Why is the ballast so expensive? You can buy an H4 8000K Car HID Xenon Bulb Ballast Conversion Kit for $35 Can - complete with wiring, bulbs, ballast!
Has anyone figured out a way to use one of these kits on an S-type (2003) already equipped with Xenon lights?
I'm fed up of having to remove the front every 6 months due to bulb, ballast or starter failures - I know I will have to do it even if one of these kits could be used, but its so expensive for OEM stuff and most of the ballasts for sale are used - no guarantee of length of life left!
Thanks

 

It might be something else? That seems like a lot of HID problems? I am at 92K miles with all that still factory. Not a normal thing to happen.
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Odd isn't it? This seems the only case. (I'm on 100K miles and touch wood no troubles.)

 

Are you using the correct factory parts? I would not substitute any of the parts. Unless they were exactly what you took out.

Any more details?
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Ive had to replace the bulbs 3 times in 4 years - ballast & igniters are all existing. This time bulb lights up when turned on but does not stay on. Based on Fluorescent ballast issues, I am assuming it is the ballast that is not keeping the bulb lit.
Everytime the front fender comes off, it messes up the fix points. I'm in Canada and every year the screws are rusted and won't come off - I've tried to replace metal fixtures with plastic ones so this time I'll see if getting it off is any easier.
One garage guy told me that they replace bulbs through the inner wheel arch - is this possible?

 

Check the relays!!!!!
When I was diagnosing an AC problem, I decided to see if the AC compressor relay was at fault so I swapped it for the right HID one (same type of relay). Guess what, AC was fine and the headlight would come on for a bit, then off, then on, then flicker, then off (well, you get the picture). In fact, my left headlight just started doing this the other day and the first thing I'm doing this weekend is swapping the relay for the right one and see if the problem follows.
I bet lots of issues like this are related to relays going bad. I'm from the great white north too and I believe the extreme temperature swings we get here really take their toll on these things.

 

Great post! I never thought about a relay getting weak. See if swapping or replacing the relay helps any.

Stock HID's are very reliable and few problems have been reported. With the multiple and repeating problems you have again I would be looking at something else like the relays?
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I have a known good ballast and bulb if you need one for a lot cheaper than the dealer or anyone else wants.

PM me.

Take care,

George