HID Lamp System Troubleshooting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: A transient high tension (25, 000 V) occurs at the bulb sockets of the high intensity discharge (HID) lamps when the combination light switch is turned ON, that may cause serious electrical shock or electrocution if you do not observe the cautions.

CAUTION:

Never turn on the combination light switch before fitting the HID bulbs to their bulb sockets and completing the reassembly of the headlight assembly.
Do not service the headlights assembly in wet conditions, such as rain or snow, near a sprinkler system, or when your hands are wet to prevent electrocution.
Do not touch the surface of the HID bulbs with your bare hands and do not stain it with any oils and fats.
Do not disassemble the inverter unit and the igniter unit.
Do not turn on the HID bulb by using a power source other than the battery mounted on the vehicle.

Special Tools Required

HID Bulb Test Light 07AAJ-S3MA100

NOTE: Before troubleshooting the HID Lamp System, do the multiplex integrated control system troubleshooting using B-CAN System Diagnosis Test Mode A (see TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A ).

Check the No. 18 (15 A) and No. 19 (15 A) fuses in the under-hood fuse/relay box.
Are the fuses OK?

YES -Go to step 2.

NO -Replace the fuse(s), and recheck.
Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (see USING THE GR8 BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC STATION ).
Remove the bulb socket from the HID bulb
Check for corrosion and traces of electrical arcing on the contacts of the socket (A).

Fig 1: Identifying Corrosion And Traces Of Electrical Arcing On Contacts Of Socket
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is the socket corroded or burnt?

YES -Replace the socket, and recheck.

NO -Go to step 5.
Connect the HID bulb test light assembly (A) to the bulb socket (B).

Fig 2: Identifying HID Bulb Test Light Assembly And Bulb Socket
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure (see RECONNECTION ).
Turn the combination light (headlight) switch ON.
Does the bulb in the test light come on?

YES -Replace the original HID bulb

NO -Go to step 8.
Measure the voltage between HID unit 2P connector terminal No. 2 and body ground.

Fig 3: Measuring Voltage Between 2P Connector Terminal No. 2 And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there battery voltage?

YES -Go to step 10.

NO -Repair an open in the YEL or GRN wire.
Turn the combination light (headlight) switch to LOCK (0).
Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (see USING THE GR8 BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC STATION ).
Remove the HID bulb test light assembly from the bulb socket.
Disconnect the HID unit 2P connector.
Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure (see RECONNECTION ).
Check for continuity between terminal No. 1 of the HID unit 2P connector and body ground.

Fig 4: Checking For Continuity Between Terminal No. 1 Of 2P Connector And Body Ground
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Is there continuity?

YES -Replace the HID unit.

NO -Repair an open in the wire between the HID unit and body ground. If the wire is OK, check for poor ground (G201/G301).