Headlight/HID question

[jmw101]

I have a 2013 with a lot of miles on it, and for most of those miles I ran it with the headlights on (not just daytime headlamps). It is also my first vehicle with HID headlights. I am seeing some flickering of the lights at different times. Is this normal behavior for HIDs that are about to go out?

Anything else related to the headlights that I should look at?

 

[chilibit]

There are a number of threads on this. Mine flicker and I am not alone. You get used to it. That said, I have had at least a dozen cars with HID headlamps and the LC's are the only ones I have ever seen flicker. All were road cars. But my LC lights flicker on the interstate at bridge joints.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/flickering-front-leds.776103/#post-8958828

 

[jmw101]

Thanks for the reply and the thread link, Chilibit.

One thing -- I can see the flicker when parked in the garage. That's why I was wondering if this is early evidence of the HID bulb going out. It is the primary headlight(s) that flicker. But it is not 100% of the time.

Under normal circumstances, I would just replace bulbs and see. But it was eye-opening seeing how much HIDs cost...

 

[chilibit]

Frankly, I have never heard anyone say they saw flicker without a vibration caused by physical shock to vehicle. Perhaps your scenario is different. They are pricey. I remember ordering them on a vehicle in 1993 and the up-charge was 4K. Never had one fail though. I think I would satisfy myself with making sure that the service record on the vehicle reflected the situation in case they failed. Though they are likely considered 'wear' items and not covered under warranty. I don't really know. I wonder if the LX570's do the same thing. Just curious.

 

[jmw101]

Thanks, Chilibit. Your info helps me think through this one. I'll post the details of how this turns out.

 

[nhutnyak]

I have a 2013 with a lot of miles on it, and for most of those miles I ran it with the headlights on (not just daytime headlamps). It is also my first vehicle with HID headlights. I am seeing some flickering of the lights at different times. Is this normal behavior for HIDs that are about to go out?

Anything else related to the headlights that I should look at?

I recently purchased a 2015 LC and have the same issue. Driving or sitting still with lights on at night - I see a flicker - sometimes it is minor and sometimes it is almost like my lights are flashing. Inconsistent to a bump in the road or music or AC, on etc, have tried to repeat actions to find a cause, but nothing is apparent.

 

[Bunga]

My 570 doesn't flicker, ever. There is no need to stick to factory ballasts (or bulbs), lots of excellent choices on the market.

 

[jmw101]

I recently purchased a 2015 LC and have the same issue. Driving or sitting still with lights on at night - I see a flicker - sometimes it is minor and sometimes it is almost like my lights are flashing. Inconsistent to a bump in the road or music or AC, on etc, have tried to repeat actions to find a cause, but nothing is apparent.

I replaced the bulbs back then and the issue went away. Have not had problems since. Vehicle now has 345,000 miles on it; still no recurrence.

 

[Arcturns]

I have a 2013 with a lot of miles on it, and for most of those miles I ran it with the headlights on (not just daytime headlamps). It is also my first vehicle with HID headlights. I am seeing some flickering of the lights at different times. Is this normal behavior for HIDs that are about to go out?

Anything else related to the headlights that I should look at?

I, too, have a 2013 with 118,000 miles. I had a flicker start on the passenger side bulb and shortly after the drivers side started. Figured they were about to go out so I replaced with Phillips Xenon X-Treme Visons. A popular upgrade on the forum and much better so far than stock.

 

[nhutnyak]

I, too, have a 2013 with 118,000 miles. I had a flicker start on the passenger side bulb and shortly after the drivers side started. Figured they were about to go out so I replaced with Phillips Xenon X-Treme Visons. A popular upgrade on the forum and much better so far than stock.

Thank you. Mine is only on driver side so will do this afternoon. Hopefully, it is just that.

 

[nhutnyak]

Thank you. Mine is only on driver side so will do this afternoon. Hopefully, it is just that.

Replace both and likely Hi/DRLs that is.

 

[Bear Lake Cruiser]

I, too, have a 2013 with 118,000 miles. I had a flicker start on the passenger side bulb and shortly after the drivers side started. Figured they were about to go out so I replaced with Phillips Xenon X-Treme Visons. A popular upgrade on the forum and much better so far than stock.

I also have a 'new to me' 2013 with the flicker and even when parked in the garage. Did your phillips bulbs cure if for you now that its has been a couple of weeks? If so, do you have a link to the exact product?

 

[Arcturns]

I also have a 'new to me' 2013 with the flicker and even when parked in the garage. Did your phillips bulbs cure if for you now that its has been a couple of weeks? If so, do you have a link to the exact product?

I first noticed my flicker in the garage as well. It progressively got worse. Here's what I installed. Amazon product ASIN B00KKVPENMIt is also recommended to replace the rubber gasket on the housing.

 

[Bear Lake Cruiser]

I first noticed my flicker in the garage as well. It progressively got worse. Here's what I installed. Amazon product ASIN B00KKVPENMIt is also recommended to replace the rubber gasket on the housing.

Thank you. Pricey buggers but the flicker is annoying for sure. I assume the rubber gasket is a lexus/toyota part?

 

[nhutnyak]

I also have a 'new to me' 2013 with the flicker and even when parked in the garage. Did your phillips bulbs cure if for you now that its has been a couple of weeks? If so, do you have a link to the exact product?

Have yet to get to it. Too many options out there. Was looking at LEDs for the DRLs/High beam and the Phillips DS4 for the low beams.
Got an oil change at the local dealer and they said I had to replace ballasts too. Sounds fishy, don’t think that is the case.

 

[Arcturns]

Thank you. Pricey buggers but the flicker is annoying for sure. I assume the rubber gasket is a lexus/toyota part?

Definitely pricey, but the performance is great. The gasket is a Toyota part. I had a mechanic install and they were able to locate the gasket.

 

[Arcturns]

Have yet to get to it. Too many options out there. Was looking at LEDs for the DRLs/High beam and the Phillips DS4 for the low beams.
Got an oil change at the local dealer and they said I had to replace ballasts too. Sounds fishy, don’t think that is the case.

No ballast change for me. Plug and play with the low beams.