I have got a set of JDM Sti hid headlights on my bugeye. About two weeks ago my n/s dipped beam started flicking when I turned the lights on then it would go out, now it won't turn on at all.

I have got replacement bulbs and fitted one today but still no joy, I am now thinking that it may be the ballast.

Does anyone know how to test the ballast and also were the earth is for it as I will have a look at this as well?

Thanks in advance

 

Hi Martin

Speak to JonMc,I'm sure he will help you


Jura

 

He was going to be one of my first ports of call, thought I would through it out there first to get a few ideas. Thanks Jura.

 

The ballasts are usually quite reliable but the best thing to do would be to swap the ballasts left to right - PITA I know but that's the first check. If that moves the fault then you've narrowed it down to the ballast - if not check the wiring for corrosion or a damaged cable. The earth on the ballast should be okay but you could check that, although the flickering does sound like a ballast

 

Ok mate thanks for that, I will try that next weekend. Luckily it's light at 5am when I go to work so don't need the lights at present but still needs sorting. Will let you know what I find.

 

Tried my lights by chance this morning and the lights both worked

Might just be an earthing fault? Would not having the engine running when I tested the new bulb make a difference???

 

They shouldn't come on without ignition in second click.........

You also need to look at other wiring: is there a relay? Are all wires on the relay and their other ends, secure? Not corroded?

Check ballasts: is there corrosion? Is the ballast loose? Is the wiring TIGHT at the ballast, both the 12V feed the 12V return and the high voltage lead?

Is the earth from the ballast clean, dry and tight?

Is the high voltage connection to the bulb secure? Tighrt? Clean and dry?

Do as John says, swap ballast from left to right, see if the problem moves. If it doesn't, You could try moving the problem bulb to the other side, see if it's still a problem, then start on the wiring.

Unless the problem IS the ballast, it should be easy enough to sort.....

 

Thanks for that alcazar, I will use those suggestions and check at the weekend. From what I remember the earth point did look a little rough around the edges. I doubt it is the main wiring as they haven't been in that long and used one of Jons wiring looms.

Though come to think of it I have had the headlights out to fit my prodrive bumper do maybe a wire got trapped in the process.

 

Wires get trapped, wires work loose, connectors don't connect.

Check the lot.