Headlamp (Nearside Only) Stops Working - On/off Resolves

Dracoro · March 22, 2015

Sometimes I have noticed that my nearside headlamp bulb (dipped beam) is not working. If I turn the lights off then on again, it then works OK. I believe it always works when they turn in for the first time but may stop after 15/30 mins driving. Most times after my evening tip home from work it is still on, but the odd time not? Turn off/on always resolves.

Is this a bulb that's "had it" or another fault? I read somewhere something about "ballast" unit that is actual fault?

2007 GS300.

steve2006 · March 22, 2015

From previous posts on the same topic the fault would generally appear to be caused by the bulb itself, you could try swopping the bulbs from one side to the other and see if the fault follows confirming the bulb is faulty.

Dracoro · March 24, 2015

Thanks. Not sure how easy it is to change/swap bulbs but I will take a look.

SimonG · March 24, 2015

First thing to do is swap the bulbs around - be warned that its a fiddly job so give yourself plenty of time.

I had this issue with my car and after looking at it they said I needed new bulbs so I had to explain that I had already replaced bulbs and swapped them around but the offside bulb kept failing (I did explain this when I took the car in but they ignored this) so they replaced the headlight control unit under the extended warranty and I've not had any issues since.

The issue gradually got progressively worse until the bulb would go out after just 10 minutes and seemed to be made worse by cold temperatures.

This does seem to be quite common judging by the google searches I did when the issue started happening.

Good luck and I hope you get it fixed.

marok · March 24, 2015

There is a Youtube vid on how to change the bulbs at:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqVMf8uauhs

Dracoro · March 24, 2015

Thanks! That looks pretty simple (as far as modern cars go!!)

Will swap and see the result, hopefully just a replacement bulb.

Anyone know where best to get bulbs, I assume Lexus will charge loads so would probably check out trade supplier (partco, ECP, etc??). I would want std like for like.