Headlight turns on for 20 seconds, then turns right off

[SCOTT2454]

Hi, I have a '99 TL with 225k miles. Both headlights turn on when I turn them on, but after 10-30 seconds one headlight flickers out.Does anyone know if I need to just replace the bulb, or is there something else that causes this behavior?

Thanks in advance,
Scott

[Acura2g]

Bulbs or ballast is bad.

[SCOTT2454]

Thanks Acura2g,

I don't know anything about HID lights. Could you tell me how to get to the ballasts? I didn't know they were even there with OEM headlights. I got the bulb out and it looks fine.

Scott

[Acura2g]

HID bulbs may look fine and not perform.

I'm not as well versed in the TL, but if you want a stock ballast replacement Tim in "ask the dealer section" can get you an OEM replacement and probably tell you how to replace it too.

[SpeedyChica]

I know this question is off topic but, have you ever had your tranny replaced? If so when? Just curious, never seen or heard of a TL having 225k on it. Not saying it's not possible.

[javaguy]

I have a similar issue with my 2000 tl. In my case, my passenger headlight turns off after some driving, the I turn the switch off/on, and the light turns on again. What did you end up doing?

[jfh123]

Originally Posted by javaguy

I have a similar issue with my 2000 tl. In my case, my passenger headlight turns off after some driving, the I turn the switch off/on, and the light turns on again. What did you end up doing?

I would try swapping the bulbs from side to side. If the problem follows the bulb then its the bulb. If the problem stays on the same side of the car then its the other crap (Inverter?, Igniter?, Ballast? All of which I have a limited understanding of at present)