Xenon headlight problem?Up date

[redgem]

One of my Xenon headlights has gone out but it seems to flicker and flash when the lights are first switched on?Its the dipped light so is it something to do with the ballast? :confused:I was wondering if bulbs,ballast and ignitor are covered by the warranty or are they classed as consumables?

[Richn83]

Could just be your bulb has gone, they work in a similar way to the strip lights you get in an office.  And when they flicker its either the ignitor the little cylindrical bit in the side, or the bulb is on its way out.

[kevinm]

Could also be the ignitor. Very very common on the mk4's

[redgem]

Thanks lads I"m going to get onto the stealers today see what they say?

[S2 Ant]

I'd be careful of what they say as they dont always get it right either. I'm not sure its that easy to get to your bulbs yourself or not, but the obvious thing to do if you're able to is to try swap the 2 headlight bulbs around to see if its bulb or igniter - as i say, prob easier said than done tho - cant remember how tight access is for the Golf

[Richn83]

and if you are going to start messing with the bulbs yourself, remember it gets very hot and the ignitors put out a ridiculously high voltage.  So be careful and from memory the bulbs are just north of £100 

[rich83]

Im just going to email my xenon contact in germany.... to see if he still shipping parts! If he is, ill be able to sort you out a pair of OEM bulbs for cheap (30-40 euros)

[danishmkvgti]

and if you are going to start messing with the bulbs yourself, remember it gets very hot and the ignitors put out a ridiculously high voltage.  So be careful and from memory the bulbs are just north of £100 

Actually ze germans are quite clever, as when you remove the starter from the bulb, the plug is automatically pushed out so that you don't get electricuted   

[redgem]

Yes I seen the lightning signal on the back of the cover.I took the cover off but could"nt see how you remove anything,bulb,ballast or ignighter.Access was crap you could"nt see inside very good.

[danishmkvgti]

Yes I seen the lightning signal on the back of the cover.I took the cover off but could"nt see how you remove anything,bulb,ballast or ignighter.Access was crap you could"nt see inside very good.

you just turn the igniter counterclockwise, plug pops off and lightbulb  is accesible after removing a collar (also counterclockwise) 

[TonyZed]

Swap the ignitor from left to right to see if the problem is the ignitor. If not the ignitor, swap the bulbs to check that. Finally swap the ballasts, which are bolted beneath the units. 

You do need to be a tiny handed ambidextrous contortionist with eyes on long stalks to do all this, but at around £100 for bulbs and ignitors, and £250ish for the ballasts you want to find the problem before you spend any money. Mind you, if you have a swear box with you, you'll soon have enough!

I bought an ignitor off Ebay, but while I was waiting for it to arrive i left the cover off the back of the h/lamp which allowed water to get into the ballast! Luckily for me I was able to dry it out before it caused any damage.

If you're anywhere near Southampton, I'll stand by with a drink giving precise instructions while you do it.  I have no skin left on my knuckles!

TonyZ

[rich83]

If you need xenon bits... let me know! I bought a set for 165 euros... (bulbs, ballasts and ignitors) and have worked 100% for well over a year now!