Flickering Headlight problem!?! SEE PICS
 

Hey,

2004 Audi A8L with 87,000 miles.

My passenger side xenon headlight went out last week. It will flicker every time, then turn off. It only flickers for a split second then it's off. My left side headlight is working just fine.

I got a few quotes of $400+ to replace the bulb, but I was wondering if anyone on here has heard of this issue in the past & maybe it's a connection issue.

I know I need a carwash.

It's either the bulb or igniter. You can swap the ones from the working headlight to determine. That said, I would replace the lamp if I was in there. Genuine Osram lamps can be found on the internet for $60 or less. Chinese "will fit" junk can be found for under $30. Not sure on the igniter. A dealer told me they fail 20% of the time but I don't recall anyone here replacing one.

We all know you will clean the car as soon as the weather breaks....

Swap bulbs from left to right to see if it moves. If it does, you need a bulb.

The only problem is that it's so hard to get to that bulb. Doesnt the bumper & tire have to be removed? If it's easy to do, please fwd me a link or a how-to.

I would also appreciate a reference for where to buy this bulb, a part number would be helpful too.

Does anyone know the lifespan of these bulbs?

Best procedure is in the Bentley service manual. I personally remove the headlight assembly.

As far as life, it is affected by the number of on/off (turning on strains the lamp the most) cycles. My experience was six years out of one and seven out of the other.

Hey buddy, look on here for the thread about replacing the front LEDs. It's quite a long and picture intensive thread (may be also replacing the 'parking light' with LEDs) and that will help you get to the back of the bulbs/headlights. Very informative thread....

K9