Low Beam Headlamps (T4F)

The body control module (BCM) monitors three signal circuits from the headlamp switch. When the headlamp switch is in the AUTO position, all three signal circuits are open. When placed in the AUTO position, the BCM monitors inputs from the ambient light sensor to determine if headlamps are required or if daytime running lamps will be activated based on outside lighting conditions. When the headlamp switch is placed in the OFF position, the headlamp switch headlamps OFF signal circuit is grounded, indicating to the BCM that the exterior lamps should be turned OFF. With the headlamp switch in the PARK position, the headlamp switch park lamps ON signal circuit is grounded, indicating that the park lamps have been requested. When the headlamp switch is placed in the HEADLAMP position, both the headlamp switch park lamps ON signal circuit and the headlamp switch headlamps ON signal circuit are grounded. The BCM responds to the low beam request by applying battery positive voltage through the left and right low beam headlamp control circuits to the left and right headlamp ballast located in each headlamp assembly. When battery voltage is applied to the headlamp ballast through the low beam control circuits, the ballast charge the starter to start the lamp. High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps do not have filaments like traditional bulbs, instead the starter uses a high voltage transformer to convert the input voltage into a higher voltage. This increased voltage is used in order to create an arc between the electrodes in the bulb.

Run Up of the Lamp 

Each ballast requires higher amperage in order to ensure normal startup and run up of the lamp. Run up is the term used to describe the extra power level given to the bulb. The input current during the steady state operation is lower that the start up amperage. After the lamp receives the strike from the starter and the arc is established, the ballast uses its operating voltage in order to provide the run up power needed in order to keep the lamp ON. The lamp rapidly increases in intensity from a dim glow to a very high-intensity, bright light called a steady state. Within a few seconds of the arc being established in the bulb, the majority of steady state is complete. 100 percent of the steady state is completed shortly there after. A high watt power level is necessary in order to bring the lamp to a steady state in such a short period of time. The high watt power level allows the lamp to meet the SAE light vs. time specification.

When to Change the HID Bulb 

An inoperative bulb, end of life occurs when the bulb gets old and becomes unstable. The bulb may begin shutting itself OFF sporadically and unpredictably at first, perhaps only once during a 24 h period. When the bulb begins shutting itself off occasionally, the ballast will automatically turn the bulb back ON again within 0.5 s. The ballast will restrike the bulb so quickly that the bulb may not appear to have shut off. As the bulb ages, the bulb may begin to shut off more frequently, eventually over 30 times per minute. When the bulb begins to shut off more frequently, the ballast receives an extreme amount of repetitive current input. Repetitive and extreme amount restarts or restrikes, without time for the ballast to cool down, will permanently damage the ballast. As a safeguard, when repetitive restrikes are detected, the ballast will not attempt to restrike the lamp. The ballast then shuts down and the bulb goes out.

The following symptoms are noticeable signs of an inoperative bulb:

• Flickering light, caused in the early stages of an inoperative bulb
• Lights go out, caused when the ballast detects, repetitive bulb restrike
• Color change - The lamp may change to a dim pink glow.

Input power to the ballast must be terminated in order to reset the ballasts fault circuitry. In order to terminate the input power to the ballast, turn the lights OFF and back ON again. Turning the lights OFF and back ON again resets all of the fault circuitry within the ballast until the next occurrence of an extreme amount of repetitive bulb restrike. When an extreme amount of repetitive bulb restrikes occur, replace the starter/arc tube assembly. The ballast will begin the start-up process when the starter/arc tube assembly is replaced. Repeatedly resetting the input power can overheat the internal components and cause permanent damage to the ballast. Allow a few minutes of cool-down time in between reset attempts.

Inoperative bulbs are often sporadic at first, and difficult to repeat. Inoperative bulbs can be identified by observing if the condition gets progressively worse over the next 100 h of operation.

Light Color 

White light has a different color rating than regular headlamps. The range of white light that is acceptable is broad when compared to halogens. Therefore, some variation in headlight coloring between the right and left headlamp will be normal. One HID at the end of the normal range may appear considerably different in color from one at the other end of the range. Difference in color is normal. Replace the arc tube only if the arc tube is determined to be at the bulb inoperative stage.