My 2003 SE 5.5 Gen passenger side HID light is out. When the lights are turned on, it will flicker a couple times then stay off. All of the other lights work and I've checked/swapped the relays and fuses for each side to make sure it wasn't that. Obviously a bulb is going to be cheaper than a ballast, but if it seems much more likely to be a ballast issue, I'll pursue that. Any other ways of narrowing it down without swapping the ballasts around or swapping the bulbs (or replacing them based on age)?

 

Not really, I'd say swap bulbs. if the problem moves it's the bulb, if not it's the ballast. There's only two bolts holding each headlight in, it's not difficult or time consuming.

 

^exactly how to narrow it down

 

Did the light from the bulb change color before it stopped working? When one of my stock 4300k's burnt out, the light turned pink then reddish then purple and then deep blue before it stopped working completely.

But like everyone else has said, it really is easy enough to swap the bulbs to see if thats the problem. Just remember to disconnect the battery while you're swapping them.

 

i have the same exact problem last night it flickered and shut off so my dad told me to run it down the street to give it juice and i did and it turned on 2day it doesnt even flicker. i dont recall it changing colors but i want to swap the bulbs tommorow to check i already checked the fuses and they were good. ppl on the 5th gen page says its the ballast i hope not any inputs?

 

Sounds like ballast issue to me. Between OEM ballast and OEM bulb, the ballast has more chance to die than the bulb due to water/moisture that turns to rust or just simply short circuit it

 

its probably the ballast i would assume i use to have a vis invader hood on the car so the **** got wet often i traded the hood away tho. you think i should get aftermarket brand new or used oems? i cant afford from the dealer

 

@OP it's the perfect time for some CBI's.

 

Bad ballast just had the same exact situation, changed the ballast and good to go
Look at them now

 

funny thing.... my right light went out so i bought bulbs. turn the car on this morning a the light is working. dam....

looking at it i can see what looks like condensation on the inside of the projector. thinking about it and looking back. that light always fogs up when i wash the car.. do i need a new headlight assembly?

i am gonna get in there and see whats going on...

 

dang i wish it wasnt the ballast im still gonna swap bulbs like they said up there ^ cause to check that it just takes time. is there any aftermarket alternatives that doesnt bust in a short period of time

 

I have a spare HID ballast (OEM, comes from a 2003 housing) that I can send to you for $20? PM me if interested.

 

do u have a set? cause i actually found out i have aftermarkets -_- and its not good to mix. but ill let you know otherwise. 20 is a really good price

 

Are you using the stock HID bulbs or aftermarket? When i put my aftermarket HID bulbs in, one would flicker or not turn on. All i had to do was turn the lights off, then on again and the problem would be fixed. This only happened during the first week of use. I'm guessing some bulbs need a break in period to be 100% effective. Take one bulb out & swap into the other headlight housing. If the bulb does the same thing in the other ballast, its the bulb. Just give it a week to "break in" & if that doesn't work, you will have to get a new one.

 

Swapping bulbs is the best idea to narrow it down.

You can also cycle the ballast/bulb. My right side always goes out after starting (on when key is on, then loses just enough power while cranking that it cuts the right side out. If I turn the lights OFF, wait 2 seconds, then turn them back ON, both work fine.

I'm not really sure what my problem is, but I really DGAF much either, I just always remember to cycle it and it's fine. If it ever goes out I'll deal with it.

MAN, this car really has become my 2nd car that I don't really care about, LMFAO. CEL's on, ABS/SLIP/TRAC lights, blah, blah, blah. I'll never buy another Maxima, there is always SOMETHING wrong with these damn cars.

 

I'll check it out when I get home... I think I may have 2. I'll let you know.

 

i put the working bulb in the one that didnt work today and it worked! so ima order new bulbs. and thanks for checking gizmo.