nc911

Hello RL'ers,

Could use some electrical help.
My headlights are slow to turn on.
Typically, there is a few seconds (2-60) of no light, flickering light, then both come on. Pulsing high beams sometimes get the lights to kick on. Once on, no problems.
Fuses are ok so my next suspect is the relay.

Advice?

- where is the relay located?
- other experience, suggestions?

2001 with Bixenon.

TIA

George

Dennis C

A flickering HID bulb is often a sign of impending bulb failure. Have you ever changed them, or are they the original bulbs?

If you do change them, always do it in pairs. HID bulbs lose intensity and the color changes over their life. I put new bulbs in my C4S a few months ago and the difference was dramatic.

No HTwo O

I wonder if the ballast is going out??

nc911

No HTwo O.
Where is the ballast?

No HTwo O

Sorry, not sure. Somewhere in the wire harness for the lights.

fpena944

It could also be the headlight switch. I had similar symptoms on mine so replacing the switch fixed it.

Try banging on the switch when it is flickering - if it works then you know its the switch and not the lights. Easy fix and relatively inexpensive too.

fpb111

Check your alternator/battery voltage when you first turn on the lights. The alternator may not bring up a weak battery enough to help "pop" the lights on.
I think the ballasts are on the light assys.

Dennis C

The ballast is in the light assembly, right behind the bulb.