HID Headlight Diagnosis and Repair -EricTheCarGuy

Visit me at: www.ericthecarguy.com/
I really enjoy my new HID headlight kit but during the installation I had a small problem, one of the high beams wasn't working. This video shows the process I went through in order to determine the cause of this failure. HID's can be 'delicate' so you may need to use this information at some point. My friends at Motorfiend were more than willing to send me some new parts so that I could complete the repair.
HID Headlight Installation video: • How To Install an HID ...
Motorfiend: www.motorfiend.com
My 8000K HID kit: www.motorfiend.com/8000K-HID-K...
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/...
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@dantyjuxza]

Eric makes it so very simple...Thanks Eric from an old retired Army guy thanks for your service via Repairs to this old guy & many others.

[@cavy95]

9 years later, this video is still relevant on my 2008 9-7x aero. Thanks Eric!

[@hollowdog7208]

Not my first thinking for the fix but as always a excellent way for the novice to cure a problem. Enjoy all of your videos. Your the best!

[@DanzigerTotenkopf]

He has the best voice on youtube, think about it. Clear and down to earth sounding.

[@syedhaider7121]

Thank you sir. Excellent to the point video. Good quality, good commentary and tips, and excellent plain clear accent in English. Thank you. Thumbs up for you.

[@RonasRoadshow]

eric you are awesome. i love the simple diagnostics you use. so helpful to dummies like me haha. appreciated.

[@mechguy83]

Short and simple and to the point, I like the way he approached this. Besides I don't think the average D.Y.I owns a oscilloscope and they (average joe) is truly who he makes these videos for.

[@88camaroman]

love all your videos and I'm always learning things from you

[@evansimmons6894]

I really appreciate the work you’ve done over the years, Eric.

[@jonathandunn730]

Clear, straight forward video. Thanks man.

[@slrr123]

Eric just to ensure no confusion on this, there is only two components for Bi-Xenon kit. The bulbs have a coil with a magnet in it. The third connector with the two wires in it energize the coil to move the bulb for the high beam position. Now the two things you will need to look at is the bulb (swap them like you did) if it moves then you are good. If not then you need to look at the relay kit. The ballast only powers the bulb. I install and troubleshoot these things for a living.

[@daveytn]

Gotta say, I'm quite jealous of how good they look.

[@l3n464]

haha it's actually my birthday so, THANKS ERIC !

[@CH_TM4Life]

Best tutorial,example video and yes it was my birthday too thanks lol🙏🏾

[@sergiocabrales980]

Thank you Eric for you information.

[@Cr3ativity]

Hey, Eric. Thanks for posting this video. HID's are definitely useful. In fact, I have 6000K HID's and I am going to be installing fog lights soon. Thanks for wishing everyone a Happy Birthday. Mine is on May 11 :D Anyways, hope you and your family are well. Cheers!

[@RankinAedx21789]

This guy is nyse. Please continue

[@EssingtonCreative]

Weird I'm watching this on my birthday and you wished me a happy birthday

[@CrazyHHO19]

eric you are a legend...

[@felixandresjc]

How do I install halo headlights while keeping my current HID bulbs?

[@hairychesticles1]

Thanks for the vid even 6 years later. I have a 2015 challenger and right now one of my HIDs is intermittently not working so sadly im not sure what it is but hopefully i will find out soon

[@moviehosers6836]

Excellent video! Thank you for it!

[@thorlarsen9770]

Thanks Eric same issue on my 02 WRX after installing hid LED lights, I'm thinking mine's an alternator issue because the alternator case is covered in dust from bad/worn brushes.

[@garthmounce9331]

The ballasts have nothing to do with the function of high and low beams. The ballast just powers the bulb and make it produce light. The relay harness controls the high/low functions. It has an input from the stock plug, when you switch from low beam to high beam, a different wire on the plug is electrified and thus sends a signal through the little wires to the small connector on the bulb which charges a solenoid that pulls the bulb backwards in it's housing. When that happens, the angle of reflection inside the headlight housing changes due to the capsule of the bulb being in a different spot.

[@pghguerrilla8508]

Garth Mounce I probably won't get a reply but I'm running out of help. No mechanic knows wtf they are doing around here. So, my hid headlights worked fine when I got the car, after a while some guy took out my drivers side headlight for reasons. Once it was put back in, it started to not work unless I turned off, then back on. Now both low beam headlights don't work (unless I keep turning on and off)and one of my fog lights are starting to not work. Can you give me some advice? I don't think it's a bad bulb because of the fact they turn on sometimes. From that can you help?

