jdc916

I have a 2011 IS 250 F Sport........ recently the headlights appear to be fluttering.
If I stand in front of the are and look at the bulbs, you cant see anything happening. But if you turn and look at the light that is cast, you can see the "dancing" effect.
Anyone else have this problem or know what the fix is ?

Thanks

maeveLexi

I have a 2008 IS 350 and it started happening when I changed my headlights.
I also have no idea what's causing it.

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

Are they HIDS or halogens? If they're HIDs, is it occurring on both sides or just one? If just one, swap the bulbs side to side and see if the issue follows the bulb (if it does, bulb is bad, if it doesn't, ballast is bad).

jdc916

ZMON, I believe they are the HIDs and its both of them.

jdc916

Also, it doesnt appear that they are shining far enough ahead anymore either.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

The D4S bulbs do not live as long as the older D2S.
If the light output is indeed on the decline it is very likely the bulb.
My 2013 bulbs died just past the 5 year 50,### mile mark. They would light, flutter, turn orange and then turn off.

Do NOT touch the bulb or it die when it heats up.

jdc916

thanks 2013FSport

jdc916

Wow ! A D4S bulb is anywhere from $105.00 to $150.00 !!!
Thats crazy !

Can you use D2S' instead since they are only about $65 ? And has anyone done this ?

Thanks

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

No, you'll have to use D4S bulbs. If you don't want to pay the premium for OEM bulbs, you can buy an aftermarket set of D4S bulbs from TheRetrofitSource for $60.

jdc916

Thanks Zmon......

After doing a bunch of reading on this, yes, I have found that you can not use D2S in place of D4S

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

I've got about 16 months on the Morimoto XB 55000k. So far so good. $60 for the pair.

I am not recommending this but you can modify the tabs to fit either housing. I threw an old D4S bulb in D2S Acura LX housing just to test its light output. Mind you the 35w ballast designed for later bulb types fired it off no problem. Also note that aftermarket replacement ballasts typically say they work for either bulb.

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

A D2S bulb will simply not work with a D4S ballast after the initial ignition. The voltage will drop under the required 85v for the D2S bulb and it'll shut off. D4S only needs 42v as a reference. Although, there are a couple ballasts on the market that can power both (e.g. Hella Gen 3), but our ballasts can't do both (iirc, they're only rated for the 42v)

I did mention the XB's above to the OP, the D4S set is only $60 so he just assumes go that route. Would highly recommend not modifying your bulbs or projectors to take D2S bulbs.