The G Man

I agree, if you want more light, use 4300K. If you want your HID to look whiter, change the optics.

STP

Hey rominl,

Haven't decided on the bulbs yet. But thanks for all the great info. I started noticing a couple of nights ago that the passenger side light will go out after a while on the road, but If i turn the lights off, and then on again it will be fine. I also started noticing the driver side doing the same thing, but not as often. Passenger definitely flickering this morning. Is this a bulb issue or ballast? Or something else, before I go ahead and make any purchases.

Thanks again

XenonDepot

iTrader: (11)

STP are you using your stock bulbs?

Steve

STP

Yes, stock bulbs in there right now. Never modified anything to the lighting.
It just started happening about a week ago, with the alternating lights going out.
The flickering is only happening on the passenger side.

Thanks

rominl

iTrader: (4)

that's really hard to say whether it's bulbs or ballast, normally it's the bulbs coz' ballasts tend to be more durable, but it did happen to my friend before (same symptoms) and ended up being the ballast

problem with your case is you are seeing issue on both sides so swapping bulbs left and right don't give you extra info...

STP

How much is a replacement ballast run, and would I be able to DIY?

The G Man

If both side is doing the same thing, it cant be the ballast, unless you at two bad ballast at the same time which is unlikely.

worker

How long does yours last? All of my none oem bulbs last only about 1 year.

XenonDepot

iTrader: (11)

How old is the vehicle? This is something I would bring to the dealership's attention.

STeve

STP

My car is an 06, but the problem started few weeks ago.

Figure I'll try the bulb route first. Is there any visual inspection I can do while changing the bulbs to spot a ballast or wire issue?

XenonDepot

iTrader: (11)

It's going to be hard to isolate if you are experiencing a problem on both sides.

Steve

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i believe the ballasts are mounted at the bottom of headlights, that means you will need to take off the bumper to access it

i won't say it can't be ballasts. if it's some wiring fault (damaged central harness), it can damage the ballasts. and of course in that case it will be a very painful repair

i definitely hope it's bulb problems. STP, do you notice color issues from the bulbs? dimmer? more pink looking?

STP

Hey romin, Colorwise when they first turn on its a quick purplish before going to a white looking if you are staring at it. But from looking at it on a white wall, its white with yellowish in it. Definitely not pink though. And also no difference in color between the two. Bright/dim no difference between the two.

It sounds like at this point of uncertainty its cheaper to try replacing the bulb, and then diagnosing if there are other problems?

Thanks! This is a superb bunch of people. And don't you guys work? LOL

vuiskool

Switching bulbs would be a better costefficient idea, good luck.

And does it happen often?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah given the info i will probably try bulbs first. you don't want to think about the cost of replacing ballast yet, it's not pretty