[@z33tanner]

PGH Guerrilla HID bulbs are not like regular halogen bulbs with a filament. They can be bad and still turn on for a moment or few minutes. I had cheap kensun bulbs in my Acura TL and one would turn off after a few minutes of driving then come back on after i cycled the headlight switch. Swapped the bulbs and the problem percisted on the other side so i replaced my bulbs with some quality osram xenarx intenses and i havent had any problems. If both of your headlights are turning off at the same time i would check for good 12v power and ground to your hid ballasts. Sounds like wiring to me if your fog light recently went out too.

[@z33tanner]

PGH Guerrilla Have you tried swapping the bulbs left/right? This would tell you easily if it is a bulb issue or not

[@tomharvey7429]

PGH Guerrilla im going try the ballast it blows as soon as you turn them on just the drivers side like it’s getting too much juice

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

Thanks, that gives me at least a 'rough' picture about what these things do and how they work!

[@knifeaddict1014]

hey how did you get the bulb out im having trouble geting my bulb out because one of my light went out and im trying to figure whats going on as well

[@deadbeat86]

Thanks Eric, its actually my birthday

[@robertodayso9059]

The HID lights will not power off /turn off on my 1999 Suzuki Sidekick even when the engine is off and the light switch is in the off position. I have to remove the power fuse to turn it off. Can you help please?

[@JustinTwilley]

Hey manI have hids on my bike, the other morning omw to work I noticed one of my low beams cut off. so I was like well darn need a bulb. but then I started the bike to leave work both came on I drove down the road and leaned forward to see if the light was still on and it was not. So this happened for like 3 days in a row it would come on for a few minutes and shut off, well now neither one comes on at all, I believe there are 2 ballasts so what do you believe could be my issue? My high beams work fine.

[@Ai-Galaxy-GS]

Hi, I have a Ford E350 09, the vehicle itself has perimeter feature, which is when unlocked by remote, all of the exterior lights would come on, even the headlights.So today I took it to the local shop and put a pair of HID on but.....even they couldn't get it to work, It worked when the engine's off, but not when it was on, first they did it without the harness, then with it , eventually it wouldn't come on at all, what do you think the problem is?

[@kelvinguevara4920]

hi Eric I always watch your videos, I like the concept of em, I have a question I bought a new battery for my car which i plugged wrong negative with positive, I had a little electric shock, than i unplugged it and did it the right way luckily the car started e few days after I pulled out some codes P 1684 which is it got something to do with the battery and p0455 . my car is a 2001 chrysler lhs what do you recommend me to do. thanks

[@jj5833]

Can you help with a 2008 Toyota Prius headlights keep going off right or left Is that a sign that the bulb needs to be replace

[@svr27rr87]

Thanks you 4 the Good info video.. helps me solve problem with mine.

[@luisfranco9394]

Hi Eric, I drive a 2009 VW passat B6 and once I start the car the low beam starts flickering then shuts off. This happens all the time. Where do I start? I tried removing the bulb but after turning the white screw tab that releases the bulb from its housing it did not come out all the way. I stoped cuz I though it would break if I force it out. Thank you for any help. the dealer wanted $220 plus taxes just for the bulb but I really doubt that's the problem. If it was it would not light up every time I turn on the car. Thanks again for your help. Luis.

[@TonaldJDrump-dl2bu]

i had a xenon bulb that flashed when i start the car up but would stabilize once the the engine was on for about 5 seconds, it finally went out the other day. i just got a new pair when i plugged the new bulb in it started flashing, what do you guys think the issue is?

[@roxyproxyapadeh]

How should i place it in the housing? The angle of the bulb inside the reflector? The output is just a straight line, not bright enough. It happens since my car had an accident

[@sickabillygaribaldi3999]

i replaced te hid bulds in my scion xb, i replaed one cecked to see if it worked and it did ut when i hooked up the other one now non of them work but my leds,halo and y high beams work no low beams....wgat could it be??

[@wax4dadsglossking28]

How do you replace the actual bulb please? I can't get mine off the housing. Does metal housing on actual bulb twist off?

