Strange HID problem

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Nov 23, 2007 | 08:55 PM

viabono

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Hollywood Hills California

Strange HID problem

I’m experiencing a problem with the driver side HID headlight. Once the lights are on I am noticing a bursting effect from the driver side light followed by an almost imperceptible dimming until the next burst when the light appears to be at 100% again. It’s similar to the initial burst seen when the lights are first turned on. This cycle occurs continuously and on all road conditions. Has anyone else experienced this? Is it the bulb or a problem with the HID electrics?

Nov 23, 2007 | 10:46 PM

mpuzach

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Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 16,684

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From: La Center WA

All together, my wife and I have owned 5 cars with xenons and I've never heard of or experienced the problem you're describing. Sorry I can't offer you any info.

Nov 23, 2007 | 10:52 PM

Jet Stream

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Downers Grove Illinois

It sounds to me like you might have a bad ballast.

Nov 23, 2007 | 11:07 PM

Colby 04

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mpuzach

All together, my wife and I have owned 5 cars with xenons and I've never heard of or experienced the problem you're describing. Sorry I can't offer you any info.

THAT.....was the most worthless post that I have ever seen

Nov 23, 2007 | 11:32 PM

mpuzach

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 16,684

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From: La Center WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colby 04

THAT.....was the most worthless post that I have ever seen

Glad you enjoyed it, The point was that whatever is causing the problem for the OP, my thinking is that it's not something that's very common. AFAIK it's never been reported here before.

Nov 23, 2007 | 11:47 PM

johnodrake

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: Lakewood Ranch, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpuzach

Glad you enjoyed it, The point was that whatever is causing the problem for the OP, my thinking is that it's not something that's very common. AFAIK it's never been reported here before.

I've never heard of that before either, but I agree with Jet Stream, sounds like a ballast issue. I would think you could swap the ballast and see if the problem follows.

Nov 24, 2007 | 12:27 AM

Colby 04

Instructor

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 188

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mpuzach

Glad you enjoyed it, The point was that whatever is causing the problem for the OP, my thinking is that it's not something that's very common. AFAIK it's never been reported here before.

No offense intended....I just busted out laughing when you posted that you basically have never had the problem and have no relevant advice to offer

Nov 24, 2007 | 12:31 AM

Wethingtonvette8093

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 1,724

Likes: 1

From: Bowling Green KY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jet Stream

It sounds to me like you might have a bad ballast.

I had one do this on my BMW. Ballast it was

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Nov 24, 2007 | 03:29 AM

shopdog

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Its the ballast.

Nov 24, 2007 | 05:15 AM

#10

foremaw

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From: Providence Forge, VA

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpuzach

All together, my wife and I have owned 5 cars with xenons and I've never heard of or experienced the problem you're describing. Sorry I can't offer you any info.

IMHO this is a very relevant answer. One of the first things people want to know about their issue is whether it is a common problem experienced by other owners and the known fix. He addressed both in his answer.

Nov 24, 2007 | 05:36 AM

#11

jojog

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Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 1,262

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From: Kissimmee, FL

They can be strange. When I did my museum delivery my right light strobed like a Police car - the factory replaced the entire assembly. Good luck with your car!