dr.west

my 05 C55 is in need of both headlight ignitors. I have searched a number of places and found several for around $150-$200 each range. I eventually opened up my headlights and removed the ignitors and did a search on the exact part number and came up with a smoking deal on Amazon for $60 each. Am I missing something here? If this is the exact part number, these should work right?

any input is greatly appreciated.

frejo

What is the problem with your current igniters?

Viper98912

It's most likely not the ignitor, but the ballast (the silver box)

dr.west

thx for the feedback. I tried a new bulb, but that did not do anything. I was told by the previous owner that both ignitors needed replacement. Sounds kind of far fetched to me for both to be out at the same time, but for now I am going one piece at a time until I find the problem. I will likely try the ballast next if the ignitors do not do the trick.

Viper98912

I've replaced two or three ballasts

frejo

What are the symptoms on bad ballasts? I am asking since one of my headlights sometimes flicker and I feel the light is rather weak.

Viper98912

Flickering, weak light, and doesn't turn on at all.

dr.west

well, the new igniters proved fruitless. Time to move on to new ballast. Anybody have a good source for new ballast?

thx!

Viper98912

ebay

frejo

Is it difficult changing the ballast? It seems kind of tight?!

Viper98912

It's a little bit of a pain. There's two bolts at the top and one on the side behind the fender. So you need to pull back the fender liner, pull off the side of the bumper, take out the front grill, unplug the fog light. Then you can peel forward the bumper a little bit, rotate out the headlight, and remove the ballast. Which of course, the ballast is located on the BOTTOM of the headlight.

dr.west

do your self a favor and just remove the entire front bumper. It looks a whole lot worse than it really is.

FYI - I ended up buying refurbished ballast from amazon for $130 each. We shall see, they have not been delivered yet.