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[richardgrey]

Hi there,

Recently I had my passenger side dipped headlight replaced at Halfords autocentre. I thought this would be the end of my drama.

However they said this hasn't fixed it and another part needs replacing, which powers the headlight. I can't remember the exact terminology as he quickly said after the total cost to replace 620 quid!!!!

This shocked me and unfortunately is not a cost that I can afford, I bought the car for only 800 pounds and that was 4 months ago, however the car has grown on me and I would like to keep using it.

It is a 2.2 litre diesel estate - Elite model.

Thanks in advance if there is anyone who can help.

Richard.

[flyer 0712]

Thats Halfrauds for you...they are fitters....fit this...fit that....and know nothing....i dont know too much about the xenon lights but i believe there is a black box on the headlight that could be the problem....no doubt someone on here will tell you exactly what you need and there are lots of spares available on here at great prices...so dont worry about it,,,,all will be revealed very soon 

[richardgrey]

Thanks for your reply... sounds promising...

It is such a solid car... and only has 100600 on the clock... I am sure it could just keep going and going no rust or anything else wrong...

[Andy B]

could be the ballast you need .......... a bit like the starter for a florescent tube. make a request for second hand parts .... I'm sure you'll get one from one of the resident breakers

[GastronomicKleptomaniac]

could be the ballast you need .......... a bit like the starter for a florescent tube. make a request for second hand parts .... I'm sure you'll get one from one of the resident breakers

This. Worth finding a local Omega guru to help diagnose, then source parts from here

[richardgrey]

Hi All,

How do I go about finding a local Omega guru...

I am based in Gloucestershire, but work in Warwickshire not for from Coventry, and I am often near Witney Oxfordshire... i am happy travelling about.

Thanks

[ted_one]

There are quite a few ballast units on Fleabay at the moment ....if you end up needing one Also please heed the financial health warning that comes with any association with Halfrauds, as in general they are pretty useless when it comes to anything that relates to the automotive industry as they are similar to Kwickcrap  i.e. pulse+ question...how many wheels does a car have? the job's yours.   The best place for your good self is to get the correct information/parts and in many cases practical help on here as it's a no nonsense one stop location that is purely Omega in which on occasions you might get a short sharp answer but it will be based on solid practical experiences accumulated over many years of Omega ownership.

[richardgrey]

Hi all,

So yes seems they confirm it is the ballast... but they originally called it another name.

Can anybody fix this and if so what price... and where are you based.

Thanks so much.

[amba]

Simple DIY job.

You need to remove the complete headlight unit from the car,which is only secured with 3 screws/bolts and a couple of push studs which secure the headlight trim and the black radiator cover trim.

Once removed ballast simple unplugs from light assembly and slides out of its retainer under the headlight unit.

Word of safety though.....Battery MUST be disconnected before you start doing anything.

You then need to leave everything well alone for 30/45 minutes to ensure any retained energy in the ballast has fully discharged before you start dismantling. 

[richardgrey]

I should have said I am terrible at this sort of thing... so wouldn't be comfortable with what you just said...

Is there anyone who would do this if I paid cash?

[TheBoy]

On your way to Cov, do you ever pass Brackley? (6 miles from Jnc 10, M40, 10 miles from Jnc 11, M40)

Happy to look at it.

[Andy H]

Omegaspares have a used one (for £49)  if you can't get one from a member on OOF

http://www.omegaspareparts.com/

[Broomies Mate]

If you can sort out the ballast (and I may have a couple, I'd need to check if they are working though).... if you pop down to Bristol on the weekend, I'd change it for a pint or two.

I'm hoping they re-fitted the original lamp?  Those from the likes of Halfords are nowhere near as good as the originals and will emit a different colour (especially seeing as the originals will be past their best).

[richardgrey]

Hi Broomies Mate...

I can get to Bristol no problem. Do you have a working ballast?

I can get there tomorrow but would need to leave about 1pm, or can be there Sunday up until 11.30 or after 3?

Thank you so much.

Rich.

[Broomies Mate]

Sadly, I only had the one Ballast pack and I've just binned it as it wasn't working.  Moisture must affect them after a while being stored. 

If you can get hold of one, I'd be more than happy to change it for you.

[amba]

Ive got 1 here you can have .

If you PM your addy I will get it sent, if you cover the postage .

Slight problem is it wont get near a post office until next Thursday as Im away until then.

[TheBoy]

OP sorted yesterday morning. It was indeed the ballast that had failed, although Halfords had done their best to wreck things.

[biggriffin]

OP sorted yesterday morning. It was indeed the ballast that had failed, although Halfords had done their best to wreck things.

Found two in garage on Sunday.