V8 Vantage LED headlight problem
Discussion
I have a bit of a problem with the LEDs in my 09 V8 Vantage headlights.
I stopped for fuel a few days back and noticed on walking back to the car that the drivers side LEDs were out whilst the passenger side were on - but by the time I had driven back home to take a closer look - both sides were on and everything seemed fine.
A few days later the opposite happened - the passenger side were out and the drivers side were on.
A few days later still - both seemed to be out - but on close inspection, they were both on but very dim.
Then tonight - drivers side on full, passenger side completely off - but this time I cycled the side light switch a few times and sometimes the drivers side would come on full, other times dim - and when they were dim - upon switching off they brightened momentarily before going out.
Any ideas what this could be? Loose connection on the headlight switch, PCBs on their way out?
I stopped for fuel a few days back and noticed on walking back to the car that the drivers side LEDs were out whilst the passenger side were on - but by the time I had driven back home to take a closer look - both sides were on and everything seemed fine.
A few days later the opposite happened - the passenger side were out and the drivers side were on.
A few days later still - both seemed to be out - but on close inspection, they were both on but very dim.
Then tonight - drivers side on full, passenger side completely off - but this time I cycled the side light switch a few times and sometimes the drivers side would come on full, other times dim - and when they were dim - upon switching off they brightened momentarily before going out.
Any ideas what this could be? Loose connection on the headlight switch, PCBs on their way out?
Well known problem which is expensive if your car is not under warranty as it requires a new headlight unit.
My understanding is that it's the ecb that powers the LED array that is the problem, but in true s
t design the ecb can not be changed by itself as it's built into the unit. Some people have managed to split the unit but it's not an easy task apparently. Plenty on here if you want to search for it.
£ 1000 for a new sidelight bulb, that's progress all right!
My understanding is that it's the ecb that powers the LED array that is the problem, but in true s
t design the ecb can not be changed by itself as it's built into the unit. Some people have managed to split the unit but it's not an easy task apparently. Plenty on here if you want to search for it.£ 1000 for a new sidelight bulb, that's progress all right!
Checked it again this morning - both side bars are on again. Weird.
I have put it in the garage with a dehumidifier on - if it is moisture getting in causing a short - hopefully I can drive it off after a few days of dry air.
If this is a known defect - which judging by the number of people who have reported this issue, it is - wouldn't it be covered by the SOGA? Clearly the headlight units aren't fit for purpose if they fail so readily and cannot be serviced. Replacing entire headlight units at £1000 a pop every few thousand miles isn't normal surely.
I have put it in the garage with a dehumidifier on - if it is moisture getting in causing a short - hopefully I can drive it off after a few days of dry air.
If this is a known defect - which judging by the number of people who have reported this issue, it is - wouldn't it be covered by the SOGA? Clearly the headlight units aren't fit for purpose if they fail so readily and cannot be serviced. Replacing entire headlight units at £1000 a pop every few thousand miles isn't normal surely.
Edited by Moonhawk on Monday 7th July 15:43
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