Hey guys, first off I just want to say this is my first post here on jaguarforums.com and I'm anxious to see what help I can get with my issue.

I have a 2003 Jag X-type 2.5L AWD sedan with HID of course. The other day, I turned on the car, hit the knob for my light's two times to turn on the regular headlights. They turned on as usual and did the automatic dip and level adjustment. What happens is after about 30 seconds, the driver side headlight turns orangish red. Now the light is still on, it isn't completely dead but it barely works and is not the standard brightness, it looks pretty orange. Does anyone know if this is in fact the bad HID bulb or what the issue is exactly?

in an effort to provide more information versus not enough, I even attached an image to help with any confusion

 

Hello,
I would change the bulb, if you have xenon headlamps fitted then it may even be the ballast not putting out enough voltage.

 

Before buying a new bulb or ballast (which can get expensive) I would switch the bulb to the other side to see if it reproduces the issue. If not then I would do the same for the ballast. That way you know exactly whats wrong before spending any money.

 

If it at first comes on normal, I would think the Bulb is OK. I would check connections for corrosion and swap bulbs. Than you can check your ballast and bulb at the same time.. See what happens and go from there. Good Luck!

 

Hey guys, thanks for the reply's. What I was gonna do was buy the lights and have them in case it was the lights that were bad

This morning as I leave to head to work, both lights were on and stayed bright and slightly bluish. They stayed like that all day.

Does that tell it's more likely the ballast and not the light itself?

 

prodriver, based on how the HID bulbs work, odds are, your problem lies in the bulb itself or the connection between the bulb and the ballast. If the ballast goes bad, it tends to work or not work.

 

Hey guys, So just an update here. Im beginning to think the bulb is ok.

The issue is now when i turn my lights on to the standard headlights, btoh headlights will turn on but the drivers side will only stay on for a couple seconds. As i turn the lights off then ON again, the same thing happens. the light begins to charge and brighten but cuts out within seconds of turning them on.


Im beginning to get frustrated here. This weekend(wheather permitting) I will remove the bumber cover and test the lights and ballaast with the drivers side to see what the issue could be.

 

Hey Dudes,

So my mechanic stated it is my ignitor being the issue. The bulb seems to be ok..

Can anyone point me to an inexpensive place to grab an ignitor?

maybe even the ballast too if it isnt too expensive?

Also, if anyone can elaborate on the difference between the Ballast and Ignitor.

 

Prodriver, ignitor/ballast, is the same part, just a different name to the best of my knowledge. Look at places like Carpart.com, Jaguarparts.com, or JPLV and they should all be able to help you out. A quick look on Jaguarparts.com has them listing the part for $107 plus S&H. Since they are over in Cleveland, OH, they should be able to get you the part in 2 days or so. Carpart.com might be cheaper, but that will be a used part to in a lot of cases. Your call.

 

@ Thermo, Thanks for the allllll of the help, even on my other threads, this info and knowledge is priceless.

I think I will go ahead and use Jaguarparts.com because the parts are NEW and it is pretty close to me. Hopefully I will get the ignitor this weekend and will be able to install it as the temps will be in the 40's (woohooo, finally getting warmer)

Also, I came upon this site Jaguar Parts Center - Call (800) 510-1401 for Genuine Jaguar Parts and Accessories

which seems to be helpful because they list the part diagram with pricing for reach part. Don't know if you've ever ran crossed it.