Renault Laguna II - Phase 1 - Electronics - Xenon Headlights - Discussion & how to change out
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Has the o/s light been faulty for a while or only since you had the n/s bulb replaced?
It's more than likely the bulb. If the starter was faulty then the bulbs would not ignite. Xenon bulbs only need this high voltahe to ignite, once illuminated they run on normal voltages.
It's more than likely the bulb. If the starter was faulty then the bulbs would not ignite. Xenon bulbs only need this high voltahe to ignite, once illuminated they run on normal voltages.
A
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Sorry the problem was their before I had the bulb fitted to the n/s..
I know what your saying but with both parts ( bulb £110 & ballast £320 ) being very expensive I need to establish which part is at fault..
I do not want to buy a bulb only to find that the ballast is duff..
I know what your saying but with both parts ( bulb £110 & ballast £320 ) being very expensive I need to establish which part is at fault..
I do not want to buy a bulb only to find that the ballast is duff..
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I understand, it's a lot of money to spend only to find the other component is at fault.
Is there an autoelctrician that may be able to test the ballast/starter unit? A Renault Stealer would just fit a new ballst, if that didn't work a new bulb - they just keep replacing parts until the fault goes away. Its alright for them, it's not their money.
Is there an autoelctrician that may be able to test the ballast/starter unit? A Renault Stealer would just fit a new ballst, if that didn't work a new bulb - they just keep replacing parts until the fault goes away. Its alright for them, it's not their money.
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I tried that tack but all the auto electricians ( even independant Renault Specialists ) I have tried are too inexperienced with this model or ( legitmately ) worried about getting a nasty shock from the ballast unit due to the high charge it holds.
The whole thing has been a real pain in the **** and today I am beginning to irrationally wish I had bought a second hand Rolls Royce as I am thinking the spares would be cheaper.
The whole thing has been a real pain in the **** and today I am beginning to irrationally wish I had bought a second hand Rolls Royce as I am thinking the spares would be cheaper.
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Sounds like the Ballast.. Commonish problem..
Try a breakers yard for a replacement.. These peeps are Good with late salvage.. Silverlake
Try a breakers yard for a replacement.. These peeps are Good with late salvage.. Silverlake
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Nice one webby. And is you local ? Renault want to charge 1 hr labour at around £74 in total to fit..
HID bulbs
Does anyone out there know the model of the bulbs? Quick look on the net and you can get pair of D2S HID xenons (phillips) for £30 including p&p (ebay) or £39 from http://www.hids4u.co.uk they also do hella Hella ballasts for £270 a pair
Does anyone out there know the model of the bulbs? Quick look on the net and you can get pair of D2S HID xenons (phillips) for £30 including p&p (ebay) or £39 from http://www.hids4u.co.uk they also do hella Hella ballasts for £270 a pair
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Well done that man - Top quality link..
Couple of very interesting points I read on their which poses me with some very serious questions about the Renault Dealers abilities or technical back up from the manufacturer..
Point 1 ( ctrl c'd from the site )
"How do I determine if an HID ballast is operational or has failed?
First replace the lamp with a known good lamp listed on the fixture or ballast label. If this does not correct the problem, then measure the input voltage to the fixture and to the ballast to verify the availability of supply voltage at the ballast input. If the supply voltage exists at the ballast input leads, check for OCV, using the cautions in A2 above. If the OCV voltage is correct as listed on the ballast label, the problem could be a defective capacitor or ignitor. Change one of these component one at a time to correct the problem. Generally,if the ballast shows no signs of overheating and the OCV measurement is correct the ballast is good and there has to be another component failure or a wiring problem."
My question :- Seems like a very logical fault finding procedure. Do Renault service departments do this ?
Point 2 (ctrl c'd)
"What will cause my lamp to cycle on and off?
This is an indication that the lamp has reached the end of its life. Replacing the lamp with a lamp specified to operate with the installed ballast will usually correct the cycling. This problem is most likely to be observed with High Pressure Sodium lighting systems."
My question :- This is the problem I am experiencing !! Any Xenon tech's out there ??
Please help me I need to get my car MOT'd - URGENT !!
HELP ARRGGGHHHH !!!
:crazy: :crazy: :crazy: :crazy:
Couple of very interesting points I read on their which poses me with some very serious questions about the Renault Dealers abilities or technical back up from the manufacturer..
Point 1 ( ctrl c'd from the site )
"How do I determine if an HID ballast is operational or has failed?
First replace the lamp with a known good lamp listed on the fixture or ballast label. If this does not correct the problem, then measure the input voltage to the fixture and to the ballast to verify the availability of supply voltage at the ballast input. If the supply voltage exists at the ballast input leads, check for OCV, using the cautions in A2 above. If the OCV voltage is correct as listed on the ballast label, the problem could be a defective capacitor or ignitor. Change one of these component one at a time to correct the problem. Generally,if the ballast shows no signs of overheating and the OCV measurement is correct the ballast is good and there has to be another component failure or a wiring problem."