[@dholfactory5878]

sir I have 1999 mazda portage 1.8 have problems with lights I changed both side bulbs when I put high bem both light work when I put in low beam one front light work any advise plz help me thx u sir

[@marissprincis5209]

Hi, can u ansewer one question? I got Renault Laguna ll, and xenon lights are self leveling when you start the car, but in 10 seconds, lights start to go low! And if you take off leveling sensors and try to move them....no one headliht react!!! Are the sensors in fault or control modules(ballasts )?

[@AMPLIFIER942]

It's not my birthday but thanks Eric! I just came home from my graduation celebration party. :)

[@Ak-47ram]

My headlight stopped working after I got my windshield tinted water must've seeped through behind the dash.. does that mean its the harness that needs replaced something else?

[@jmanzella94]

I installed 10k on my 98 blazer. Will never use stock bulbs again. Their easy to do. And the results are insanely nice. Their bright as could be and a lot more effacted as long as you don't aim them high your good in the law

[@ariesr4883]

What are your thoughts when using a relay kit for HIDs?

[@jsomachine]

my fog lights hids don't turn on its a new kit that I received today. Headlight hids do work could it be a fuse?

[@jordansmith1626]

I have a morimotto ballast with Osram CBI bulbs. Lately sometimes they won't work. Sometimes one will work and sometimes both work fine. As soon as I fire them up. They stay on. But if I turn them off they might not go on again. It's the same for both sides. Is this the bulb? Grounding? Or is there something else it could be

[@gorilaxd3102]

same problem But my car is a Fiat punto mk2 2002 H1

[@mrbigjem87]

Im having a problem were my fuse is blowing up on one of the hid kit. So i dont know what would that be? A bad buld or ballest? I switched to the other side and it did tje same thing.

[@frdradio]

Ha. Wonder if you recorded this on my birthday which was Tuesday. Anyhow, thanks man. lol.

[@newfieledman9164]

hello Eric i have a problem with headlights i have HID lights with Can-Bus Ballasts the problem that i am having is the when the lights are shinning on the wall or ground it is impossible to adjust cause my head lights has a center piece that is kinda open in the center and i have noticed on the standard halogen bulb has a painted end on the bulb when they work fine but not bright enough so i decided to go with the HID and then noticed that the end of the bulb has no paint on the tip or chrome so my problem is how do i fix this the lights are shinning everywhere but cannot adjust and has big shadows on the ground and on the wall my reflector center piece has no chrome tip is there away that i can make a reflector to make the lights shine better i have 2003 Grand Am 3.4L v6

[@neurosync_research]

What kind of damage can be done if you flash your HIDs? Say turning off your hi beam HIDs for a passing car and turning them back on 30s later once the car has passed.

[@2brosfilmz208]

I had a set of hids on my 2015 Jeep Wrangler for about 2 month now they both stopped working at the same time, would this be a relay or fuse most likely? thanks for your time.(high and low beam don't work)

[@ebecerril02]

Thank you this helped a lot

[@fearsomeaustin]

Just installed HID's today, one is a little offset pointing outwards. What is the issue? There a quick fix?

[@windycityflipg4940]

Got a question sir, im having headlight issue the low beams dont turn on but the high beams work but i need to hold it down to keep the high beam on? Could this be the headlight relay that needs to be replace or is it the switch inside the car thats the issue? If any one have any info i would greatly appreciate it thanks

[@josephnyoni8361]

Great video thanks can you please share a video on how to wire the circuit of the ballast lighting system

[@spaceghostpurpz4744]

Hey Eric how do I know what bulbs are on my integra I just bought they are hid will any hid work please get back at me thank you shout out from phx az

[@loloent]

Now I swap bulbs not it but here's the thing blub works for low beam on driver side not in pass side hi beam works on passenger side only when I unplug from harness & replace but when I switch back to low it stays off intill I unplug & replug what do you think it could be

[@shazib1081]

Thanks for the video!

[@MrGhOsT4273]

ok got one for you, i have a 1999 Ford Mustang GT and it has the LED with Ballast and driver side not working, so i changed them both around and all lights work when its in the passenger side both will not work on drivers side at all, both lights and stuff are good. and also if i turn my brights on both sides work.

