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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: allycat45 on 13 January 2018, 15:40

Title: Bi-xenon headlight bulb going on and off
Post by: allycat45 on 13 January 2018, 15:40
Hi, I have a 2013 Mk7 Golf GTI and have a problem with the right (offside) bi-xenon headlight going off and then back on again intermittently.

It started a week or so ago. The headlights come on as normal at startup, but after a while the right hand light goes off for a few seconds and then back on again, and this repeats with a gap between off-on cycles anywhere between 30 sec and 1-2 minutes.

I have searched these boards and found a couple of relevant links:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=279046.msg2550485#msg2550485 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=279046.msg2550485#msg2550485)

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=270994.msg2482858#msg2482858 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=270994.msg2482858#msg2482858)

The first link has a post from user wigit replying to user Tornado8 who says this was how it started for him when he had to have his Polo bi-xenons changed.

Can anyone advise if this is likely to just be the bulb or the igniter or the ballast or any combination of those ? As I understand it the dealers may quote to replace the whole unit for anywhere around £1000. I am happy to have a go at replacing the bulb using the guide on here but wondered if anyone had any advice if it is likely to just be the bulb ? Or do the bulb and igniter come as a set ? Should I do both sides to ensure the colours are the same ?

Thanks in advice for your insights and opinions.
Title: Re: Bi-xenon headlight bulb going on and off
Post by: dubber36 on 13 January 2018, 16:51
It could be either the bulb or the ballast. The only way you can find out is to swap the bulbs over and see if the problem occurs on the other side. If it does, then it will be the bulb. There are plenty of places that sell OEM quality replacement bulbs (and ballasts), so no need to pay the inflated dealer prices. Just make sure you order the correct ones, as there are many different types.
Title: Re: Bi-xenon headlight bulb going on and off
Post by: itavaltalainen on 13 January 2018, 17:28
Most likely the tubes themselves, ballasts are less likely.
I'd replace both with aftermarket ones from known brand, Osram, GE etc.
Title: Re: Bi-xenon headlight bulb going on and off
Post by: dippy_x on 15 January 2018, 07:25
Had this happen myself last year.  Xenon bulb had to be replaced.
Title: Re: Bi-xenon headlight bulb going on and off
Post by: ajmoir36 on 15 January 2018, 18:32
My friend had thus recently in his Octavia replaced the bulb fixed it
Title: Re: Bi-xenon headlight bulb going on and off
Post by: wigit on 20 January 2018, 13:47
They replaced both bulbs on my Polo

VW only approved one but dealer ordered a second as new the other would fail so both were changed

I think they were something like £130 quid each