Headlight brightness.

[robbo299]

I noticed the other night as i pulled up in front of my local shop that, according to the reflection in the shop window, my drivers side headlight did not appear to be as bright as the nearside. It was not a drastic difference but enough to notice. Could it be the ballast unit or the bulb? Checked the condition of the lens etc and it seemed ok. I was thinking of fitting nightbreaker bulbs sometime in the future and want to know if i have to change the ballast unit at the same time. Thanx.

[hotel21]

Do you have real xenons or projectors?

Do you have a beam height levelling roller to the left of the headlight on/off switch?

If no to the latter you have proper xenons with a ballast etc.  If yes, you have projector lights with no ballast and can fit nightbreakers.

[robbo299]

Thanks. Checked and no roller switch so i have real xenons with ballast. Checked lights tonight as i pulled up outside local shop again and found that drivers light brightness slightly dimmer again. When i turned them on after leaving shop noticed brightness both the same for approx 10 seconds then drivers light brightness dimmed slightly. Suppose that points to a ballast problem with that light? Are the ballasts easy to change and any idea of price? thanks.

[RobG]

Thanks. Checked and no roller switch so i have real xenons with ballast. Checked lights tonight as i pulled up outside local shop again and found that drivers light brightness slightly dimmer again. When i turned them on after leaving shop noticed brightness both the same for approx 10 seconds then drivers light brightness dimmed slightly. Suppose that points to a ballast problem with that light? Are the ballasts easy to change and any idea of price? thanks.

Swap the bulbs over first to confirm that it`s not the bulb failing. Easier to remove headlights to do it. If the ballast is at fault I`ve got one here, easy enough to change

[robbo299]

Thanks Rob. Good thinking. Will do  I may be in touch later then