Intermittent offside dipped light

[jonrichkl]

Hi All,

I've been quietly enjoying the site for some time but now i'm hoping you may be able to help me solve a strange fault; the offside xenon dipped beam headlight on my MY11, 120k KM D4 SDV6 SE has recently become intermittently functional. Generally, I leave the headlights on 'auto' setting, and recently I noticed said light wasn't working. A quick off on again and the light lit instantly (and consistently, when repeated). Since then I've noticed it flicking on and off whilst driving and in traffic. It doesn't strike me as a loose connection as a) it isn't flickering and b) it restarts on command with a simple off/on and c) it can come on/off even when the vehicle is not moving; limited vibration. Some other observations; the colour of the light is consistent with the passenger side bulb (so maybe the bulbs aren't on the way out?), the lights and bulbs are original and I've also noticed the 'Lights On' warning message display briefly on starting the vehicle even though the lights are in Auto mode, the doors shut and engine running. Its this last point that makes me think, maybe its an electrical control unit glitch rather than faulty bulb or ballast pack.

i'd be grateful to know if others have had similar issues or have a diagnosis.

Cheers for any help in advance.

JR

[101RRS]

I've been quietly enjoying the site for some time but now i'm hoping you may be able to help me solve a strange fault; the offside xenon dipped beam headlight on my MY11, 120k KM D4 SDV6 SE has recently become intermittently functional.

Offside - Is that the passenger or drivers side?

[PeterJ]

Yes, had exactly the same thing recently, but near side (curb) light. My globe(s) needed replacing. The one that was flashing intermittently did not stop working completely but went dull. When I removed it it had a definite brown inner tinge. l Bought a new pair from powerbulbs in the UK and fitted them 2 weeks ago, the one that was still working was also showing signs of failure, photo below. I too have always left the lights on "Auto" but not I don't anymore, not sure if it really has any effect but the short duration on-off that you get going through underpasses and the like is probably not good for bulb life.

Peter149593

[jonrichkl]

Offside - Is that the passenger or drivers side?

Sorry, should have just said drivers side!

[jonrichkl]

Yes, had exactly the same thing recently, but near side (curb) light. My globe(s) needed replacing. The one that was flashing intermittently did not stop working completely but went dull. When I removed it it had a definite brown inner tinge. l Bought a new pair from powerbulbs in the UK and fitted them 2 weeks ago, the one that was still working was also showing signs of failure, photo below. I too have always left the lights on "Auto" but not I don't anymore, not sure if it really has any effect but the short duration on-off that you get going through underpasses and the like is probably not good for bulb life.

Peter149593


Thanks Peter, hopefully it’s just a bulb then. Have the new bulbs been a complete fix? How come you sourced from the uk and would you recommend? I’ve read a little bit about difficulties of sourcing OEM bulbs in Aus but not enough to know I need to look to the Uk. I take you needed only bulbs, no ballast etc? Cheers

[PeterJ]

Have used powerbulbs a couple of times, much much cheaper than anything I could get in Aus, unfortunately. First class mob to deal with, bulbs are single unit so just put them in and yes, fixed the problem completely, I bought Osram Night Breaker but there are a selection based on what you want to pay. If you look into the headlight reflector carefully you can see the discoloured globe, or just take one out, it is very easy if you do not have a roo bar.......Peter