low beam headlight off but sometimes on - wtf? (bulb, ballast, etc?)

[Roman-dude]

The driver's side low beam is mostly out but sometimes it comes on (for a minute or for a day). It also seems to momentarily flicker when I turn it on but that's all. From what I understand, the relay is one for both headlights, so it's not that. The fuses are also ok. Any idea if it's more likely to be the bulb or the ballast or something else entirely? Have the bulbs, can't say I am eager to buy a new ballast if it may not be that. The fact that the bumper needs to come off for this is not helping.
Thanks!

[Tres3]

Switch the bulbs from side to side. If the issue follows, it's the bulb. If not, may be ballast.

Also check connectors for corrosion while you're at it.

[MSMS3]

Originally Posted by Roman-dude The driver's side low beam is mostly out but sometimes it comes on (for a minute or for a day). It also seems to momentarily flicker when I turn it on but that's all. From what I understand, the relay is one for both headlights, so it's not that. The fuses are also ok. Any idea if it's more likely to be the bulb or the ballast or something else entirely? Have the bulbs, can't say I am eager to buy a new ballast if it may not be that. The fact that the bumper needs to come off for this is not helping. Thanks!

What year model? Sport or GT? They use different bulbs/systems. Sport is regular halogen. GT is HID xenon, at least that was one of the differences in Gen 1 MS3 cars.

[Tres3]

Originally Posted by MSMS3 What year model? Sport or GT? They use different bulbs/systems. Sport is regular halogen. GT is HID xenon, at least that was one of the differences in Gen 1 MS3 cars.

Also, 3 or 6?

[Jeff23spl]

get 2 brand new bulb first as old bulbs gives less output and could be harder on the ballast start circuit...
then a ballast

[MSMS3]

Originally Posted by Tres3 Also, 3 or 6?

Maybe OP will tell us what car he has if we are to help him. MS3? Gen 1 or Gen2? Year model? Sport or GT or MS6?

[Tres3]

Originally Posted by MSMS3 Maybe OP will tell us what car he has if we are to help him. MS3? Gen 1 or Gen2? Year model? Sport or GT or MS6?

I looked thru his other posts - '08 MS3, but no indication what trim.
OP?

[Jeff23spl]

Originally Posted by Tres3 I looked thru his other posts - '08 MS3, but no indication what trim. OP?

i did the same but then, figured out there is 2 different person with same question.

[Roman-dude]

Apologies for the delayed response - somehow did not get the email notifications.

To the point - the car is 08 MS3 with a GT trim (HID lights).

Interestingly, the headlight started to come on more often - if I turn the switch several times, fair odds it would come on and stay for a bit. Obviously, this is not sustainable. Thinking of picking up a ballast that I could return just so that I would have it on hand in case it's not the bulb (and to avoid having to remove the bumper twice).

thanks again.

[Tres3]

OEM ballast from Amazon. Fully returnable.Ask me how I know.

[Roman-dude]

Originally Posted by Tres3 OEM ballast from Amazon. Fully returnable.Ask me how I know.

thanks. Hope Mazda3 HID is the same as MS3 HID.

[Jeff23spl]

i was able to replace bulb without removing the bumper cover but needed for the ballast....

[Tres3]

Originally Posted by Jeff23spl i was able to replace bulb without removing the bumper cover but needed for the ballast....

Oh, yes. Bumper can stay on for bulbs, as long as your hands are thin and wrists are flexible.

[Roman-dude]

Originally Posted by Tres3 Oh, yes. Bumper can stay on for bulbs, as long as your hands are thin and wrists are flexible.

I cant see how once can do it for the low HID beams. The bulb can't even come out of the housing because it's blocked by the fuse box.

[Tres3]

Originally Posted by Roman-dude I cant see how once can do it for the low HID beams. The bulb can't even come out of the housing because it's blocked by the fuse box.

Oh yeah, I forgot is a 3. On a 6 it's tight, but doable.

[Jeff23spl]

was ok for my speed6 d2s and i had h11 socket on the speed3 converted to hid...maybe it is harder with d2s...but i also have tiny hands...