2004 4.8iS Headlight ALC Module Question

BimmerE38E53 · #1 05-07-2016, 05:40 PM

Hi guys! So been a while with no issues in the X and I now have one lol. The drivers side Low beam won't turn on. I checked in DIS and now know that is it the ALC unit on the bottom of that headlight. So....my question is. Can I go anywhere other than the dealer to get one and does it require coding? I'm seeing yes and no to coding so I wanted to get the input of the forum.

Don't worry tho the Angel Eye LEDs are tied to the parking lights so it's OK!! Haha.

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g300d · #2 05-07-2016, 06:29 PM

I'm not sure if we are talking about the same thing, but when the left side headlight would not turn on in my 04 with adaptive lights, I replaced the ballast that is located under the headlight with a used one off ebay. It was plug and play with no coding required.

I dont recall any other modules except the ballast being located under the headlights, but it has been a few years since I did that so could be wrong.

BimmerE38E53 · #3 05-08-2016, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g300d

I'm not sure if we are talking about the same thing, but when the left side headlight would not turn on in my 04 with adaptive lights, I replaced the ballast that is located under the headlight with a used one off ebay. It was plug and play with no coding required.

I dont recall any other modules except the ballast being located under the headlights, but it has been a few years since I did that so could be wrong.

I already replaced ballast and igniter. There is one more small square box and from searching seems to be an ALC module. I used DIS and got this error and the picture below the DIS image is a ballast, igniter and ALC Module. It's number 5 in the diagram.

g300d · #4 05-09-2016, 02:48 PM

i see. Didnt notice that when I did my ballast.

I presume there will be one for each headlight? Maybe you can swap the modules left to right to see if the problem switches sides to confirm?

Also, I suggest checking the headlight wiring, as the insulation likes to crumble. Might be directly or indirectly part of the problem.

BimmerE38E53 · #5 05-09-2016, 07:03 PM

You are correct there is one on each headlight assembly. I have done that. I know that is the issue. I was just wondering if I have to code it once I install it. I'm not sure. And I can't find a direct yes or no.

g300d · #6 05-09-2016, 09:00 PM

Ok gotcha! It's good you have it confirmed, and nice to know the ALC can cause a lights out situation.

Sorry the one thing you need to know I cant help you with lol! Hopefuly some of our more experienced members will chime in soon.

BimmerE38E53 · #7 05-10-2016, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g300d

Ok gotcha! It's good you have it confirmed, and nice to know the ALC can cause a lights out situation.

Sorry the one thing you need to know I cant help you with lol! Hopefuly some of our more experienced members will chime in soon.

Thanks man! If not I will have it this weekend and install and report back. That way if someone else has this issue they will know lol.