V8 Vantage - accessing headlight ballast

[JP V8V]

Hi all,

One of my headlights is not working properly. I'm fairly sure it is an issue with the headlight ballast. I have a replacement ballast ready to hopefully fix the fault. I thought the ballast would be located right next to the headlight unit itself; however, I'm either being blind or its hidden away somewhere.

I've jacked the car up and removed the small plastic wheel arch panel behind the headlight, however after unscrewing the sealed headlight unit inside the liner, I haven't been able to locate the ballast unit to my surprise. Does the whole wheel arch liner need removing to access it, or is it accessed from a different area altogether?

Is anyone able to advise step by step how to access the ballast for replacement?

Thanks in advance. Jon

[LordBretSinclair]

I've just looked at my Workshop Manual. Unfortunately there is nothing there relating to the ballast, just purely a replacement of the whole lighting unit if faulty

[divetheworld]

It's under the headlight. You need the arch liner out.

[JP V8V]

Thanks for the replies. I took the wheel arch liner off and it wasn't visible. Decided to take the air box off to see if it was hidden behind that, but still nowhere to be seen. It's got to be hidden somewhere in there, but it's beaten me! Time for the long trip up to Cardiff!

[J12KJR]

I can't help with where the ballast might be but why not call your service dealer, presumably from your post above Cardiff, and ask to speak to a tech regarding the location or try one of the independents with the same request.

[agaton12]

Are those really HID lights? The lamp connectors look like ordinary halogen connectors to me.

[divetheworld]

agaton12 said:

Are those really HID lights? The lamp connectors look like ordinary halogen connectors to me.

Jeez, well spotted that man. We all missed it. Those are halogen lamps, you don't have Xenon's mate!

Two choices, fit after-market HID kit or new bulbs. The dip beam is (55w) H11, you can frig a (65w) H9 to fit.

Edited by divetheworld on Friday 18th March 22:13

[Leroy007]

Hi. I’m having the indicator issue. Intermittent fault. Occasionally the near side front will double flash or stop. I don’t think it’s the head light unit. They all look good when it operates. I see there’s an indicator resister. Or possibly a relay issue. I had the liner out. Saw the resister. Or rather didn’t realise at the time that’s what it was. Now the liner is all back in place. Im hoping I can get to the resister via the access panel. I’ll update on this. I don’t want to take out the head light for repair or replacement. When it’s a £25 resistor or relay fault.