wichitaone

So my OEM HID inverter unit started flickering .....like so many other peoples have. I decided not to do the OEM acura part replacement ($300 online for ONE oem acura inverter) and instead go with an aftermarket unit for $70.

Xentec ultra slim is the unit I went with. Two inverters (igniters and ballasts) and two bulbs. The bulbs have a different style connector on them (two wires coming off the bulb with I think "d" connectors). Think I might order an extra set of the bulbs so I have some on hand at all times.

Leaving the battery hooked up, so you can listen to some tunes. I disconnected the power connector that goes to the low beams and then pulled the bumper off, because I had a bulb blow and wanted to clean out the glass. There was really no need to pull the bumper if you didn't have a bulb blow. I drilled two 5/8" holes in the back of the low beam removable covers and slid the grommet into the hole and applied lots of rtv to both sides so no moisture would get in. You do have to splice into the 12v power wire to feed the new inverters and find good locations to mount the inverters.

The inverter that stopped working, I disassembled to find it filled with silicon stuff. I used a screwdriver and dug everything out and didn't find any capacitors (or else I would have been shocked). The one that still worked, I just left in place and moved the D2R connector off to the side of the bulb so if I ever wanted to go back to it I could.

Haven't got to use them too much yet, but they do work and shine just like the OEM's. Not as pretty as I would like them to be, but is better than paying $650 at the acura dealer to have 1 replaced.

celynka

Well, you got your "fix" done - congratulations! .... but I would rather buy used OEM for a $100 then butcher my headlights - thes chinese piece of crap kits last way shorter than OEM

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

The OEM ballasts have sealant problems though.

You can get new OEM ballasts from the TL/TSX for around $150-200 online.

tnobori1

Where did you find OEM ballasts for $100? I'm not being a smartass, I will buy 2 right now if you can tell me! I bought 2 used ones only to have one non-functioning upon receipt and the other died 3 months later.

celynka

I ve seen them on ebay for about a $100, there is nothing listed right now but if you are in desperate need I can sell you one ... for a $100 + shipping

tnobori1

I am in dire need! Is it new or used? Has it been tested? I'd appreciate it!

Also, which fuse needs to be replaced after ballast install? I checked them all and they looked fine, should I still have to replace it?

celynka

It is used. Last time I tested it , was about 2 years ago , since than it is sitting somwhere on my garage shelf ...but I ll retest it to make sure it works. I ll be back home fri/sat and I ll send you PM around then. Fuses may cause your hids to flicker - I ve experienced it myself , I think it is caused by fuse box contacts oxidation . Yes I would replace both fusers and clean fuse terminals with piece of 400 sandpaper