05 STS water in headlight

Wiring, DIY, lighting, etc.
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 05 STS water in headlight

Post by kevm14 »

Well that was short lived. Didn't turn on again this morning. It seems like a bad solder joint. I wonder if I could pull an Xbox and throw the thing in the oven at some temp...nothing to lose except I have an inspection this month and don't want to keep doing this. I was going to inspect this weekend but I guess I'll take a chance on one of the used eBay ballasts at this point. I would have much rather waited until the moisture problem was fixed to put another ballast in there but I don't have anywhere near that kind of time, and even if the sticker wasn't due, I wouldn't want to drive around with one headlight for that long.

It does make me wonder if this isn't due to moisture but just coincidence. Either that or moisture finally got to it but not sure why tapping on it would do anything in that case...

I could also try taking it apart but that seems very much like a science project. A better approach is probably buy a used ballast, put that in, get through my inspection, and then I could always take the old one part and see if there is anything I can do and best case, keep it as a spare but I have no good way to test it, either...sigh.
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 05 STS water in headlight

Post by kevm14 »

The internet says something like 430F to 480F will reflow solder....anyone think the ballast and attached wire, and plastic harness plug, would survive that??
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 05 STS water in headlight

Post by kevm14 »

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HID208-OEM-Phi ... SwCwBcJTWO

This guy claims 1 year warranty....only has 715 feedbacks...but only $57.80....I guess I will do it.

Date code says mid-2005. Wish I could find one that was much newer. I still can't believe these are unavailable. I am going to say that it's simple economics. I think they last a really long time, this one wasn't used on too many vehicles, and of course there is a way to adapt any D1S ballast but it requires various mickey mousing of things (bulb plug would be right but the GM plug wouldn't fit, plus it needs to actually fit inside the lamp housing under the cover). It may even be possible to take mine apart, put the guts from a generic ballast inside, and seal it up again.

Not saying this would be the ideal candidate but take a look: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1x-6G-D1S-Xeno ... 000%7C1500

Clearly Chinese (even ships from Chino, CA) but it is $21.59 and brand new. Look at the applicability:
Features:
High corrosion and wear resistance,long service life.
It is the best replacement for your old,broken one.
High-quality and cost-effective exquisite components from leading manufacturers.
It is in great reliability,cause it has been through testing standards.
High compatibity and super fit for your car headlight.
You will have a very satisfactory effect.

Description:
Compatibility:
2007-2013 for Cadillac Escalade
2006-2009 for BMW 5-series E60 ( E61 525i 525xi 528i 530i 530xi 550i M5528i xDrive 535i xDrive )
2010-2012 for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 / 3500
2007-2009 for Mercedes CLK 350, CLK 55, CLK 500, CLK 63
2008-2014 for Mercedes Benz G Class
2007-2012 for Freightliner Sprinter 2500 / 3500
2007-2009 for Dodge Sprinter 2500 / 3500
2006-2009 for Lincoln MKZ / Zephyr
2010-2011 for Volkswagen Jetta
2010-2013 for Volkswagen Golf GTi
2009-2011 for Volkswagen Tiguan
2008-2014 for Chrysler Town & Country
2007-2009 for Jaguar XK / XKR
Please make sure the interchange part number matches the part you are replacing.
If you have any problem, please contact us before place the order
A very satisfactory effect indeed. And it's been through testing standards!
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 05 STS water in headlight

Post by kevm14 »

Ordered the used eBay one. Says will come by Friday...
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 05 STS water in headlight

Post by kevm14 »

Tried headlights after returning home. Driver's side did not come on. Tapped ballast cover with 3/8" extension. Came on...yeah this isn't viable is it. Good thing FedEx says delivery by Thursday of the used one I bought.
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 05 STS water in headlight

Post by kevm14 »

Ballast delivered (according to e-mail....and a text, hilariously).
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 05 STS water in headlight

Post by kevm14 »

Not too impressed with packaging... Hope it works.
20190509_181622.jpg
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 05 STS water in headlight

Post by kevm14 »

Tested my used ballast. Works.
20190511_101311.jpg
20190511_101319.jpg
After that I rinsed with windshield washer fluid, then distilled water. Then hit it with the hair dryer per usual routine.

I did apply more dielectric grease to the rear cover gasket. And for the ballast cover, I tried the clear GE silicone instead of RTV. Hope it works.

After this I did the fog lights.
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 05 STS water in headlight

Post by kevm14 »

Still dry. It has rained quite a bit. It is possible I finally fixed it by caulking like I should have originally??

Oh, and the used ballast is still working. Forgot to mention that.
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 05 STS water in headlight

Post by kevm14 »

This always happens...

I see some light fogging at the bottom of the lens inside...it is still raining also.

Guess I will just keep watching it.

I could try air pressure to find the leak. Or try my fog machine which will coat everything inside with mineral oil. Maybe it isn't the front lens but something else. Side cover...or rear cover. Or a crack.
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