2013 HID Headlight Assembly - Cheaper replacement Option
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
2013 HID Headlight Assembly - Cheaper replacement Option
Greetings...
I have a 2013 Citadel which is on it's third driver side HID low beam ballast. The HID low beam has failed again and Mopar Lifetime warranty is refusing to replace the ballast again, instead saying I need to replace the entire driver side headlight assembly (68086318AE @ $1270) which is not a covered part/repair under the warranty.
Apparently, the wiring harness/connectors from the ballast to the HID low beam lamp, is a common point of failure, and the only way to order new parts is to purchase a new assembly. I have read, the wiring harness is very tight run between the ballast and the HID lamp, such that harness strain and connector positioning can contribute to failures. I thought about lengthening this part of the harness to provide a little more play between the ballast and the HID lamp.
I would note, there is a less costly halogen low beam assembly (55079366AD $300), where everything in the assembly is the same, except the low beam is halogen and not the self leveling HID.
However, I have heard from several sources, the assemblies are not interchangeable, because the wiring harness for the HID is difference, all the way back to the controller board connection.
I have been waiting for some nicer weather to test the voltage at the HID low beam ballast connection to see if it is 12 volt, hoping maybe cutting in a new pigtail & connector for a halogen lamp socket, might make switching to the cheaper headlight assembly possible.
I uess at this point, I'd welcome any feedback regarding the risks of forcing the switch to the halogen option.
I assume, if I did any damage to the up stream controller board, I might void the warranty of any covered up steam parts.
Thanks in advance for any comments.
Byte
...
I have a 2013 Citadel which is on it's third driver side HID low beam ballast. The HID low beam has failed again and Mopar Lifetime warranty is refusing to replace the ballast again, instead saying I need to replace the entire driver side headlight assembly (68086318AE @ $1270) which is not a covered part/repair under the warranty.
Apparently, the wiring harness/connectors from the ballast to the HID low beam lamp, is a common point of failure, and the only way to order new parts is to purchase a new assembly. I have read, the wiring harness is very tight run between the ballast and the HID lamp, such that harness strain and connector positioning can contribute to failures. I thought about lengthening this part of the harness to provide a little more play between the ballast and the HID lamp.
I would note, there is a less costly halogen low beam assembly (55079366AD $300), where everything in the assembly is the same, except the low beam is halogen and not the self leveling HID.
However, I have heard from several sources, the assemblies are not interchangeable, because the wiring harness for the HID is difference, all the way back to the controller board connection.
I have been waiting for some nicer weather to test the voltage at the HID low beam ballast connection to see if it is 12 volt, hoping maybe cutting in a new pigtail & connector for a halogen lamp socket, might make switching to the cheaper headlight assembly possible.
I uess at this point, I'd welcome any feedback regarding the risks of forcing the switch to the halogen option.
I assume, if I did any damage to the up stream controller board, I might void the warranty of any covered up steam parts.
Thanks in advance for any comments.
Byte
...
Professional
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 191
Likes: 10
From: Lake Zurich, IL
I would look into the lifetime warranty and contact their regional service manager. The bulb may not be covered, but the assemblies - ballast, wiring, etc., should be covered, specially if it is a design issue. You could also contact a consumer advocate organization to complain about the service you're getting from Dodge and also let Dodge know that you'll be doing that; they don't need bad press.
