'07 HID lights randomly go off. Suggestions? Any economical bulbs?
03-22-10, 03:41 PM
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'07 HID lights randomly go off. Suggestions? Any economical bulbs?
My wife's '07 ES350 with factory HID headlights has been experiencing problems lately with the headlights (59K miles, so out of warranty). The headlights will initially come on properly and then one will turn off while driving. If you cycle them off then back on, it works again. Sometime right side and sometimes the left side. Bulbs are outrageously priced, so I'm hoping there's a better solution.
03-22-10, 05:16 PM
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First try switching the bulb's left then right and see if the other side turns off if it does then its a bulb if the other side turns off then its the ballast.
03-22-10, 07:20 PM
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It means it's time for a new bulb. Both my headlights experienced the same symptoms, and cycling them off/on did the same temporary fix. My driver's side bulb went at 49,000 so it was covered under warranty. My passenger's side went at 53,000, which is technically out of warranty, but the dealer comped it for me when I brought my car in to have the oil hose and brake pedal recalls completed.
You and I are not alone in having these bulbs go out so "prematurely," from what I've gathered on these boards. I'm shocked that the lifespan of these bulbs are only 50,000 miles, and cost over $300 each. That's unacceptable to me, considering none of my previous cars had a bulb burn out except for my '01 Rav4 after 6 years and 115,000 miles. And it was only $12 to replace!
You and I are not alone in having these bulbs go out so "prematurely," from what I've gathered on these boards. I'm shocked that the lifespan of these bulbs are only 50,000 miles, and cost over $300 each. That's unacceptable to me, considering none of my previous cars had a bulb burn out except for my '01 Rav4 after 6 years and 115,000 miles. And it was only $12 to replace!
03-23-10, 06:38 AM
#5
Here's some Phillips replacement HID bulbs for $85 ea. from forum sponsor Xenon Depot.
Xenon Depot has cheaper off name bulbs but I would go with Phillips.
I believe the ES has H-11 size.
http://www.kbcarstuff.com/4300k_Xeno...p/xd-4k-rb.htm
Xenon Depot has cheaper off name bulbs but I would go with Phillips.
I believe the ES has H-11 size.
http://www.kbcarstuff.com/4300k_Xeno...p/xd-4k-rb.htm
Last edited by Joeb427; 03-23-10 at 06:45 AM.
03-23-10, 09:57 AM
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Had the same issue around 60k miles. Dealer wanted to charge me $280 to replace both headlights. Told him no. Got it done for $90 and still wasn't happy. Never had headlights go out that quick on an automobile. Looks to be a defect to me based on the number of owners reporting this issue.
03-23-10, 12:34 PM
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The reason this happens is from turning the lights on and off quickly and frequently without proper warm up.
For example if you park you car in a dark garage everyday and have them set to auto you start the car the lights automatically go on and when you pull out to sunlight they shut off quickly. On and off quickly before proper warm up is bad for the HID bulbs. Especially bad when you hit the panic button and they cycle on and off with no warm up. That is the worst thing you can do.
Good example is when you first turn them on how blue they are and as they warm up the get whiter. When they are cold it really takes toll on the bulb when you suddenly shut off.
If you’re really concerned I would take the lights off auto if you have a garage to avoid the constant on and off.
For example if you park you car in a dark garage everyday and have them set to auto you start the car the lights automatically go on and when you pull out to sunlight they shut off quickly. On and off quickly before proper warm up is bad for the HID bulbs. Especially bad when you hit the panic button and they cycle on and off with no warm up. That is the worst thing you can do.
Good example is when you first turn them on how blue they are and as they warm up the get whiter. When they are cold it really takes toll on the bulb when you suddenly shut off.
If you’re really concerned I would take the lights off auto if you have a garage to avoid the constant on and off.
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03-23-10, 01:09 PM
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The reason this happens is from turning the lights on and off quickly and frequently without proper warm up.
For example if you park you car in a dark garage everyday and have them set to auto you start the car the lights automatically go on and when you pull out to sunlight they shut off quickly. On and off quickly before proper warm up is bad for the HID bulbs. Especially bad when you hit the panic button and they cycle on and off with no warm up. That is the worst thing you can do.
Good example is when you first turn them on how blue they are and as they warm up the get whiter. When they are cold it really takes toll on the bulb when you suddenly shut off.
If you’re really concerned I would take the lights off auto if you have a garage to avoid the constant on and off.
