aruiz0526

I have a 07 is250 and my driver side ballast is burnt. So I was wondering is it cheaper to get a new headlight or just to upgrade to a better hid kit? I would just replace the ballast but I'm afraid I will mess it up and I heard that the stock hid kit sucks.

kumquatism

iTrader: (10)

There's nothing better than OEM ballasts. Yes, its cheaper to just get some kit ballasts to put in. But it's not as good as OEM.

Also, the OEM HID ballasts and bulbs don't suck; the projector is what has less than stellar output. Replacing the ballast won't solve that issue.

My advice is to just get another OEM ballast and put it in.

aruiz0526

Well I want to get the Oem replacemt ballast but I'm afraid of opening the lens because of the glue. Like after I replace it and then heat up the glue around the lens is it gonna seal it back to regular or is there gonna be problems like water getting in or it coming apart?

kumquatism

iTrader: (10)

Well, to remove your non-working ballasts, you're probably going to open up the headlights anyways, unless you want to cut the ballast wires. I think there are a few other ways of doing it too, but as I don't have OEM HID's, I can't tell you from first-hand experience. There shouldn't be any problems with condensation as long as you take your time and do it right. My headlights have been opened up twice (although sealed with extra butyl) and they even have a hole in the back cut out, and I don't have any problems with water getting in.

If you go aftermarket, you can just leave the OEM ballast in there if you don't really care for removing it. You can mount the ballast wherever you want, and just drill a hole in the plastic lowbeam door to run the wires. Aftermarket ballasts are generally AMP connections, though, so it may be difficult to find a replacement aftermarket ballast anyways.

By the way, are you still under warranty? If you are, disregard all of my nonsense and take it to Lexus and let them deal with it.

aruiz0526

Nope I don't have warranty

Well thanks for the help, I think I might just go with an aftermarket hid kit

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

I dont think aftermarket cheap kit work with the oem headlamp. As the have to be D4 bulbs and ballast has to mount on to the bottom of the headlamp. Here a link to replacing the ballast

aruiz0526

Wait so an aftermarket hid kit won't work on oem headlights?

Legend217

iTrader: (1)

Aftermarket ballast will work but you need adapter to D4S bulb. If you go with aftermarket route then just cut the wire and take out ballast. If you choose oem ballast and have AFS then follow what Joe Z did without taking apart the headlight to replace ballast. Search on youtube for his vid.

kumquatism

iTrader: (10)

On looking at the video, I think I'm mistaken. You cant use an aftermarket ballast with an OEM HID setup, because of the red wire plug you see in the video around 4 minutes in. Unless you find some aftermarket ballast that has that connection (which I have yet to see one), you cant have an aftermarket kit, because there's no way to plug it in to get power... Just go OEM. Aftermarket kits will never be the same as OEM.

aruiz0526

alright just saw joe z video.

so basically he takes apart the socket on the ballast and just feeds the wires through the headlight and puts it back together on the other side when it pops out? if so, it sounds way easier that way.

ok got a noob question.
what size are the hid bulbs so i can change them out to a different color, any good brands?

kumquatism

iTrader: (10)

D4S. Not too many options out there for it. If you have the money, Philips Ultinons come in D4S. Garax bulbs seem to be a popular choice too.