Headlight issue
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 3
2003 mercedes benz clk55 amg
Headlight issue
03 clk 55amg... headlights!! Flicker while driving, passenger low beam always konks out. Have to shut off and turn back on to reset.. sometimes all lights go out. Replaced interior switch, not that, bulbs, not that, checked wiring, looks fine... ballasts? Hss anyone done hid conversion? Oem ballasts are 400 each. Bought a hid or an led kit, forgot, and brand new oem headlights. Like to be one and done. Have to take the bumper cover off for the repair... ugh... help
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 586
Likes: 12
From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
I had the same issue on my C55 (same front end/same headlights).
First I replaced the ballast which worked. But I kept killing cheap amazon ballasts. (3 of em @ $35 a piece)
Upon closer inspection, the wiring inside the headlights was decaying and likely rubbing together and shorting out. I first repaired the wiring (sloppy job) which worked for awhile. But then it shorted out again due to my hack job.
The final solution was to pull two used headlights from my local pickNpull for $45 each. Problem solved!
It's crucial to make sure the headlight covers stay in place. Otherwise the heat of the engine makes it way inside the headlights and decays the wiring. The previous owner had removed both headlight rear covers for some reason and I think that helped cause the issue.
First I replaced the ballast which worked. But I kept killing cheap amazon ballasts. (3 of em @ $35 a piece)
Upon closer inspection, the wiring inside the headlights was decaying and likely rubbing together and shorting out. I first repaired the wiring (sloppy job) which worked for awhile. But then it shorted out again due to my hack job.
The final solution was to pull two used headlights from my local pickNpull for $45 each. Problem solved!
It's crucial to make sure the headlight covers stay in place. Otherwise the heat of the engine makes it way inside the headlights and decays the wiring. The previous owner had removed both headlight rear covers for some reason and I think that helped cause the issue.
