Hey guys, I just picked up a 2005 S2000 and as soon as I got it home I realized that the left low beam (HID) wasn't working. I'm somewhat familiar with HID systems, having installed a few aftermarket packages in various cars, and I'm fairly certain that I have a ballast problem, but I wanted to run this through you guys before tearing into this.

The first thing that came to mind was a voltage problem, and since it seemed that the engine was cranking a bit slowly on startup I had the battery tested: bad. I replaced the battery and nothing changed... I think the slow crank is just how this engine sounds as compared to other cars that I have owned.

I did notice that a couple of times the left headlight did turn on for 2-3 seconds then flickered out. So at least the bulb does work -- although I guess this still could be a bulb problem, I suppose.

So my plan of attack is to swap bulbs from left to right and vice versa to see if the problem changes sides. If it does then it is the bulb, if not then its the ballast. Unfortunately, I just popped the hood to try the bulb swap, and it looks like I have to get to the bulbs from the wheel well... so instead of just going at it, I am posting this in the hopes that someone else might have a better idea. Anyone?

 

i think swapping bulbs is your best bet, cause OEM replacement parts are high dollar. my dealer charged me 156 bucks just for one bulb, and wanted another 300ish for the ballast after we figured out the bulb was still good.

if it were me, id order a replacement set of bulbs from ddmtuning.com before i swapped the bulbs. that way you have new bulbs waiting for you if the bulb is the issue. last i checked it was $25 for a pair of d2s bulbs with a 1 year warrant. if you buy their bulb/ballast kit, then you get a lifetime warranty, plus you have like 6 different options for the color temperature of the bulb. (stock is 4300k ish)

I have their bulbs and ballasts in my car and love them!


http://www.ddmtuning.com/index.php?p=produ...d=264&parent=94

 

Good link, thank you! Are those bulbs direct replacements for the OEM bulbs? In other words, do I HAVE to replace the ballasts to use those bulbs?

 

yes they are direct replacement bulbs. d2s is d2s.

 

OK, thanks man. I am gonna order a pair.

 

I actually ended up ordering a replacement used HID bulb through eBay for $20 and it just showed up. Pulled the bumper and the headlight, swapped the bulb and I am back in business! I'm glad it wasn't the ballast, although I thought that it might have been because there was only one loose screw holding it on and it was swinging wildly! Lucky me.

 

$80 for a full kit? That's pretty cheap. How long have you had this kit for?

 

i had this kit for about 6 months or so. dont have the car anymore, but ddm does offer a lifetime warranty if you buy the bulbs and balast together.