Headlight issues in cold weather

[mbagge01]

On my 2003 rs6, my hid lights have a hard time igniting when it gets cold outside. I have replaced both ballasts with Oem ones and I run true Phillips 6000k bulbs. I have to turn the light switch a couple times to get one sometimes both to come on in cold weather. Do the c5 model audis have any issue with poor headlight wiring that could cause issues in cold weather. In warm weather, no issues. Thoughts by anyone?

[jcjohnson33]

In my '04 c5 I have never had an issue with my hid lamps and we get pretty cold up here in northern Cali in the Sierra mountains. Only with after market hid lamps in another car I had issues with and that was fixed by a better brand. It was doing the same thing, not wanting to ignite the lamp.


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[mbagge01]

I can tell that the ballast works because the bulb flashes when the switch turns but does light. Maybe the bulbs need to be replaced?

[BlackOnBlackA6]

I had the issue when I replaced with cheaper HID bulbs. Had the reseller replace each set twice. With the same issue intermittently happening. I put in my OEM bulbs ( one was pink) and the issue never happened again. Look at replacing the bulbs even if they are quality Philips or the OEM (by Osrams). Even quality items can have an issue. And it's easier and cheaper than looking at getting the ballast changed. Good luck.

By the way, Audis are not notorious for having issues with headlights. Quite the opposite, they've been known for their lighting. At least that's what my European friends have told me. 😎

[4rings2turbos]

That can be a sign that the bulb is on it's way out, along with turning a pink-ish hue (not always) something to do with burning off all the crystalized stuff in there or some something. But if you've replaced the ballasts then the bulbs are def the culprit.

[mbagge01]

You both might be on to something with the bulbs. I am thinking about trying a different set of bulbs but I also came across a HID capacitor that is used to help HID aftermarket sets fire by applying a extra stored up charge. I would be interested on thoughts by anyone here if it might be something to try. They are very cheap and maybe the extra charge will help to bulb fire in cold weather. See the link below

http://www.hidextra.com/hidextra-uni...apacitor-pair/