Wakenbakon

2002 gle the drivers side headlight turns on and it will flicker a couple times and then go off and I will have to disturb the headlight to get it to come back on. which usually just consist of me getting out and banging on the light I was wondering if 5th gen has common headlight problems I was hoping it wasn't the ballast

Derrick2k2SE

iTrader: (3)

I've not heard of the ballasts failing on these cars. I'd start by wiggling the wires to the bulb. The harness or plug could be chafed or corroded. Chances are you'll be able to recreate the problem. If banging on it helps that means the problem is narrowed down to that area.

Either way, these cars are common it the salvage yards. You could find the whole assembly, with the ballast, for cheap.

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

i have the same exact driver side flicker with full OEM set up, and cant figure it out, i kinda feel that it is a body mount kind of problem caused by my increased engine vibration at idle or park because once i get back on throttle or even let off the brake to neutral it goes away, electrical does seem a possiblitly though, but idk...

i have a grounding kit, but i will look into at as Derrick suggested to replicate the problem.

TallTom

It's most likely the bulb. Swap the driver and pass side bulbs and see if the flicker moves with the bulb.

Wakenbakon

I will try and find time soon to do that I will post back with results

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

You can swap other components from side to side as well. I always start with what's easiest to hardest so bulbs followed by ballasts and then igniters (if needed).

You can also try taking needle nose pliers and tightening the metal center of the igniter(s). They can become loose and stop making a good connection.

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

thanks brother! gonna do this soon,

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

so i witnessed my flicker move from side to side on different occurances when it decides to flicker. its about 1 out of 5 drives (with lights on) the light slightly flickers , only usually noticeable at red lights against the rear bumper in front of me, very confusing... this has been going on 2 years now. no other issues .

i still need to take the needle nose pliers and check the center metal of the igniter connection

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

I personally swapped to LEDs and got rid of the entire HID system.. Similar performance without all the extra crap.

ukmastermind

I have the same problem on my 03 i35. Every little bump in the road makes only the driver side flicker, but all the connections look tight. I put in a new HID bulb 3 months ago.
Such a pain to remove the entire headlight assemblies.

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

that says a lot brother ! i guess LEDs have come a long way ! bring on 2020 , so chris care to share what kind of bulb you got? how does the conversion go??? do the LED's need diff power? no ballast? how about power?

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

i noticed today pullin up at work this am, the driver was flickering and the color was actually very very slighty darker and dare i say a tiny pink compared to the passenger, it could just be me, but we all know what pink means.... on its way out... sigh....i still don't think that is why it flickers though because the flicker moves from side to side.... ughh and has been doing it for 2 plus years... idk...

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

You have to get power/ground off the harness that goes to the ballasts and either splice the LEDs straight on or use connectors for some PNP action. They're not as bright but almost.

I'd have to find the Amazon link. These are one of the few that have good performance (due to their design) and don't cost an arm and a leg.

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

sounds pretty easy ! thanks for the info !, and when finding a bulb did you have to care about our headlight being reflector and d2r bulb etc? you should post pics when you can ! =)

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

Honestly these reflectors are already set for HID so the LEDs perform well in them. Not a ton of extra glare like if they were dropped into halogen reflectors.\

I'd take pics but my dad is using the car it's in NYC most of the time. I think I have an output picture somewhere I'll see if I can find it.

ChrisMan287

iTrader: (34)

Fog lights are yellow Nokya halogen bulbs.

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

nice !! thanks for the picture man! loooks awesome and close to stock or a super white like a 5000k,

ukmastermind

I hit a bumpy patch last nite on the freeway and after 3-4 flickers, the drivers side turned off. Had to do a quik on/off to get it back on, so it looks like whatever the problem is, it's getting worse.