gr8ness97

iTrader: (6)

** I've Searched, but I cant get a straightforward answer on my specific question. If there is a thread about this, just point me in the right direction **

I had my HID Low beam on the driver side flicker and go out last night on my 02 Max. I'm not very familiar with the inner workings of HID's (except they consist of a bulb and ballast and burn out easier should you touch them with the bare hands). The HID on that side doesnt even come on now.

I washed my car 2 hours earlier before it happen, not that it should make a difference, but I just wanted to make note since my hood doesnt fully shut on that side (at least until this weekend )

Soooo I need to get this replaced. I have 3 questions:

Question 1: What could have caused this to go out. Is this something that is typical this far into the car's life? (Mine has 120K on it).

Question 2: OEM or Aftermarket?

Question 3. Do I need to open up the headlight itself, as if I was installing Angel Eyes? Is this a good time to do that too should I go this route?

Metal Maxima

iTrader: (30)

1.) Swap out bulbs (Left to right or vice-versa). If it works on the opposite side replace the bulb.
2.) If the bulb does not light, swap the non-working bulb to the working bulb harness. If it lights, you're dealing with a ballast problem.

You can rule out the relay if the other lights in the lamp are working. Th bulbs are easily accessed from a rubber plug and help in with a spring clip. GL

rosader

iTrader: (1)

Just replace the bulb mine was already burned out when i bought the car at 72k but i had the dealer replace it. I would go aftermarket the OEM bulb from the dealer will run you $180 you don't need to open the headlight to change the bulb.

edit: I didn't see Metal's post, I would try that first to make sure it is the bulb

Mr. Brett

iTrader: (7)

If you wind up needing replacement bulbs, I think Sylvania makes a replacement for about $65.

Or you could cheap out and buy an eBay bulb. That's where I picked up my 3000k's. Haven't had a problem in three months.

Deckdout2

iTrader: (151)

If it's the bulb also, now would be a good time to change the kelvin to whatever you'd like.

gr8ness97

iTrader: (6)

From what I understand, 4300K is the OEM standard, yes?

Does it really get any brighter past that? I like the blueish/white ones.

tookrzy4u192

iTrader: (19)

4300k is OEM.. 6k will be white and 8k will be blue.. theres a few color charts around if you search.. you can probably find some on google.. and i get my replacement bulbs from ebay for $40 and have no complaint

Deckdout2

iTrader: (151)

That's correct. Actually, the higher you go up in Kelvin, the less the light output will be. Don't let that discourage you though, after all they are HID's for a reason and will ultimately be brighter then halogen in any Kelvin. I think anywhere between 6000k - 7500k is perfect.

gr8ness97

iTrader: (6)

Any place to look at other than Ebay? Or a preferred Ebay Seller?

Deckdout2

iTrader: (151)

You should support one of your sponsors here in the GD section. I'm sure there's a few that wouldn't mind selling you a good set.

gr8ness97

iTrader: (6)

Yea, thats not a problem. I guess I just need to find out who sells bulbs and/or ballasts.

tookrzy4u192

iTrader: (19)

the ebay seller i buy it from is HIDking or something of that sort..

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

You get what you pay for....Just remember that while shopping for ballast and bulbs, I would try to locate a new ballast of the same brand that the dealer uses I'm not 100% positive but I think that a Sylvania setup. The ballast should bolt up the same way to the bottom of the headlight assy!

AEMAXIMA01

iTrader: (3)

Also don't just buy one bulb. Buy two that way the bulbs match in color intensity, and should have similar longevity.

Metal Maxima

iTrader: (30)

Uhhhh, yeah, so did you ever try to figure out what the problem was?

gr8ness97

iTrader: (6)

No, I've been working all day. I was just gathering info so I can do that.

And I would replace them both at once. Going to give 6000K a try.

Metal Maxima

iTrader: (30)

Don't jump the gun, make sure it's the bulb and not the ballast.

Grand_hustle17

iTrader: (22)

i bought my bulbs from ebay also... touched em and all and it still works

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, I thought you found the problem already! More than likely it's your bulbs the ballast used by Nissan seems to be very durable/reliable....Sorry I jumped the gun

Professor

iTrader: (4)

If the bulb has a blackish color to it, its toast, the gas leaked out from where the lead wire go's in.

