Check Lowbeam troubleshooting?

Seabass · #1 12-07-2009, 03:47 PM

This morning I was greeted by a Check Lowbeam Bulb message. I have a 2005 4.4i (HIDs).

Before I blindly buy expensive bulbs, I thought I would try and gather some info.

In most people's experience, is this likely to be a bulb issue or should I do more trouble shooting before laying out the big bucks?

I know the obvious answer is to move the working bulb over to the non-working socket to confirm that the bulb is at fault and not the ballast. I'm prepared to do it, but not looking forward to it since I understand that this requires removal of the bumper cover. Considering the current Canadian Prairie outdoor temperature is -26°C, I'm trying to avoid this if it's not necessary.

Is the "Check Lowbeam Bulb" message reliable? Would I get a different message if the ballast was toast?

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mrbmwx5 · #2 12-07-2009, 03:52 PM

Most of the time is the bulb not the ballast.

Seabass · #3 12-07-2009, 08:10 PM

Has anyone had a ballast fail? Can you confirm if you got the "Check Lowbeam Bulb" message, or did you get a different message/indication?

Hit Redline · #4 12-08-2009, 12:28 AM

I had the "check low beam" and it was one of the halogen bulbs that went out. The light thats on for the day time running lights and and high beam. I have HID as well, but not sure if the 2005 light setup is different.

Seabass · #5 12-08-2009, 11:37 AM

Well, I managed to get the lowbeam HID bulb out without removing the bumper. I found that it had exploded into about 1000 pieces. I'll have to get the bumper off to remove the housing and pour out the broken pieces but I'll wait until the new bulbs arrive in the mail.

Is this a normal way for an HID bulb to fail, or is it a sign of another problem (ie moisture in the housing)?

mrbmwx5 · #6 12-08-2009, 11:46 AM

Just use the vaccum to suck out the broken pieces.

Seabass · #7 12-08-2009, 01:38 PM

Excellent idea!

JBF · #8 08-12-2010, 08:03 PM

All sorted? Just got that message too

Did you replace both bulbs and did you use genuine parts? Weird that mine has just gone the same day I've gotten it back from the dealers.

Seabass · #9 08-16-2010, 02:26 PM

Yes, I replaced both bulbs. Because I had a shattered bulb, I ended up removing the bumper to do the job. It's not that hard at all.

I absolutely, definitely, DID NOT use genuine parts. I purchased discount bulbs from hidcanada.com and have had no problems since.

JBF · #10 08-18-2010, 10:12 AM

Well I managed to do this although it was a bit of a tough job. I didn't remove the bumper but it was very very hard work removing the torx screws on the lower outside corner of the rear cover.

Used aftermarket 6000k bulbs - working fine, look good etc. Much cheaper than getting bulbs from the dealer, even with next-day Saturday delivery.

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