Xenon headlight issues

[andrew_j]

Hi unfortunately my 2013 Acura RDX had Xenon headlights.

Since buying it the passenger light on has been intermittent. I tried bulb but it failed. Using $45 amazon parts replace ballast and igniter beyond bulb which involves removing front bumper skin. (Friend charged $100) these lasted 6 months and the flickering came back and intermittent operation.

I replaced parts again with supposedly highly rated more expensive aftermarket ones for $100 ish and it failed quicker this time in about a month.

Real Acura parts cost about $900 for ballast / igniter . Bulb is reasonable $40 ish.

I am wondering if there is something else potentially wrong?

 

[rijndael]

Flickering and dimming is a sign of the ballast failing, I don't think you've missed anything.

 

[Jetronic]

check the wiring, especially the ground used by the ballast.

 

[Cujet]

There are some D2s to LED conversions that might be worthwhile.

Some use the OEM ballast, some are direct wire.

But in the end, an OEM HID setup is generally pretty good.


EDIT to add. On my older Jaguar, I have one HID on the right side, and an LED replacement on the left. The LED is pretty good. Different color, but just as bright and comes on instantly. It is a direct wire type. No HID ballast. I too became tired of the HID expense. I did not spend a lot on the LED replacement pair. Maybe $45 or so.

 

[Escape08]

LED conversion is a game changer if available. Did it to my Escape and a whole world of difference