My driver side headlight would be dim for a second then turn off. Its not on all the way but barley on. Would it be the bulb or ballast that needs to be changed out?

 

? bulb or ballast?

 

So does it turn all the way on, then go very dim? Or does it turn on dim then shut off. Or does it turn on all the way, then shut off completely?

When I get bad HIDs, they usually will ignite ok at first, but then turn off completely shortly after.. eventually they won't turn on at all.

Anyway, the best way to check this is to swap the known working bulb with the faulty one. I.e., take the bulb out of the side that's working and stick it in the side that is giving you problems. If the bulb works, it's the bulb.. if it gives you the same issue, it's most likely the ballast.

 

It lights up dim for a slight second then would completly turn off.

 

sounds like the bulb is almost dead.

 

Swap your good bulb over to the other headlight to see if it's a bad bulb or ballast, sounds like a bulb though from what you have mentioned. If it does turn out to be the bulb, buy a brand new PAIR and replace both at the same time. HID bulbs lose light output and shift in color over time so they need to be replaced in pairs. Also, DON'T buy them from the dealership, they are way overpriced.

 

meh, don't NEED to be replaced in pairs.. a working bulb is a working bulb, albeit with higher color temp and slightly less light output.

But definitely buy them off ebay or amazon.. should be able to find a pair for $80 or single for around $50.

 

It is kinda silly not to replace them in pairs. Most headlight bulbs go out within a close timeframe of each other anyway. Replace the pair while you're at it, and keep the 3rd as a spare.

 

or buy them off js2k.com for under $30 shipped

 

It's not a "need" but with HID bulbs but I would still highly recommend it, especially if the good bulb has been running for a few years.