Bi-Xenon Intermittent Firing

[su20]

Recently (now that it has gotten cold, not sure that's relevant), I've had a couple instances where I turned on my lights and they failed to come on. A couple times cycling the switch resolved the issue, but then when I was driving one dark night (in my rural, deer infested area of PA) I flicked to high beams and all lights went out! Luckily I pulled on the fogs and it was enough to get me stopped without driving into the ditch...

I've looked around on the site, and haven't seen this exact problem, but the related ones seem to point to the light switch. Is this so obvious to those of you in the know that I should just order the switch, or is there something else I should check?

'02 C4S with Bi-Xenons, both work normally (color, intensity, leveling, etc.) when they're working...

Thanks for any insight.

[violaGT3]

Recently (now that it has gotten cold, not sure that's relevant), I've had a couple instances where I turned on my lights and they failed to come on. A couple times cycling the switch resolved the issue, but then when I was driving one dark night (in my rural, deer infested area of PA) I flicked to high beams and all lights went out! Luckily I pulled on the fogs and it was enough to get me stopped without driving into the ditch...

I've looked around on the site, and haven't seen this exact problem, but the related ones seem to point to the light switch. Is this so obvious to those of you in the know that I should just order the switch, or is there something else I should check?

'02 C4S with Bi-Xenons, both work normally (color, intensity, leveling, etc.) when they're working...

Thanks for any insight.

Hi, not sure if it'll help you too much but I have brand new HID's on my Scion XB and I have seen them fail to light once or twice. Not sure why I replaced the old set after doing it only once and my buddy who took them said they work fine. I would have to say it's like the flourescents sometimes they just don't hit right and do not light the first time. I'd have to say you don't have much to worry about. The original set I had was used when I installed it. The second setup was new. Oh and to clear things up they are the OEM Audi A8 Ballasts. Which may be the same ones Porsche's use, not sure though. Just did not want to get bagged for having Chiwaneese ebay lights.

[su20]

...I would have to say it's like the flourescents sometimes they just don't hit right and do not light the first time. I'd have to say you don't have much to worry about...

Thanks. I wasn't too worried until they went dark while I was moving! :drive: Have to fix that, too much at stake.

[John Ware]

I'll put money on it being the light switch on your dash. It's a known weak spot. If your lights are OEM factory fitted, they don't just "not light first time". My switch failed a couple of years ago at Warp 9 in the dark. Concentrated the mind a bit. They're about £60 in the UK so no doubt you'll be able to get one for $60. :rolleyes:

Edited November 25, 2008 by John Ware

[deanslist.us]

The bi-xenons have a special ballast attached to the back of your headlight assembly. Regular bulbs will not have this. Sound like the ballast may be going bad, similar to a 2x4 troffer light in a typical office ceiling space. I would get it tested by a an electrical shop.

[su20]

Thanks, John... I better order one before the almighty dollar starts giving up its recent gains against the euro! Not sure why you guys get hammered over there, do you get taxed as heavily on parts as on the cars themselves?

[su20]

The bi-xenons have a special ballast attached to the back of your headlight assembly. Regular bulbs will not have this. Sound like the ballast may be going bad, similar to a 2x4 troffer light in a typical office ceiling space. I would get it tested by a an electrical shop.

You could be right, but I'll probably try the switch first. Unless I can find a suitable electrical shop near me, and I can't think of any off the top of my head. Sounds like enough people have had to replace the switch that I'll take the gamble.

[John Ware]

...do you get taxed as heavily on parts as on the cars themselves?

Yep. VAT (sales tax) is 17.5%. Thieves.

[su20]

We'll be paying that kind of tax soon!

Just ordered the switch, $113. Should make you feel a bit better. :D

[su20]

Just wanted to close the loop here.... I replaced the switch, and [so far] everything is fine. If you want to do it yourself it's an easy swap, just do a search for the thread titled "Driver Side Vent Removal" and you'll see a nice diagram and instructions that Loren posted, makes it easy.

Thanks for the help, everyone. :renntech: