Xenon question

[Craig_T]

Had a search but couldn't find what I wanted so...

When I turn my lights on, they come on (gradually warm up) to be really bright after a few seconds but then after about a minute they have dulled back down to what I would say are just normal halogen bulbs..

I have a 02 plate S3 with xenon headlights as standard. Are the bulbs gone? Is this normal? Is something else wrong?

If I replace the bulb, which one of these would they be? Specialists in HID conversion kits, HID Xenon Conversions kits & Xenon Bulbs - Xenon HID Headlight Upgrade Kits from HIDs DIRECT Ltd

 

[Nilz]

When you turn on xenons, they are faded and will brighten up, not too sure about dulling back down again, maybe its that they are levelling themselves and getting to the desired temp and level that makes it seem as though they are going dull again.

Also, are they new bulbs or the originals, if so, you have to consider that the bulbs you have maybe nearly 10 years old now, so could do with a change.

 

[Craig_T]

They are most likely the original bulbs I would presume. I know they are supposed to go bright, I jsut don't get why the dull back down afterwards which is what makes me thing they must be old/worn/dying or whatever now? But is it the bulb, or are the ballast things broke or what?

Craig

 

[Craig_T]

Which bulb would I need to buy? Specialists in HID conversion kits, HID Xenon Conversions kits & Xenon Bulbs - Xenon HID Headlight Upgrade Kits from HIDs DIRECT Ltd

 

[Nilz]

It wont be the ballast that needs replacing, more than likely it will just be the bulbs.

You need to get d2s bulbs, this is the fitment for them and you can get them cheap enough from Ebay.

Just remember that the higher the K rating, the less light is output...i believe standard is 4300k, however most people upgrade to the 5,6 or even 8k rating, personally I have gone for the 6k and they are spot on for me.

D2S HID Xenon Replacement Bulbs - Xenon HID Headlight Upgrade Kits from HIDs DIRECT Ltd

 

[NHN]

I would get the levelling system checked to make sure they are set to mot spec, someone with vcds & an mot lense would be good start, whereabouts are you?

 

[scoopo16]

Hi all,

I have a 2001 model S3 with xenon lights, although the lamp itself is an aftermarket FK Automotive (see link below) the lighting component is still the factory OEM fittings.

(Tuning FK Automotive | Headlight Angel Eyes Set suitable for Audi A3 (type 8L) yr. 01-03 black RHD/LHD | purchase online)

Basically whats happened with mine, the light can come on the minute you turn the switch but after a few minute just knock off which triggers HUD to show the bulb out symbol.

I've doubted the bulb was the problem from the get go as, they were changed recently. In addition to this there is a whinning noise coming from the light itself. I'm suspecting its the control unit (ballast) but ETKA 7 parts search is saying the ballast is non-exchangeable.

I'm a bit lost here with this one, if anyone's got some info it would be good to hear your feedback.

Here is a link to a video I recorded of the bulb removed from the light (showing its working fine, but listen for the whinning noise).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qew254pfiweeihv/VIDEO0041.mp4

Also do these lights have igniters?

 

[NHN]

Swap bulb sides & see what happens then.

Ballast can be bought seperate if oem, but dont condemn without testing with swapping sides of parts.