Propulsion

It's the ballast module. Don't let anyone tell you to replace the HID bulbs. I bought a new OEM ballast for $89 online. Plenty on Ebay or Amazon.

tyson rust

so probably just replace both bulbs? factory or aftermarket? if so which do you recommend ?

tyson rust

so would you replace one? or both?

Propulsion

I replaced just one ballast (on the driver’s side) several months ago. And I replaced both HID headlights with the installation. I only replaced both HID lights because the bumper had to be removed anyway. So yes, if your budget can afford it, get some fresh HIDs along with the faulty ballast. There are two ballast modules. Driver’s side and passengers side.It’s not necessary to replace the ballast if it’s functioning properly. Only replace the faulty ballast. This is where I made my purchase. However, some may be available on Ebay for a lower price.

Ballast

(1) Genuine OEM Denso D4S or D4R HID Ballast For Lexus or Toyota Vehicles



Toshiba HID

Toshiba D4S Xenon HID Bulbs 4300K 35W for Lexus and Toyota (Pack of 2)

Kingreck

Huge fan of these cars looking at one with 120k right now im aware if the oil burning but anything else I should loom at before purchasing ??

Propulsion

Other than the small gremlins already mentioned there are no major mechanical issues associated with the GS series.
No transmission or engine troubles to report. As others have stated, the 2006 GS300 is the first 3rd generation model of the series run. So there were small issues Lexus had to revisit in the subsequent 350 models.

- rattles from the dash.
- more power, remedied with the 350 models that followed in 2007.
- the HID headlight ballast problem is common with the GS, IS and ES models. I’ve even heard of some ACURA vehicles experiencing ballast issues during the same model years. Luckily the fix isn’t costly.

If you look at any 10yr old BMW, Mercedes or Audi, I challenge you to find one that will not drain your wallet and perform as flawlessly as the Lexus GS series. 120,000 miles is considered very low mileage for a 10yr old vehicle of any make.

lx4life

How did you know for 100% certain it was the ballast and not the bulb since you replaced both at the same time?

Propulsion

I knew based on the research I did online and the experience of my technician who repairs Acura, Lexus and other Japanese imports. He knew right away when I told him of the intermittent functionality of the driver’s side HID light.

- side note, are there ANY light bulbs for auto or home use that will work on some days and NOT work on other days? What bulb (HID or Halogen) does that? Answer: NONE

3GSShoe

Did you guys get your engine piston rings and heads replaced by lexus? I havent had any issues with mine other than vibration which I just fixed with new motor and tranny mounts. 176k miles

ez12a

Buy a 350. You'll have less problems in the long run assuming the thing was maintained properly. I think there was a good reason why they only sold in the US for 1 year.

As far as HIDs, only go with OEM. If you get it off Amazon, make sure its "shipped and sold from Amazon.com" and not a third party merchant. There are a LOT of fakes out there from ballasts to fake bulbs. Although, if you want to run aftermarket bulbs, aftermarket ballasts ("fake" or not) will probably run them better than the OEM ballasts.

If genuine, you should have codes you can put in Philips website to verify that it is genuine.

I had aftermarket Morimoto D4S bulbs from retrofitsource and both sides would flicker and go out. Put in some genuine Philips HID and they were fine. Not a ballast issue, but a bulb issue. Ended up getting a refund on them.