[@Lokiavanger]

I had an issue when I made my retrofits where they would only stay in low beams, the dash said high beams were on, and the stalk did not change anything. It ended up being an issue with the harness and the fix was swapping two of the pins in the connector to the stock harness. Possibly something to look into if you're having an issue. :)

[@AussieGinger]

"Greetings viewers, EricTheCarGuy here" - best sound ever on youtube

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing job, like the logical approach :-) :-)

[@natalinorolli2811]

can you do a voltmeter test on the ballast??? I recently change one ballast and the bulb, and I still don t have a light, what else could be? Thank you.

[@JonathanThompson1320]

Dude. Thanks! I recently experienced a similar issue. A have an aftermarket HID kit. A bulb gradually went out, discolored, then just stopped. The other bulb was fine. Replaced both bulbs. Now, bulbs seem to work but they are a little off. Example, the left side will not come on. I have to turn off the headlights and turn them on, then both will be on and will stay on for the duration of the drive. I suspect the ballasts are now the problem. Your thoughts?

[@maxbolen27]

I noticed a ballast mounted directly next to the headers. The amount of heat from the headers will shorten the lifespan of the ballast. I like to place them near the light in a dry and cooler spot,

[@Justindobb1984]

* Tip * Use tape or electric grease on all connections after you install a kit and confirmed all is working correctly even on the fuse in the wiring harness. Strangely, one huge issue I ran into was corrosion on the fuse in the wiring harness only months of installing. Hope this helps others.

[@chrisbradford4014]

how dose my hid bulb in my cbr low beam blow but my high beam work its all built in the same system

[@archie977]

one of my headlights hid dosnt come on sometimes is it the ballast?

[@jackschoedinger391]

Eric, I just installed a HID kit (same brand in the video) into my '04 Silverado low beam location. Everything works well, except...My HID's are coming on during the day with my DRL's (Daytime Running Lights). Do you know of a solution to keep the HID's off when my DRL's are on?

[@rubengonzalez5270]

Can u tell me or post a video how to fix a headlight when u dont get positive power and negative power and the right side on a vw passat 2001

[@TrainHitsDymanite]

Lol!! Good touch on the "if it's your bday!" Lol

[@patrickgaimari4478]

I just purchased this Extreme Lighting Accessories Kit. Dealer wanted $95 just to install and gives a 1 yr warranty with it. After hearing and seeing videos do you suggest I have this professionally installed? or should I trust a mechanic on the corner who may or not be familiar with this?

[@Bruceas]

my head light beams for low and high seem inverted, and the beams also don't look even, splattered not like good beams. Using duel Xenon HIDs. Does the bulb it self have a specific instal. Seeems like the bar on each of the bulbs are in different positions. HB5s one of the bars are facing to the passenger side, and ones facing the ground.

[@lukesmolders2795]

Thank you this was very helpfull :D

[@ShadowBandit91]

ok I 98 ford mustang v6 got the hid kit with 12k hi lo beam my hi lo works I did the wire switch around but I got one that will point up and one that points down with I got to high beam I also have the same issue in my work truck ford f150 2006 any idea could they be upside down one of them LoL any ideas ?

[@mondeo984]

It converts the 12 VDC to around 80 VAC, but in order to ignite the HID it gives > 1000 V at startup. If you listen to the balast you can hear the switch mode circuit scaling up the voltage.

[@Shalashaska016]

Ordered a set from DDM Tuning (H4 35W 6000K Hi/Lo) for MC 06-10 Hyundai Accent Verna. I have no High Beam function what so ever. Not sure how to check wiring, bulbs, or ballast if they are both not working.

[@flightmedic7169]

I have a 2018 navigator reserve that I have been having electrical problems my turn signal goes out and then eventually both turn signal followed by the running light in the right side. If I replace the modules it works for a bit but then it does it again. Do you know how I could diagnose it or could this be my headlight causing this short. I replaced the harness and it keeps doing it. It was in an accident and the headlamps are from a junk yard. Thanks

[@Grady_OBS]

Ive got a question, so on my bulbs ive got a 9004/9007 setup on my f150. The bulbs dont come on at all but they retract when I turn the high beams on, could that be a bulb issue? im hopsing so as they are only 20$ for two to replace

[@niezalong7344]

sir can u help...1st day use hikari hid kit the light going white..then the 2nd day when its in raining the lights goes to purple but its only on the driver side..

