V35 Headlight Problem? Help!

[CAT_SPEW]

I've got a problem with one of my headlights (RHS) and hopefully someone on here can point me in the right direction.

Just recently the light stopped working. I pulled the bulb out and gave everything around that area a few soft taps. Then it began working for about one day and now it has stopped again.

I've switched ballasts over and bulbs and all seem to be working fine. From what I can see it is the below pictured cable and box that seems to be the problem. This goes through the actual headlight connecting the ballast to the actual bulb.

Can anyone tell me exactly what this box does and where I can find a replacement? The headlights are aftermarket.

[SMOKEYV35]

That's a CAN BUS error cancelling unit.

CAN BUS is a communication system between multiple electrical sub-systems. It is commonly found on lots of European cars and ours too. In this instance, when you install aftermarket HID's it freaks out the CAN BUS into thinking you have a blown bulb and you get a 'light out' error. So they install these inline and it 'convinces the CANBUS that everything is fine - as it is.

You can buy replacements like this:

http://www.hidlighti..._De-Coders.html

But given it's probably a cheap kit to start with, you'd probably better off just buying a new kit for as much as you want to spend (i've run $40 kits in fog lights on another car before with no ill effect) and you'll have new components because odds are if this one fails, the other won't be far behind.

Edited January 15, 2013 by SMOKEYC34

[CAT_SPEW]

That's a CAN BUS error cancelling unit.

CAN BUS is a communication system between multiple electrical sub-systems. It is commonly found on lots of European cars and ours too. In this instance, when you install aftermarket HID's it freaks out the CAN BUS into thinking you have a blown bulb and you get a 'light out' error. So they install these inline and it 'convinces the CANBUS that everything is fine - as it is.

You can buy replacements like this:

http://www.hidlighti..._De-Coders.html

But given it's probably a cheap kit to start with, you'd probably better off just buying a new kit for as much as you want to spend (i've run $40 kits in fog lights on another car before with no ill effect) and you'll have new components because odds are if this one fails, the other won't be far behind.

Thankyou very much for the detailed reply mate. I was having a look through my spare parts and I came across a cable like the one pictured below (ignore the ballast).

I connected this and it made the bulb work but was giving off a buzzing sound. Would I be able to use this for now or do you think it would cause some damage not having the CAN BUS unit there?

http://www.oemxenonshop.com/OEM-Xenon-Headlights-Parts/Infiniti-G35-D2S-Ballast.jpg

Can you point me in the right direction for a complete kit to suit what I need? Just in case the other side goes..

[SMOKEYV35]

if it works you will be sweet. HID's often make a noise, I wouldnt worry about it. The error canceller is just a big resistor at the end of the day.

For a replacement, if you want to do it on the cheap, just pick anything off eBay - i'm sure they're all same-factory-different-door anyway. Like i said, i've run $40 cheapies before with no ill effect. With the cheap ones though, you will find that they have longer startup times, the colours can be different between the two globes due to low quality control of salts in the globes, and they'll start to lose output and colour (get bluer, then purple) before probably crapping out in 18months time. But if that's cool with you, then I wouldn't advise against it. Just stick to 5000k or below. Anything higher you lose light output significantly, and with lower quality kits thats probably going to emphasise the loss.

If you want to spend a little more, bang for your buck I'd recommend the Morimoto Digital kit from theretrofitsoure.com - they're quality digital ballasts (nice and compact) and quality output globes. Go for a 4300k (OEM colour white/yellow) or a 5000k (white/blue tinge). They will give you excellent light output and last much longer.

[CAT_SPEW]

Thanks again mate, if you're sure it won't blow the bulb or something like that I will just go ahead and use the older cable with the CAN BUS unit until I find a new one.

I know they never made this noise before which is why I was a bit worried about using it that's all.

[SMOKEYV35]

No worries - I am sure you'll be fine.

Besides, you don't really have an alternative in the short term anyway - and if the globe blows you'll be back to buying a new kit anyway.