really weird, there is power getting to it but it is not staying on....bad ballast maybe?

 

Are these HID lights equipped with a ballast? The only reason I suggested the fuse is because I had a light problem on my 2000 S-Type when the turn signal was used to turn the 2 rear backup lights would light dim, both left and right turn light would light dim and blink and the tag lights would come on as well. The cause was a bad fuse for the right turn light. When I tested the fuse when in the car I got voltage on both ends of the fuse. It was not until I pulled the fuse did I find the problem.

 

Well I can refinance your home and you can take some cashout to buy new ballasts......

Sorry, jk, not sure how those bulbs operate but maybe, maybe could be that it is just going bad and flickers, just like a flourescent or incasdecent?

Wish I could help more, maybe just call the dealer and ask the tech what he thinks. They should be open, especially on holiday weekends.

Good luck man.

 

I'm thinking that it's time to change the whole thing. Buy one new and install it myself. Damn, this will take place of the headers I was going to buy. ****. How are they new?

 

Two of the forums suggested to check the fuses all mentioned moisture. Attached are a few links to help. Good Luck!

https://www.hidlook.com/catalog/index.php
http://g35driver.com/forums/lighting...headlight.html
http://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance...turns-off.html

 

Sounds like a ballast failure. Swap ballasts see if it follows. The ignitor will shoot 23kvdc to "start" the plasma reaction in the bowl within the bulb

 

I was going to suggest swapping ballasts also, my service guy said on these units the ballasts (also known as ignitors) do go from time to time. They're not that bad...WAY cheaper than a lens...and then you'd still have a problem.

 

Do the easy stuff first. So, remove, re-seat, disconnect & re-connect etc any fuses, relays, connectors and so on. In case you need the bumper off to swap ballasts, it's not as easy LOL

 

I echo these comments.

 

Can one just buy a ballast separately>

 

I have no idea. I had no reason to do so.

 

If that indeed is the problem, you can buy the igniter separately, about $100 from the dealer.

 

If you've got a dealer close to you, probably be your best bet. If not, I found one here.

 

Thanks Liono! I mean Panthro!

 

If you have a Chrysler dealer close, you may be able to save some money, the igniter is the same for like a 2005 Pacifica. I got one with my shop discount for about $50.00

Am I correct to assume the igniter is the box on the back of the headlight assembly? And the ballast is the thin metal box mounted to the side? That was my understanding, but someone here mentioned the ballast was also called an igniter. ??
Anyway, I've replaced my bulb and igniter and the headlight is still out, so my next move is to replace the ballast also.

 

Are the ignitor and the ballasts in the same box?

They are totally different units with 2 totally different tasks.

And for anyone interested I have a few pairs of adaptors that allow you to use aftermarket ballasts.

 

I am pretty sure the igniter/ballast is all one unit, if similar to the XK8s


If you also go to JPLV website you will see the igniter is the only option to purchase.