Bulb/ballast removal

[Imola_Sid]

Hi guys,

Quick one really. The drivers side headlight bulb went slightly discoloured and shortly after it stopped working.

Went to take it apart to switch the bulbs to check if it's the bulb or ballast and I noticed smoke coming out of the part pictured below



Has this happened to anyone before, any thoughts?

Also, how do i remove the bulb (don't want to break anything)?

Cheers
Sid

[Shoppinit]

Can't see where the smoke is coming from. From inside the headlight unit?

[grizz]

The black and red cover just pulls off the bulb . Check the inside of the connection as it could have melted the connector ..

[Imola_Sid]

Cool, will have a go tomorrow.

Smoke was coming out the red & black part

[Imola_Sid]

Bit of an update?

Pulled it apart today. Here a couple of videos and pics.

I'm guessing I need a new bulb and ballast/wiring.

Seen one on ebay for £35. Guessing they'll be pretty dear from Audi.

Any idea what's happened?





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZASKcFI ... ata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjRONDs4 ... ata_player

[SteveH]

Those bad boys use some serious juice when in use... chances are a touch of moisture caused a short.

[swannny]

blimey, think i'll check the gaskets on mine before i wash my engine this week!

so can you buy the red holders seperately from main dealers?

[Imola_Sid]

Is anyone running aftermarket HIDs?

I've had them on all my previous cars and i've never been dissapointed. Saying that none of my previous cars had xenons.

The kits are only circa £70. Was wondering if anyone is using these on their RS6?

There's a used genuine ballast and bulb on eBay for 30 odd quid (its like £300 in total for ballast and bulb from Audi).

Any thoughts?

[SteveH]

IIRC, it's over £500 parts and labour from Audi stealer.

[Imola_Sid]

Just got the parts.

Any rough guides on changing the ballast and bulb?

Does the headlight or bumper need to come off?

Cheers

[bilko1]

Lights come out without removing bumper if that helps.

[Imola_Sid]

Got it done today morning.

The headlight will need to be removed. It's held with 3x star shaped screws (2 on top & one through a hole on the left), its also clipped in on the right hand side.

The ballast is held under the lamp and is easy to remove and replace (one screw).

I think I need a new set of bulbs tough as they don't seem to match. One is yellow-ish and my original was a lot more blue. Will get a new set ordered off eBay.

Paid £30 for a used ballast and bulb so was a result considering the new prices.