My question :- Seems like a very logical fault finding procedure. Do Renault service departments do this ?
Point 2 (ctrl c'd)
"What will cause my lamp to cycle on and off?
This is an indication that the lamp has reached the end of its life. Replacing the lamp with a lamp specified to operate with the installed ballast will usually correct the cycling. This problem is most likely to be observed with High Pressure Sodium lighting systems."
My question :- This is the problem I am experiencing !! Any Xenon tech's out there ??
Please help me I need to get my car MOT'd - URGENT !!
HELP ARRGGGHHHH !!!
:crazy: :crazy: :crazy: :crazy:
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Laguna II Owner said:
Re my original post on this subject.
I said that from the symptons you describe it sounds like the bulb. AS your bulb ignites correctly and then shuts down, it would appear that the ballast is doing its job. The ballast provides the high voltage to initially allow the bulb to ignite. The bulb then runs on a lower voltage supply. It may be this supply to that lamp that fails, but more than likely the bulb. It is very rare for Xenon bulbs to fail completley, unless they go way way over recommended hrs of use. They usually stark to flicker,go dimmer and fail to ignite of go off shortly after ignition.
I am a Medical Electronics Engineer, one of my jobs includes maintaining the "Xenon Light Sources" used for key hole surgery. Whilst I do not profess to be an expert in the theory of operation of these units, in the 12 yrs I have worked on them only ONE bulb has ever failed completley and only ever one High voltage ignition starter circuit failure. The bulbs usually provide symptoms as I have just described. Medical Lamps are guranteed for 500hrs, after thatthey should be replaced - if you buy direct from manufacturer you can pay £1000, we source them from other places ( still original lamps) for about £300- £400. I am not suggesting every onwer replaces Xenons just for the sake of 500hrs use tho - that would be madness.
Just another thought, don't know if its possible tho. Can you swap the connections over, i.e o/s lamp connections to n/s connections. If so and the bulb stays on you know your bulb is faulty. If the symptons are the same it points toa problem with the ballast.
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I sent an email to the site mentioned and I have to say I am impressed in getting a response so quickly..
From: Ian-HIDS4U [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 07 August 2005 12:12
To: Stuart & Zoe Hamilton
Subject: RE: HELP !!
Hi Stuart
The problem could be either the bulb or the ballast as the symptons of failure for both are the same. The simplest way is to swap bulbs round and see if the problem goes away.
Testing capacitors and other components souds a bit too much to me. If the ballast has failed it will need to be replaced, as only a few specialists would be able to mend them. They are full of chips and circuit boards inside.
I have supplied quite a few renault ballasts, normally Valeo, so its not unknown for them to go faulty.
I sell the original Philips and Osram bulbs for 39.99 on my site
If you need any more help or information please don't hesitate to contact us.
Warm Regards
Ian
Sales Enquiries & Customer Services
(Mon-Fri 0900-1700 hours GMT or BST) Tel: 0870 168 7788
I posted a copy of the email to answer the question on replacement bulbs and costs and also help this nice chap sell more ! Swapping bulbs over sounds like a sensible idea but to swap out a bulb you have to remove the front bumper and headlight units ( pain in the **** )
As for 500hr bulbs well the specifications are quite obviously aimed at the highest possible safety level due to the M.O. of the equipment but that's not bad for a car is it ?
Maybe my maths is all wrong but I could argue that 500hrs @ say 40mph average speed = 20,000 miles in the dark !
So being very generous that's 40,000 miles ( assuming you spend equal amounts of time driving day and night ) you can drive before ever changing a bulb..
PS:- I am a mechanical design engineer but I can't wire a plug all respect to the sparky types...
From: Ian-HIDS4U [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 07 August 2005 12:12
To: Stuart & Zoe Hamilton
Subject: RE: HELP !!
Hi Stuart
The problem could be either the bulb or the ballast as the symptons of failure for both are the same. The simplest way is to swap bulbs round and see if the problem goes away.
Testing capacitors and other components souds a bit too much to me. If the ballast has failed it will need to be replaced, as only a few specialists would be able to mend them. They are full of chips and circuit boards inside.
I have supplied quite a few renault ballasts, normally Valeo, so its not unknown for them to go faulty.
I sell the original Philips and Osram bulbs for 39.99 on my site
If you need any more help or information please don't hesitate to contact us.
Warm Regards
Ian
Sales Enquiries & Customer Services
(Mon-Fri 0900-1700 hours GMT or BST) Tel: 0870 168 7788
I posted a copy of the email to answer the question on replacement bulbs and costs and also help this nice chap sell more ! Swapping bulbs over sounds like a sensible idea but to swap out a bulb you have to remove the front bumper and headlight units ( pain in the **** )
As for 500hr bulbs well the specifications are quite obviously aimed at the highest possible safety level due to the M.O. of the equipment but that's not bad for a car is it ?
Maybe my maths is all wrong but I could argue that 500hrs @ say 40mph average speed = 20,000 miles in the dark !
