headlights going off & on 159 Q4

[Stu159]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone else has had the issue where the xenon headlights flicker on a 159? I've seen discussions on other forums, but was hoping someone might know of a local solution (Sydney). It's always the passenger side and I have been through the scenario where the front end was taken off and no faults could be found. Sometimes the light stays off, sometimes not. If you turn it off & on again, it comes on no problem. Happens cold or hot, so no patterns there to speak of. Have replaced bulbs and it made no difference.

Any assistance would be much appreciated. I'm about to look a tackling it again

Thankyou

[bazzbazz]

Its usually caused by a faulty Ballast unit. These are usually mounted on the bottom of the headlight housing.

[Stu159]

thanks bazzbazz, can you tell me if that's accessible without taking the front end off? It's been recommended to me that I replace the whole headlight unit.

I had a situation with a dealership, many years ago, they took the front end off, couldn't work out what the issue was and wanted to replace the headlight unit, then put it all back together, "to find out" if that was the problem. That was a well over $1300 job. I declined, because they weren't sure, so they charged me over $700 for the exercise and the invoice said "client declined to have the issue repaired" :-)

I've had the car for x 10 years now. I bought it as a dealership demo in 2008. I'm just over 100k and it's been a great car

Thanks again for you help

[Craig_m67]

Try this for background info.. http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-159-brera-andamp-946-spider/476529-alfa-159-xenon-headlights-flickering.html

I don't know if a ballast comes with the headlamp unit, or if it's seperate. However, a complete (genuine) Alfa headlamp for a 159 costs £150.. so about $300 landed. Email them (your VIN) and ask if it has the ballast

https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=2867&sku=41546


Looks like the ballast box is on the top of the headlamp assembly (under the wing?)
You can probably fit it all yourself if you're half handy with a 10mm Torx drive and screwdriver
Looks like the bumper has to come off slightly, but it's not that scary.. just big

[Stu159]

good on you Craig,

Thanks so much for the time & effort you've put in here. Much appreciated.

And thanks again to you bazzbazz

All the best
Stuart

[bazzbazz]

I think you will find the Ballast units and the headlight assemblies are separate items.

Here you go -

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Xenon-Headlight-Ballast-Control-Unit-Alfa-Romeo-159-1307329123-60681942-NEW/172932500196?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D49574%26meid%3Da28e1cd986ac4639b5d2ef520a88e737%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D182959358230&_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1

The units are used in many different makes & models worldwide.

Punch the part #60681942 or 1307329123 into eBay or Google and you'll be spoiled for price and choice. Or if you want send me your cars Vin# and I'll get you the exact part number for your car.

Just one little suggestion, as the flicker is one one side may I suggest swapping the bulb over from the good side to see if the flicker disappears. We'd all look right "Numptys" if it were just a dodgy bulb. 

[Stu159]

thanks again Bazz, no all good on the bulb, it has been replaced and it made no difference. Thanks for all of the info, I'll pass it on to my mechanic and see if I can get it sorted and will let you know how I go

Really appreciate yours & Craigs efforts here. I've found myself in a unfortunate / fortunate scenario, where the front will be coming off for some minor scratch repairs, so I can get it all done at the same time. Didn't want a scenario where it was put back together, to only have the same issue repeating itself. It's a difficult one to diagnose, you can only see it when driving at night and it's sporadic. Hopefully, armed with the info you've both provided, I'll be able to resolve the issue

All the best