Headlight issue - not a typical dipped headlight thread

**audi_nightrider** · 07-11-2013 03:20 PM

I apologize if a similar thread has been discussed and solved before.

So problem is I can't quiet figure out whether it's the bulb or the ballast is going out. I'm hoping that its def. not the ballast....

It's the passenger headlight that is giving me trouble, it turns on but will turn off within 5 minutes. It will turn back on again if I turn the light switch on and off but it'll turn off again within 5 mins. Another thing that might help is that the temp color is different than the driver side. Instead of the factory stock 4300k temp, it is more white and I can say its about 6000k.

Any help is appreciated, want to resolve this asap as I don't want to deal with fix it ticket.

P.S. its a 2010 Audi Q5 Premium Plus and S-line if it matters(I know it doesnt lol)

TIA!

**Dcass08** · 07-11-2013 03:32 PM

I think the higher you go temp wise the more blue it gets. Have you tried swapping left and right to see if the problem moves?

**audi_nightrider** · 07-11-2013 04:50 PM

Actually haven't tried anything yet. Def. gonna try that tonight.

just wanted to get some feedback in case someone experienced the same issue/problem before.

**audi_nightrider** · 07-15-2013 12:48 PM

Well....haven't done anything due to the fact that I read somewhere that the automatic lever is easy to break. And I need to have a vag-com to change the bulb?

Don't want to remove anything yet before I make sure that it's easy to swap the bulbs myself without the possibility to mess up anything...mechanically or electronically.

taking it to the dealer is an option but I know it's gonna cost me about 2-3 times more.

TIA!

**spijun** · 07-15-2013 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by audi_nightrider

Well....haven't done anything due to the fact that I read somewhere that the automatic lever is easy to break. And I need to have a vag-com to change the bulb?

Don't want to remove anything yet before I make sure that it's easy to swap the bulbs myself without the possibility to mess up anything...mechanically or electronically.

taking it to the dealer is an option but I know it's gonna cost me about 2-3 times more.

TIA!

You do not need VCDS (vag-com)
Not D3S xenon already halogen bulb but very similarly replacement

http://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/20...ights/highbeam

**migsan** · 07-19-2013 06:08 PM

For the description I will tell thats a bulb problem.
You should swap the bulbs and see if the problem goes to the other headlight.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**audi_nightrider** · 07-22-2013 08:55 AM

can't quiet figure out how to remove the d3s bulb -_-

do you just pull it straight out or there's a clip holding it in place? sorry tried searching but can't find anything

**spijun** · 07-22-2013 03:05 PM

Video from post #5 and this

**2000UZJ** · 07-22-2013 07:16 PM

If the side that is creating issues is color shifting in such a new car, I would suspect a failing bulb. Generally a HID Bulb (D1S, D2S, etc) that colors shifts prematurely is a failing bulb. That being said, a ballast should not be shutting off the bulb (unless it senses a major issue, such as a D2S in a D3S/D4S socket). There may be a connection issue within. If you want to confirm it, you will need to swap ballasts side to side. A simple rule with HID systems...if the problem stays, it's the bulb. If the problem follows it's the ballasts.

Audi uses a D3S bulb, which is mercury free. If you want to increase output, I would look into a D2S bulb (you can notch the bulb to fit a D3S projector), however you may need to modify the bulb holder. I recently picked up a 2014 Q5 TDI and I am about to pull the headlights and do a clear lens swap, convert to a D2S (Osram 66240 SVS) and Denso Ballasts.

**audi_nightrider** · 08-06-2013 12:42 PM

^^ good to know, thanks for the inof. I'm pretty happy how bright the the D3s are as it is. Don't need anything brighter than that.

I ended up just getting a set of D3s 6000k to match the LEDs at a reputable local shop

Couldn't be happier how much whiter and slightly brighter they look from the OEM lights.

Link of the bulbs:
Clicky Click

**migsan** · 08-15-2013 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by 2000UZJ

Audi uses a D3S bulb, which is mercury free. If you want to increase output, I would look into a D2S bulb (you can notch the bulb to fit a D3S projector), however you may need to modify the bulb holder. I recently picked up a 2014 Q5 TDI and I am about to pull the headlights and do a clear lens swap, convert to a D2S (Osram 66240 SVS) and Denso Ballasts.

Please share more info about this mod when done.