So being very generous that's 40,000 miles ( assuming you spend equal amounts of time driving day and night ) you can drive before ever changing a bulb..
PS:- I am a mechanical design engineer but I can't wire a plug all respect to the sparky types...
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Hopefully it's sorted.
That Xenon website looks quite good, also handy to know that bulbs can be bought from them at a reasonable cost as well.
That Xenon website looks quite good, also handy to know that bulbs can be bought from them at a reasonable cost as well.
Xenon or Not
I have a Laguna 2 1.8 expression on a " Y " plate how do I find out if the head lights in my car are xenon or halogen.
I know this is probably a stupid question but I would rather not go to renault and ask them . I am going abroad and I need to carry spare bulbs so I need to know which to take.
I have a Laguna 2 1.8 expression on a " Y " plate how do I find out if the head lights in my car are xenon or halogen.
I know this is probably a stupid question but I would rather not go to renault and ask them . I am going abroad and I need to carry spare bulbs so I need to know which to take. The HID xenon lights are different from halogen and very expensive. Each headlamp has a high voltage ballast unit to supply the initial current to start the lights, which run at 85 volts after starting. These are around £300 each and you need two, plus two xennon bulbs which you can get for £40 each. I dont know if the internal fitting is the same for the halogen and xenon headlamps.
I have xenons in my laguna, when looking at the headlights from outside the car they are really bright, if you then switch the hi beams on, the hi beam light looks yellow and dull, compared to the xenons.
If there is an advantage, then I dont know what it is, but if the HID xenons have a fault then its gonna be expensive. Why not change to the xenon bulbs that give the HID blue tint effect, that would be the cheapest option.
I have xenons in my laguna, when looking at the headlights from outside the car they are really bright, if you then switch the hi beams on, the hi beam light looks yellow and dull, compared to the xenons.
If there is an advantage, then I dont know what it is, but if the HID xenons have a fault then its gonna be expensive. Why not change to the xenon bulbs that give the HID blue tint effect, that would be the cheapest option.
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Advantages of Xenon over Halogen
Xenon bulbs provide more than twice the light of Halogen bulbs whilst
consuming only half the power (wattage). Therefore drivers see more clearly and cars have more power for other functions. And since less power equals less fuel consumption, Xenon bulbs are environmentally friendly.
The clear white light produced by a Xenon bulb is similar to daylight-color and thus improves driver concentration. Furthermore the light color reflects road markings and signs better than conventional lighting.
Xenon Headlamps also significantly improve road safety when visibility is
limited due to poor weather conditions.
Can I change my current Halogen Headlamp to Xenon Headlamps?
It is not possible to economically change your current Halogen Headlamps to true Xenon as they require specific factory installation and also the headlamp washers and self leveling system. If your thinking of buying a Laguna go for a higher spec model with Xenon as despite my problems they provide a superior and safer system of lighting and in theory the bulbs should last 6/7 time longer than conventional halogen bulbs.
Why are headlamp cleaning systems mandatory for Xenon Headlamps?
Headlamp cleaning systems ensure that the glass of the headlamp is clean at all times and therefore ensure optimum visibility in all circumstances (dirty roads, snow,…). This is also european law relating to car manufacturers.
Why is the automatic leveling system mandatory for Xenon Headlamps?
The automatic leveling systems ensure the swiveling of the projector module for minimum dazzling and optimum visibility. The automatic leveling system can be static (light beam is adjusted at vehicle start only) or dynamic (at vehicle start and during driving).
Xenon bulbs provide more than twice the light of Halogen bulbs whilst
consuming only half the power (wattage). Therefore drivers see more clearly and cars have more power for other functions. And since less power equals less fuel consumption, Xenon bulbs are environmentally friendly.
The clear white light produced by a Xenon bulb is similar to daylight-color and thus improves driver concentration. Furthermore the light color reflects road markings and signs better than conventional lighting.
Xenon Headlamps also significantly improve road safety when visibility is
limited due to poor weather conditions.
Can I change my current Halogen Headlamp to Xenon Headlamps?
It is not possible to economically change your current Halogen Headlamps to true Xenon as they require specific factory installation and also the headlamp washers and self leveling system. If your thinking of buying a Laguna go for a higher spec model with Xenon as despite my problems they provide a superior and safer system of lighting and in theory the bulbs should last 6/7 time longer than conventional halogen bulbs.
Why are headlamp cleaning systems mandatory for Xenon Headlamps?
Headlamp cleaning systems ensure that the glass of the headlamp is clean at all times and therefore ensure optimum visibility in all circumstances (dirty roads, snow,…). This is also european law relating to car manufacturers.
Why is the automatic leveling system mandatory for Xenon Headlamps?
The automatic leveling systems ensure the swiveling of the projector module for minimum dazzling and optimum visibility. The automatic leveling system can be static (light beam is adjusted at vehicle start only) or dynamic (at vehicle start and during driving).
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