I was driving home tonight and my drivers side HID started flicking real fast and then totally died. I just checked with Honda and the blub retails for over $200.

Now I've checked the fuse, it's good. Tried turning headlights on and off 5-6 times nothing. Does it sound like the bulb to you guys or should I try something else first? I'd thought about taking the right side out and installing on the left side to see if it works, just don't know how big a pain in the ass it is to take the bulbs out.

My car is out of warranty. What should I do?

 

Dont buy from dealer, take the oppotunity to upgrade to 6000k HID bulbs. You have to replace both of them, not just the one that is out. I would say the bulb has just died on you.....

 

1. Check the fuses for the headlights, They are on the passenger side under the hood. There is one for each headlight.

2. Move the Bad Bulb into the working side, If it lights, then the "inverter" has gone bad (350+/-) If it does not, then it is the bulb. So to validate this, move the good bulb to the bad side and see if it works.

Watch out for the Inverter voltage, It is 2,500 volts and will hurt if you get zapped

My lights failed @ the inverters, I got water into the housings, and since the inverters (the metal box mounted under the housings) are the low point, they shorted out.

 

i was told that they bulbs have a life-time warranty through honda?

i'd just call and check to see, 'cause there's nothing to lose.

 

If you want some high quality bulbs we offer factory replacement D2 and D2R McCulloch HID bulbs from 5000k - 7000k. I would recommend the 5000K bulbs as they offer the best visibility.

That said, HID bulbs typically fail within 10 days. If they don't fail, they will last a long time. Ballasts/Ignitier will last 5 years or more if they make it past the first year. It may be your ballast/igniter that went. I believe the factory ones are phillips.

 

Just curious who told you lifetime?

I called two dealers here in Louisville and they both said 3/36. If lifetime is true, how can I prove it to the bone heads?

 

I seriously doubt ANYONE offers lifetime warranties on the bulbs, unless they're talking about the lifetime of the bulbs Although HID bulbs last a really long time (around 5-6 times as long as standard halogen), they are still bulbs and will eventually wear out.

I suggest doing the bulb swap test as an inexpensive test, but my bet is on the inverter (most likely) or the fuse (not as likely). Remember to use tissue or rubber gloves when handling the bulbs. If you get any finger oils on the bulb's envelope, wipe it down thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol. Oil on the envelope will create a local cool spot as the bulb heats up and weaken the envelope, eventually causing it to fail and <poof> no more lightbulb.

 

Ok, I switched the bulbs. Left side is still out. Switched the fuses, same result. So before I go spent $300 on a new inverter is ther anything else I need to check. Anybody buy a used inverter from a wrecked car?

 

There is a complete set of S2000 lights on eBay. Inverters, projectors, and ballast. Closing in 1hr

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...item=1856550516

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Hondafan
[B]Just curious who told you lifetime?

I called two dealers here in Louisville and they both said 3/36.