2013 Acura MDX - H.I.D. Headlight Issues

[Number_35]

This is my friend's car, a 2013 Acura MDX.

Both low-beam headlights are out. We don't know whether they died simultaneously or some time apart.

The high beams and DRLs work fine.

The fuses are OK.

When we were doing some quick preliminary troubleshooting yesterday, we're pretty sure there was a brief flicker of light from one headlight. That seems to rule out a bad bulb.

We're not sure, but suspect this vehicle has H.I.D. lights. That means that besides the bulbs, the ballast or ignitor could be at fault.

We haven't pulled the bulbs yet - that involves removing the front bumper cover and grille.

The ballast and igniter are quite expensive, so we'd prefer to not fire the parts cannon at it.

Does anyone here have experience with H.I.D. lighting? Any tips for troubleshooting? Thanks.

 

[Hirev]

I feel bad for you. All I can say is me don't like HID lights. Been an issue for me 2 times both times it was the ballast and it was not easy to get at.

 

[ctechbob]

Just because they flicker, doesn't mean the bulbs are good. They could still be burned to the point the ignitor can't get the voltage high enough for the arc to strike.

Especially since it looks like they use a regular halogen for the high beams, means that those bulbs have been struck tons of times since they shut off when the high beams are on.

I would fire a pair of bulbs at it. Yea, it is going to be a pain, but that's the cheapest option, and if you end up replacing the ballasts you'd want fresh bulbs in there anyways.

Hate that Acura got cheap and moved to a 2 bulb system. My 2008 uses a single bulb, it stays lit and the housing changes for the high beams.

 

[Finklejag]

Are they bi-xenon bulbs?

 

[Number_35]

Are they bi-xenon bulbs?

I'm not sure - we'll have to pull the bulbs. I'll be away for a few days. Won't be able to help out until late next week.

 

[CleanSump]

Buy good name brand bulbs, not the cheapest Chinese found online. That's the easy first step. If they work, you're gold, if not, then get into the troubleshooting of the igniters and controllers.
Two bulbs put in at the same time burning out within months of each other isn't uncommon.

 

[i6pwr]

The fuses are OK

Does it also have a relay? I would also check the ground wires for corrosion which could possibly cause an increase in amp draw.

 

[Owen Lucas]

According to Ai it is likely the bulb as the flicker is indicative of a failing bulb. Buy one, likely a D2S, and see what happens.

 

[Number_35]

Does it also have a relay? I would also check the ground wires for corrosion which could possibly cause an increase in amp draw.

We need to do more investigation once we have access to the headlight assemblies. Those are things to look for - thank you!

 

[Number_35]

Buy good name brand bulbs, not the cheapest Chinese found online. That's the easy first step. If they work, you're gold, if not, then get into the troubleshooting of the igniters and controllers.
Two bulbs put in at the same time burning out within months of each other isn't uncommon.

Many years ago a friend of my parents had both low beams in a newish Gran Torino fail simultaneously.

He figured it had to be something common to both lights, and invited me to tag along with him to his garage.

It turned out both sealed beams had failed at the same time.

It happens.

(Unrelated, but a memory from the same visit to the shop - a customer had returned after a tech had replaced a rad hose on an early-'60s Slant-Six Valiant.

The intricately formed
hose ran from low on one side of the rad up to the top front of the engine, probably the thermostat housing. (I knew very little about cars at 17, so am just speculating here.)

The fan belt had contacted the hose and cut a groove in it, but fortunately there was no leak yet.

The shop owner, who had a thick German accent, showed everyone how the hose could be installed either of two ways. One way it cleared the fan belt by several inches; the other way it cleared by perhaps half an inch, not enough to allow for bumps and vibration.

He stated loudly that it was their first comeback in six months.)

 

[Marcozi]

Are they bi-xenon bulbs?

Typically, the low beams are xenon while the high beams are halogen.