HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS! HELP!

[mshuemaker]

I NEED SOME HELP! I have a 2003 MINI S, and am having headlight issues.
The passenger side low beam will not come on, and it's definitely the HID bulbs.

I bought 2 new bulbs (for an amazingly high price) but to no avail.

Does anyone know how I can test to see if it may be the ballast, or control unit without driving all the way to Nashville to the MINI dealer?

-Or possibly have any other suggestions on what the problem could be?

Thanks in advance.

-M

[Djo]

Sorry I don't know much about the HID lights or if they are easy to check, but if noone in the club can help you figure it out, European Auto Garage may be able to help you track down the problem. But hopefully someone here knows whats going on with it.

[009mini]

I have absolutely no idea since mine is the first car I've had with HIDs. Can the ballasts be unplugged and switched from side to side? If so, could at least rule out bulbs and wiring. Good luck!

[eurotech]

If you still need help, we would be glad to check it out for you. Give us a call at 938-3876 (Eurotech Knoxville).

Janis

[Coyttl]

Just some basic troubleshooting - if you replaced the bulbs and still no go, take out the entire unit and plug it in to the other side. (The driver's side connection.) If it DOES LIGHT there, then you simply lost a fuse or have a wiring issue - cut wire under the bonnet? If it does NOT, then it's more than likely your ballast. (Tho, it COULD be the connector on the unit, but unlikely.)

Good luck.

[mshuemaker]

;D ;D

Thought I'd share the latest on the headlight issue.

The ballast. That's all it was. The dang ballast.

Didn't want to buy a new one ($400)...but found a used one on eBay for $89 all the way from Canada. lol

Took 5 minutes to replace - and that's all she wrote.

[Djo]

Sounds like a good fix right there, I love cheap and easy; just don't tell my wife!