For example if you park you car in a dark garage everyday and have them set to auto you start the car the lights automatically go on and when you pull out to sunlight they shut off quickly. On and off quickly before proper warm up is bad for the HID bulbs. Especially bad when you hit the panic button and they cycle on and off with no warm up. That is the worst thing you can do.
Good example is when you first turn them on how blue they are and as they warm up the get whiter. When they are cold it really takes toll on the bulb when you suddenly shut off.
If you’re really concerned I would take the lights off auto if you have a garage to avoid the constant on and off.
Not my first car with HID and auto on/off. Never had this problem with my previous car and had about 120K miles. Same house and same garage. Thanks for the info and please don't take me wrong. I am not saying you are incorrect but just that I have not incurred this with other cars. :O)
03-23-10, 02:37 PM
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The only reason I know is a lot customers of mine complain and I ask a tech of mine and that was his answer.
You guys aren't the only ones with this.
I think if you complained enough even over the 50k they would make good will gesture.
That the thing with Lexus if you cry enough they always give in.
You guys aren't the only ones with this.
I think if you complained enough even over the 50k they would make good will gesture.
That the thing with Lexus if you cry enough they always give in.
03-23-10, 03:10 PM
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Thanks for the replies. Sounds like this is a common problem. These are the original factory bulbs. I can't swap them from side to side to verify it's the bulb because both sides are doing it (at different times).
I just found a vendor (HIDextra.com) on this site that sells the bulbs cheaper than OEM, so I ordered a pair. Hopefully this will fix the problem. If not, I guess I'll attack the ballasts next. Thanks again!
I just found a vendor (HIDextra.com) on this site that sells the bulbs cheaper than OEM, so I ordered a pair. Hopefully this will fix the problem. If not, I guess I'll attack the ballasts next. Thanks again!
03-23-10, 05:52 PM
#11
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It means it's time for a new bulb. Both my headlights experienced the same symptoms, and cycling them off/on did the same temporary fix. My driver's side bulb went at 49,000 so it was covered under warranty. My passenger's side went at 53,000, which is technically out of warranty, but the dealer comped it for me when I brought my car in to have the oil hose and brake pedal recalls completed.
You and I are not alone in having these bulbs go out so "prematurely," from what I've gathered on these boards. I'm shocked that the lifespan of these bulbs are only 50,000 miles, and cost over $300 each. That's unacceptable to me, considering none of my previous cars had a bulb burn out except for my '01 Rav4 after 6 years and 115,000 miles. And it was only $12 to replace!
You and I are not alone in having these bulbs go out so "prematurely," from what I've gathered on these boards. I'm shocked that the lifespan of these bulbs are only 50,000 miles, and cost over $300 each. That's unacceptable to me, considering none of my previous cars had a bulb burn out except for my '01 Rav4 after 6 years and 115,000 miles. And it was only $12 to replace!
03-23-10, 06:56 PM
#12
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I see a lot of cars with HID's driving with the lights on during the day. The bulbs have a maximum # of hours before they go out. If the lights are used only at dusk and after dark, the life of the bulbs will be extended/maximized.
03-24-10, 05:49 PM
#13
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I see that also. Some people seem to think that they need to have all of their lights on 24/7 now. Its a great way to kill your [expensive] bulbs faster.
03-24-10, 08:28 PM
#14
I drive with my headlights on during the day because people are too stupid. I wish I could mount a red flashing beacon on my car so that people would see me.
But now to read this about the short life of HID I might have to turn them off during the day and just use the fog lights.
I had a 1998 Ford Escort for the past 12 years and the only bulbs I replaced was a rear trun signal and the dome light. A dash light died the week before selling it. So much for cheap maintenance.
But now to read this about the short life of HID I might have to turn them off during the day and just use the fog lights.
I had a 1998 Ford Escort for the past 12 years and the only bulbs I replaced was a rear trun signal and the dome light. A dash light died the week before selling it. So much for cheap maintenance.
03-25-10, 05:54 AM
#15
Lexus Champion
I drive with my headlights on during the day because people are too stupid. I wish I could mount a red flashing beacon on my car so that people would see me.
But now to read this about the short life of HID I might have to turn them off during the day and just use the fog lights.
I had a 1998 Ford Escort for the past 12 years and the only bulbs I replaced was a rear trun signal and the dome light. A dash light died the week before selling it. So much for cheap maintenance.
But now to read this about the short life of HID I might have to turn them off during the day and just use the fog lights.
I had a 1998 Ford Escort for the past 12 years and the only bulbs I replaced was a rear trun signal and the dome light. A dash light died the week before selling it. So much for cheap maintenance.