HID Headlight Issues
Discussion
1st Problem:
One of my HID headlights bounces up and down as I drive along. When driving, the headlight almost "flutters" while the other stays level. The fluttering headlight must be annoying for oncoming traffic. I've taken the back covers off of both headlights. The bouncing headlight definitely has more up and down play in the mechanism than the one that stays level. All of the wiring appears to be securely connected. Is there a bump stop that can correct the bouncing problem?
2nd problem:
One of my HID bulbs will not illuminate. I've swapped the bulb to the other headlight and it works fine. Therefore, the issue is not the bulb. Any suggestions?
3rd problem:
I want to check the fuse for ths passenger's side HID headlight. The manual says the fuse box is located in the passenger's footwell on a LHD car. I've pulled the carpets back in the passenger's footwell and still can't find the fuse box. Specifically, where is the cabin fuse box located?
One of my HID headlights bounces up and down as I drive along. When driving, the headlight almost "flutters" while the other stays level. The fluttering headlight must be annoying for oncoming traffic. I've taken the back covers off of both headlights. The bouncing headlight definitely has more up and down play in the mechanism than the one that stays level. All of the wiring appears to be securely connected. Is there a bump stop that can correct the bouncing problem?
2nd problem:
One of my HID bulbs will not illuminate. I've swapped the bulb to the other headlight and it works fine. Therefore, the issue is not the bulb. Any suggestions?
3rd problem:
I want to check the fuse for ths passenger's side HID headlight. The manual says the fuse box is located in the passenger's footwell on a LHD car. I've pulled the carpets back in the passenger's footwell and still can't find the fuse box. Specifically, where is the cabin fuse box located?
I'd recommend getting it looked at as it sounds as if the bulb holder may be loose. It's probably not working due to a number of reasons - faulty connection, ballast or blown fuse.
Depending upon your model the fuses you refer to will usually be behind the aluminium panel underneath the footwell carpet.
Depending upon your model the fuses you refer to will usually be behind the aluminium panel underneath the footwell carpet.
BingoBob said:
What car is it? DB9?
For 2, sounds like the ballast is dead.
Plus one - I had exactly the same problem on my Merc and it was the ballast. Here is an example.For 2, sounds like the ballast is dead.
http://astonmartinbits.com/models/5-V8-Vantage/par...
Wouldn't be surprised if the AM ballast is off a Ford or Volvo though, so if you are doing it yourself get the part number of the one fitted to the car and check it out through Google. I saved a fortune by having one sent from Poland rather than buying from the dealer.
Good luck.
1) Does just sound like something in the casing is lose. Either take it all apart and try to find a way to tighten everything up or take it to a dealer.
2) Ballast is dead by the sound of it. Plenty going on ebay.
3) Yes you need to pull the carpet back but you also need to unscrew a panel on the floor to be able to see it. Pull the carpet back right at the bottom of the footwell on the pax side, then you'll see four torx bolts to unscrew on a square panel. It's under there.
2) Ballast is dead by the sound of it. Plenty going on ebay.
3) Yes you need to pull the carpet back but you also need to unscrew a panel on the floor to be able to see it. Pull the carpet back right at the bottom of the footwell on the pax side, then you'll see four torx bolts to unscrew on a square panel. It's under there.
The car is a 2007 V8V. I saw the panel under the carpet in the footwell and thought this can't be the location, because manufacturers put fuse boxes in easily accessible places! Fool me once........
Before I go to the hassle of removing the headlight with the flutter, can the internal parts be adjusted? i.e. is the headlight sealed and can't be internally serviced?
Is the ballast inside the square box at the bottom of the bulb where the electrical connection is made? If yes, this can't be the problem because both HID bulbs work on the drivers side but neither work on the passenger's side. Or is the ballast inside the headlight unit?
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
Before I go to the hassle of removing the headlight with the flutter, can the internal parts be adjusted? i.e. is the headlight sealed and can't be internally serviced?
Is the ballast inside the square box at the bottom of the bulb where the electrical connection is made? If yes, this can't be the problem because both HID bulbs work on the drivers side but neither work on the passenger's side. Or is the ballast inside the headlight unit?
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
Yes the headlight is bonded shut - you'll need to be extremely careful if you want to open it up but it can be done. Problem is if you get it wrong you break the headlight cover and then you are in deep doo doo...
Ballast is not inside the headlight IIRC. Not sure where the location is on the Aston but it's usually attached to a solid part of the car, under the wheel arch liner. Following the socket wiring and you'll find it no problem. If it's just the HID bulb that's not working then it's definitely the ballast. If it's all bulbs then it might be a fuse - as the fuse controls the entire headlight.
Ballast is not inside the headlight IIRC. Not sure where the location is on the Aston but it's usually attached to a solid part of the car, under the wheel arch liner. Following the socket wiring and you'll find it no problem. If it's just the HID bulb that's not working then it's definitely the ballast. If it's all bulbs then it might be a fuse - as the fuse controls the entire headlight.
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