Replaced ballast, Headlight still flickering and going out.

[Bill Jenkins]

So my headlight has been flickering and going out for a while now but has recently gotten so bad it goes out about every ten seconds. Can't really drive at night with a headlight out so its a bit of a problem. When I was doing my timing belt and had the bumper off I switched the headlight bulbs around so I could tell if it was the ballast or the bulb. The flicker remained on the drivers side so I figured it couldn't be much else other than the ballast. I ordered a used ballast offline for around 115 bucks as I didn't want to fork out 250 dollars at the moment and I just finished putting it in and reassembling the bumper. When I tested it the same thing is happening, It will go on for a short while, then start flickering, then completely go out. If I turn off the lights then turn them back on it comes on again and the cycle continues. I'm not sure where to turn as I thought I eliminated everything it could be, could there be a loose connection or something inside the headlight assembly? Thanks for the help!

[supple]

If they are flickering and a off-on will turn them back on, this usually points to the bulb going. I would definitely buy new bulbs if you haven't done that yet.

[Bill Jenkins]

If they are flickering and a off-on will turn them back on, this usually points to the bulb going. I would definitely buy new bulbs if you haven't done that yet.

Yeah I guess I'll try that as my next step but the fact that I switched the bulbs around and the flicker stayed on the drivers side seems strange.

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

Phil will eventually chime in...

[dalmation53]

Phil will eventually chime in...

LOL beat me to it.

[fly300kts]

Assuming that you car came with xenons from factory, did you, with VAGCOM, marry the installed ballast to the ECU?

Phil

[Bill Jenkins]

Assuming that you car came with xenons from factory, did you, with VAGCOM, marry the installed ballast to the ECU?

Phil

No I didn't, I don't even have a VAGCOM... lol. Do I need to do that?

[fly300kts]

Yes sir


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[Bill Jenkins]

Yes sir


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Oh boy... alright is there anyway I can do it without buying VAGCOM? Money is a bit tight right now.

[fly300kts]

Google VAGCOM LOCATOR and see if you have someone around you who has one that you can borrow


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[Bill Jenkins]

Google VAGCOM LOCATOR and see if you have someone around you who has one that you can borrow


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I wanted to ask since I've never used one before, is there a guide on how to do this? Also I read somewhere else that you shouldn't have to marry the ballast to the ECU not saying you're wrong just curious why theres different opinions on it.

[fly300kts]

Yes
On rosstech websire


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[Bill Jenkins]

EDIT: Nevermind