Mk5 xenon headlight issue

Uli666 · Nov 25, 2015

Hi guys,

over the past few weeks I've noticed the passenger side xenon headlight of my Mk5 does not ignite on first attempt. I have to turn lights off for a moment (generally few seconds are enough) and then when I turn them on again it comes alive.
When it is on it works fine and I can't notice any fade or changing on colour, it is just annoying more than anything...

There's a way to know for sure if the problem is the bulb, the ballast or the igniter? I would like to avoid buying the wrong part for nothing...

Thanks!

Uli666

Redemption · Nov 25, 2015

Could swap the bulb from your other headlight and see if it does the same? Then try swapping the Ignitors.

Uli666 · Nov 25, 2015

Good idea, thanks!
Is the swapping of bulbs/ignitors a long or complicated work? How much do you think it will cost me asking that to a mechanics?

Redemption · Nov 25, 2015

It's not complicated but there's not much space behind the headlights to get your hands in. Probably looking at maybe 30 mins maximum to swap them around.

Don't touch the ignitors unless the car has been switched off for a while as you can get a nasty shock.

Here's a guide:-

http://www.r32oc.com/topic/130225-replacing-d2s-xenon-bulb-mk5/

Uli666 · Nov 28, 2015

Thank you! I'll try to ask my mechanics to do the swap.
Just to be clear: what is the difference between ballast and igniter?

Redemption · Nov 28, 2015

As I understand it the Ballast makes sure the bulbs are getting the correct voltage and the Igniter initially ignites them.

Mk5 xenon headlight issue

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