Headlamp problems (car amateur needs help)

[Chris Bates]

First post here. Just recently joined the Audi gang and have bought an a5.
Whilst driving a warning came up stating 'right dipped headlight/ main headlight', so I just assumed that my bulb had gone. But when I start the car the bulb comes on for around 1 minute before going off and the warning appearing again. So I'm guessing it's not the bulb that's the problem.

I've taken it to a VW specialist and they have told me that it could be the power pack? But it has not been plugged in, so this may not be the problem.

Does anyone have any clue what could be the cause? Don't want to get ripped off, so thought I'd ask here first.

Located in the Newcastle area, if anyone could suggest a reliable garage that won't try to rip me off, that would be great!

Cheers,
Chris.

[Guest 2]

Sounds like you have xenons and you have a failing ballast/power pack.

[zu11y]

As above, sounds like the ballast, could we get more info on the vehicle i.e. the model year, xenons/halogens.
And what did you mean when you say it has not been plugged in?

[Nottingham Neil]

Hi Chris and others..

I have also just encountered this problem... switch on the HID main lights and after a minute or so with the engine just idling, the drivers side first goes very very slightly dimmer and a slightly different (greener tint) colour, then after a further 30 seconds or so that headlight goes out and the same warning appears on the drivers display.

SO... thinking it must me the driver/ballast (as it's possible to turn off and on again and get a repeat of the above) I set about confirming this by swapping over the ballast units between near- & off-side. After doing this, the fault stayed with driver side.

So I now I'm a little confused as to the problem.. can anyone help?

2008 (08) A5 3.0TDi with OEM fitted HID Xenons. I took a photo of the Ballast during the swop, but didn't bother to inspect the bulb at the time. Many thanks.