On-Vehicle Inspection [10/2014 - ]: Procedure
- INSPECT DISCHARGE HEADLIGHT BULB NOTE:
Confirm the following items before replacing a discharge headlight bulb. If a malfunction is discovered and repaired, perform the inspection again to confirm the repair.
- Make sure that the high voltage socket of the light control ECU and discharge headlight bulb are connected securely.
- Make sure that there is no damage to the high voltage socket of the light control ECU or discharge headlight bulb connector.
HINT:
Even if a bulb seems to turn on normally, it may not be normal. Perform all the following steps in order because an abnormal condition might otherwise not be easy to duplicate.
- Prepare the vehicle:
Before performing the following inspection procedure, turn off the discharge headlight bulbs for more than 10 minutes to allow them to cool down sufficiently.
HINT:
Since it is necessary to find the cause of a malfunction that causes a discharge headlight bulb not to turn on, the discharge headlight bulbs should be inspected starting from a cooled state.
- Turn on the discharge headlights for more than 25 minutes, and check that the bulbs remain illuminated normally.
HINT:
- Leave the headlights on for more than 25 minutes to stabilize the discharge headlight bulb arc tube voltage.
- A discharge headlight bulb that has almost reached the end of its life may turn off due to a headlight control ECU fail-safe function because the arc tube voltage is high.
- Repeatedly turn the discharge headlights off for 15 seconds and on for 15 seconds (5 times for each). Check that the bulbs illuminate normally.
HINT:
This inspection confirms the ability of the bulbs to start when hot.
- Turn off the discharge headlights for 3 minutes, and then turn on the discharge headlights for 3 minutes. Check that the bulbs illuminate normally when they are turned on.
HINT:
- A characteristic of discharge headlight bulbs is that their starting voltage is highest when 3 minutes have elapsed after being turned off. This is the most difficult situation for discharge bulbs to start in.
- This inspection is further confirmation of the ability of the bulbs to start when hot.
Standard
The discharge headlight bulbs illuminate normally in all steps.
- Remove the discharge headlight bulb and perform a visual inspection of the arc tube.
Standard
The inside of the arc tube is not bulging or deformed and is not clouded.
HINT:
However, a dull brown coloration inside the arc tube is normal.
TEXT IN ILLUSTRATION*a Discharge headlight bulb is normal *b Discharge headlight bulb at end of usable life *c Arc Tube - - Inside of Arc Tube Distortion/Clouded Area
- Turn on the discharge headlights for more than 25 minutes, and check that the bulbs remain illuminated normally.