How can I tell if a headlight problem is the bulb or something else like the ballast or a short?

Question

The driver’s side headlight on our 2014 Buick Enclave comes on and lights up...until it doesn’t. It stays on a short period and then goes out. I don’t want to pay 400 dollars to have it changed (it is a whole jack up the car, remove the tire, peel back the inside fender plastic thing to get to). But that might be the cost of owning and maintaining the car. What I don’t want to do is pay for a bulb to be replaced and it actually be a ballast or something else. If the bulb comes on for any period and then goes out, that seems to point to a problem other than the bulb itself. Any insight on this would be appreciated. Thank you

Anonymous · Answer

A dirty connection. Taking it off and spraying it with cleaner is probably all they need.

Anonymous · Answer

Well you either get it fixed or you are stuck with bad headlights.  Your choice.

Stpaulguy · Answer

Here's a troubleshooting guide for HID

thebax2006 · Answer

I've never run into a ballast that would go off after warming up. If you're not going to inspect all the wiring or connections in the headlight assembly yourself I'd recommend going to the dealer just in case they have a recall on the problem or a mechanic TSB report to fix the problem.

David · Answer

Get rid of the car and ride the bus, it's a lot cheaper. Thanks for asking.

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How can I tell if a headlight problem is the bulb or something else like the ballast or a short?

5 Answers