[@newfieledman9164]

hello i was wondering if the Ballast supposed to be Grounded because the screw bracket are built in to it i just installed Hid lights yesterday in my 2003 Grand am and the issue that i have is that i they are 6000K and they look like Hell drivers side is Blue in color and the Passenger side is pure white, and when i go to start the car the passenger side strobe's to a flicker, i was told to switch around the the wires to match my headlight wiring input thin Red wire on right side of plug and black wire in middle and thick red wire on the other side so that is done but i did not ground ballast it is mounted on headlight frame plastic please help thanks

[@bilenpelle]

Cars that come with factory installed HID lights have these lenses for a reason, yes, they do blind less than converted HIDs. If you make sure you adjust your lights you won't blind other drivers, even with aftermarket lights. I know many people that have HID lights, both converted and stock, it doesn't blind me when i meet them on the roads. Neither have i had anyone flash their high beams at me for blinding them with my HIDs.

[@hairydeck]

I have a 2000 Acura TL and the driver side low beam won’t work I replaced the bulb still nothing I swapped the bulbs with the passages n it works what could this be

[@willsonbess1]

my fog light are on and off, what do you think could be the problem

[@daveogarf]

Thanks, Eric! Excellent presentation.Could you tell us why you decided to switch your halogen headlights for HID? What do you consider the advantages of HID lighting?I believe that I've heard that HID is not only brighter, but more sharply focused, and allows you to see farther down the road. I'm thinking that they may last longer than their halogen counterparts.Have they improved the focus and cutoff of these enough to make them less obnoxious to oncoming vehicles? I used to see that cold white light coming, and have to avert my eyes to avoid night blindness. Haven't seen that as much lately.Again, thanks! Please keep up the excellent work.

[@kikiboyman9875]

I have an 02 crv Japanese. I'm experiencing intermittent failure of the left high beam. I've checked relays and fuses, and I've replaced the bulb. I replaced the switch thinking that was the problem, and it still won't work. Help please.

[@Brandonvscars695]

the Intro to MCM is also good ;)

[@Zoidberg227]

Any advice on tracking down a headlight wiring issue (96 Sub Legacy 2.2)? Started with driver's side HL going dim, sometimes it would come on to normal brightness if I whacked the lens or the hood right above the light, but no more. Problem did not follow switching the lights. Today, the left HL fuse blew. When I replaced the fuse, the left HL was bright but the right HL was dim. Just as I got home, the fuse blew again. I put a brand new one in its slot and now they're equally bright. Thanks!

[@napalmx2]

would this issues as far as the bulbs,be the same possible with my 98 durango

[@guitartec]

Notice the highs aren't any brighter than the lows? They just seem to redirect the beams focus higher up. Mine do that too.

[@numero1latina45]

Super cute. Tomorrow is my bday. 😁 I'm trying to diagnose a headlight on my Toyota matrix. Looks like loose wires. Any ideas? Thank you!!

[@kennyhookah1150]

I have a 95 civic and i have hids on my car but when i use the right turn signal its good everything works when i use the left turn signal the headlights go out not the corner lights just the headlight with the hids what can it be

[@onlyuser5554]

Thanks again!

[@CheetoChop1]

Hey bro I need your help with some hid lights. Nobody has been able to help locally, online forums, KZbin, nobody. I have flickering and buzzing to the harness relay. Added error cancelers and still.

[@1234567890bmx1]

Should do one for hids on a tl 05???? The have stock ballist

[@hhopowerboy]

hey thanks just what I needed to know

[@dagonGate7]

my passenger side bulb doesnt want to light up after i have my lights on for more than 30seconds and close them. I play with the switch on/off until they work both. I replace the ballasts but still nothing grounds and connectors are good too. May my relay of my hid harness is problematic? I cant find a reason for it.Looks like they dont like to turn them after you close them.

[@THR36IX]

if somone can help, can i run a 35w ballast on passenger side and 55w ballast on driver side? im pretty sure my lassenger side ballast blew so i replaced it with one of my foglight ballasts which is 35w it worked out but im worried it might cause problems since thier both different. both are running 35w bulbs.

[@MrRobotmarshmallo]

Bulbs, ballasts, battlestar galactica. You know you read that just like Jim.

[@spyland21]

Hi eric. I have same problem but it's not the bulb. I replaced them both high and low beam with new once but still doesn't work. I tried to check the fuses but I can't find the light fuse. This is what happening. When you put it to low beam, the other side has low light ( not similar light coming out), then when I change it to high beam, the side with the low light shuts off, as in it's dead. What do you recommend to do? Btw, it's a 2005 subaru impreza 2.5rs.