Flickering HID Headlamp Vantage

[steveatesh]

My 11 year old Vantage 4.7 has a flickering HID dip beam headlight. Anybody had similar at all and repaired it themselves?

I recall a a similar problem on a Mere CLK I had years ago, I believe I changed the HID Discharge unit or something like that.

On the Vantage is it a DIY job or garage help?

Also, if DIY anybody know if the HID unit has an equivalent Ford/Volvo part number please?

Thanks in advance.

[milu]

Just the bulb I imagine. It’s a diy job if you’re happy to remove the wheel and lamp cover. Hid replacements about £50 each last time I looked. I would do both to keep colour the same

[vernierMike]

^^ I think it's most probably the bulb too, I had the same problem on my Mercedes and it's a cheaper first fix. I'd have a look at Euro's when their site is back up and running? And as suggested, good to change both as even a tiny colour difference is not a good look.

As suggested in other threads, they should be left for a good while to discharge the high voltages they run. Not funny to get a bolt from one of those, I'd imagine.

As far as DIY, I don't know, has anyone done this? A wheel off and access through the hatch in the wheel arch seems sensible, if you're happy with that then all good???

[8Tech]

Easy job, see here....

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=14...

[AM4884]

If/when the bulb finally dies it is not uncommon for the transformer/driver to die.

You might consider replacing the bulb in advance of failure to avoid this. I recommend spending the extra on a brand name bulb (eg, Phillips).

YMMV,
Larry

[huntsen]

If you decide to replace the ballast unit:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...
They are generally available at considerably less than AM list.
Bulbs rarely blow. The part no is 4G43-37-10226

[steveatesh]

Thanks for your help everybody, has to be sorted and your advice is really appreciated. Not sure whether to DIY it or not yet......

[steveatesh]

huntsen said:

If you decide to replace the ballast unit:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...
They are generally available at considerably less than AM list.
Bulbs rarely blow. The part no is 4G43-37-10226

Thanks for that, really helpful.