MillionBlades

Its like one thing after another UGHHH...

PART 1:

So my HID low beam light went out ( regular driving light) on my way to school this morning... Both lit up when I pulled out of the driveway. I noticed it 15 min later that only the driver side HID works. I put my high beams on and both sides work... so I don't think its a ballast problem.

Just want to know if I sould stick to Phillips OEM DR2 bulbs??? and are the OEM 35 or 55 Watt ??? From my search I think they're 35 watt...??? and is it ok to just replace 1 bulb??? since I'm gonna pay for around $80 for 1 bub w/ shipping from this site since its the cheapest I found


PART 2:
Also I found a site that offers a set of 2 6000K HID bulbs for $99. should I call them and ask whats the wattage on the bulbs???

and if I wanted to upgrade from stock 4300k to 6000K would it create ballast problems since I don't know the stock ballast output range.. would that F##K things up with my HID's...

THANKS

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

swap sides with the bulb I'm sure it's a bulb problem!

MillionBlades

I was gonna do that but I'll wait when my bulb arrives hopefully tomorrow or monday... I'll have my friend help me do it so I don't F*&K $#it up

I got it from ebay for $35 w/ free shipping hopefully its not one of those fake bulbs

When I install them I won't touch the bulb with my fingers... also the buyer says that "Also included are alcohol swabs to prep the bulbs before installation, ensuring their longevity" is that a proper procedure or is that BS???

byrdman164

iTrader: (4)

You only need to use the alcohol to get the oil off from your fingers if you touch the bulb, otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. I bought my bulbs from an ebay seller and haven't had any problems. One bulb ended up flickering and going out, which the seller sent me replacement bulb no questions asked. As long as they're D2R (or D2C, fits D2R/D2S) you shouldn't have a problem. But be safe about it and disconnect the battery if you're uncomfortable...I found out yesterday what happens when you don't do it right the first time and I got zapped and burned at work because some kid put HIDs in his mustang and didn't ground them properly (ended up grounding through the hood pins he drilled into the car, lame). The ballasts put out a lot of voltage (hence, the warning symbols!) so be careful. Other than that, don't drop the bulb or smash it and you'll be fine!

EDIT: Found this in the DIY section, if you're interested

http://www.moodym.com/maxima/tech/hid-replace.html

queenambeach

iTrader: (3)

If it is the bulbs, you can get replacement OEM bulbs on ebay for about $60....kit bulbs run hotter and are not the most durable.

MillionBlades

My HID phillips OEM bulb came in today... installed it and still doesn't work while my passanger side still works and so do the high beams on both sides. I didn't have the time to swap the working passanger side bulb since its getting dark outside.

This all happened after I installed 1 new FOG LED bulb on the drivers side... while the passanger side fog screws snapped off so I had no choice but to take it out.. leaving only 1 fog light working while I did not keep in on for no more than 5 seconds to see if it worked... 5 days later the drivers side HID goes out... still waiting for my replacement FOGs to come in...

After the installation of the new HID bulb I noticed that my fog doesn't work either since I only have 1 plugged in on the driver's side (which worked before)

Hoping that after I install the fogs things go back to normal...

Do you guys think??? a short??? BLOWN FUSE??? or a BAD BALAST???

MillionBlades

UPDATE ON MY NEWBIE PROGRESS:

Swapped both HID bulbs + the new one to the working passanger side.... all 3 HID bulbs work wasted $35... I installed two new ebay replacement fogs with holagen bulbs that came with them. FOGS work like new. Visually inspected fuses seemed unbroken now that leads to the driver side "ballast"....

WHAT'S THE EASIEST WAY TO TEST A BALLAST?

Called Nissan, they quoted me at $400 for one control unit and are there any cheap alternatives?

y2kmax

I have the exact same problem you are having !!!!!! have you had the problem resolved??? I checked fuses, relays, swapped bulbs balasts and only one works which is driver. Im going nuts, any help would be very useful. thanks

boost4age

I got the same problem but on the passenger side. After changing the HID's seems i need a new ballast for that side, i think the easy way is to get a HID kit.....