AWOL

I think my car is mad at me that I listed it for sale.

A couple days ago, my right headlight would start to flicker. I have an aftermarket HID kit so I thought it was just on its way out.

Well, long story longer - its not the bulb, and its not the ignitor. I swapped both from the other (working) side, and it still isnt working. They turn on just fine with the car off. I start the car, it flickers a little, I bring the revs up (in neutral) and it goes out, like clockwork. Every time.

I checked the connections, checked everything under the hood. I ordered a new voltage regulator for the alternator a days ago - prior to this problem, but Im getting 14.1 volts while driving so Im not sure thats the issue.

Just looking for some tips here, maybe a fresh idea of where/what to look at.

Again,. only passenger side has this issue.

AMG_RL

Did you check the control modules, my headlights were having issues too and replacing them finally cured it. They're the silver boxes mounted underneath the headlights.

AWOL

How would I go about testing them? I didnt notice any other modules besides my aftermarket kit

AWOL

Need help here people. I installed the new VR, but still:

Im getting 12.3 volts with the car off.

Im getting 13.4-13.6 at straight idle

Im getting 12.8 volts at idle + headlights on, before they turn off


Should they draw that much voltage? Seems excessive.

I get a good 14.1-14.3 driving + no headlights. My headlights go out when I rev it

pearlpower

35w bulbs? I do not have any issues with my 55w kit, but had flicker and error code with my 35w kit.

AMG_RL

You have to take off the bumper and pull the headlights out. There should two silver modules mounted on the bottom. Swap them between the working one and see of that solves it. FYI, if that is the issue its an expensive fix, my indy charged me $850 for a new one.

AWOL

Its a 55w kit. I can run straight high beams, if I unplug the low beams.

Do those voltage numbers look like what they should at? Can any of you fine gentlemen report back with your voltage numbers, at idle and no lights, and idle with lights?

Im trying to isolate the problem, whether its my alternator not making enough juice, or just a headlight issue.

Car runs fine, just cant drive it at night

emoving

I dont think he has the silver boxes. He has aftermarket xenons.........not factory. That is a factory box for the lighting package you are refering to.

AMG_RL

Oh got it, thanks for clarifying I must've missed that.

urbamworm

I could be wrong here, but I am pretty sure AMG RL is getting confused about the metal boxes under the light. That would be the ballasts (control module) for the lights mounted to the bottom side of the light for a factory xenon/hid headlight. Since the OP is saying he has aftermarket hid in the car (meaning it didn't come with hid lights) then he wouldn't have those boxes under there.

EDIT: damn it, it was already explained.

AWOL

whew, thanks guys. Yeah, aftermarket kit. Swapped ballasts, still same side with the issue.

urbamworm

To me it seems like there is a short in the stock harness if you swapped ballasts and the same thing happened. It seems like the logical thing at least. You didn't happen to notice anywhere that the wire was messed up somewhere or the plug had something going on? How long have these lights been in the car?

AMG_RL

yea sorry Scott I missed the part where u stated it was an aftermarket unit. Hmmm have you checked the wiring for voltage? My race car had faulty wiring which led to a headlight not working, everything else seemed to be working fine and it came down to a freakin .40 cent piece of wire causing all the headaches.

AMG_RL

We're on the same page buddy lol.

AWOL

Ive been running this same brand since I bought the car. I bought new ballasts and new bulbs maybe over a year ago. Ive checked all the wiring I could, and dont see anything a miss.

If the car is off, eveything works. If I start the car, they work, I rev it up, it goes out. I keep the car running, drop revs back to idle, turn the lights off and then on again and they work again. It has something to do with the engine speed, but even then Im showing 13.8-14.0 volts which is plenty to keep things energized.