Xenon headlights problems and troubleshooting
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Joined: May 2021
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Mercedes s350 2005
Xenon headlights problems and troubleshooting
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum and was hoping to get some help with my s350 2005 xenon headlights. The left side's xenon is not working and I'm trying to figure out why and how to as cheaply as possible, get this fixed. The bulb is a brand new bulb and I've tested this in the other headlight (working fine). The fuse seems to be fine and all the other lights were working. Some time ago, I even switched the bulb igniter between the headlights to see if it had something to do with that. So far, I haven't found any faults.
Currently I've taken the headlight completely out and taken a look at the inside wiring. I'm not a mechanic and have very little experience with electronics but will be able to supply pictures. From what I could see, there were some cracks on the insulation of the wiring inside the xenon compartment. This was on the green and red ones, mostly green, which I'm assuming is ground? I think I'm just out of my scope here and really just want to know what I should do next and how I can go about testing. In terms of tools, I have a multimeter but will probably need to buy some leads for this and most wrenches, sockets and screwdrivers needed to unscrew. May be good to mention, after removing the headlight, the other one (right headlight) started to not function correctly. Is this normal? Prior to removal, it was functioning fine.
I'm thinking of just buying a new headlight unit from a wrecker at this stage, but have also heard that this may be a ballast problem too. Any help is much appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
I'm new to the forum and was hoping to get some help with my s350 2005 xenon headlights. The left side's xenon is not working and I'm trying to figure out why and how to as cheaply as possible, get this fixed. The bulb is a brand new bulb and I've tested this in the other headlight (working fine). The fuse seems to be fine and all the other lights were working. Some time ago, I even switched the bulb igniter between the headlights to see if it had something to do with that. So far, I haven't found any faults.
Currently I've taken the headlight completely out and taken a look at the inside wiring. I'm not a mechanic and have very little experience with electronics but will be able to supply pictures. From what I could see, there were some cracks on the insulation of the wiring inside the xenon compartment. This was on the green and red ones, mostly green, which I'm assuming is ground? I think I'm just out of my scope here and really just want to know what I should do next and how I can go about testing. In terms of tools, I have a multimeter but will probably need to buy some leads for this and most wrenches, sockets and screwdrivers needed to unscrew. May be good to mention, after removing the headlight, the other one (right headlight) started to not function correctly. Is this normal? Prior to removal, it was functioning fine.
I'm thinking of just buying a new headlight unit from a wrecker at this stage, but have also heard that this may be a ballast problem too. Any help is much appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
Be sure that you know what type of headlamps you have...
One type uses a xenon projector for the low beam, and a separate halogen bulb to add light for high beam. The xenon projector is on for both low and high beams.
One type, usually called bi-xenon, uses one xenon projector/bulb, with an electrically-operated shutter to expose more of the bulb for high beam. There is a separate fog lamp halogen bulb, but no separate low beam bulb.
And, of course, be certain that you are getting the correct unit for left-hand drive or right-hand drive.
One type uses a xenon projector for the low beam, and a separate halogen bulb to add light for high beam. The xenon projector is on for both low and high beams.
One type, usually called bi-xenon, uses one xenon projector/bulb, with an electrically-operated shutter to expose more of the bulb for high beam. There is a separate fog lamp halogen bulb, but no separate low beam bulb.
And, of course, be certain that you are getting the correct unit for left-hand drive or right-hand drive.
