# 2003 Audi Allroad HID headlight problem **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [March 10, 2009, 12:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-audi-allroad-hid-headlight-problem/27549 "2009-03-10T12:36:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![WVBumpkin1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e47774/32.png) [@WVBumpkin1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/WVBumpkin1)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2009, 12:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-audi-allroad-hid-headlight-problem/27549/1 "2009-03-10T12:36:41Z")
My wife has a 2003 Audi Allroad (A6) with HID/xenon headlights. The passenger side low beam went out last night and the warning light came on in the car. When I turn the switch off and back on the headlight flashes on for a split second and then goes off. Could this be the bulb or the ignitor or both? I don’t have much experience with HID lights so I am starting fresh with this. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![WVBumpkin1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e47774/32.png) [@WVBumpkin1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/WVBumpkin1)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2009, 2:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-audi-allroad-hid-headlight-problem/27549/2 "2009-03-11T02:37:08Z")
I can’t believe no one has run into this problem. My next move is to switch bulbs and see if the problem is still there. ---
**Author:** ![wagonfan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/wagonfan/32/134_2.png) [@wagonfan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wagonfan)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2009, 1:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-audi-allroad-hid-headlight-problem/27549/3 "2009-03-12T01:17:02Z")
Its most likely the ballast (starter, ignitor, whatever you want to call it). The old guys here don’t like HID’s so they’d rather it be burned out on your car. ---
**Author:** ![researcher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/edb3f5/32.png) [@researcher](https://community.cartalk.com/u/researcher)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2009, 5:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-audi-allroad-hid-headlight-problem/27549/4 "2009-03-12T17:10:42Z")
I thought I would add a reply. I have not dealt specifically with automotive arc lamps and circuitry but have dealt with arc lamps in other applications. Usually there is a high voltage ignition on start up to get the arc initiated then there is a sustain voltage to hold the arc. Usually when arc lamps fail, you will get the flickering start arc, even with a bad lamp. The most likely candidate is a failed lamp. However, if the lamp connectors are available, the sustain voltage and amperage (with a good lamp running) should be checked. Anyone who is willing to share their specific experience with diagnosing, lamp replacement, and power verification is welcome to enlighten us further. ---
**Author:** ![Pontiacura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@Pontiacura](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Pontiacura)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2009, 7:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-audi-allroad-hid-headlight-problem/27549/5 "2009-03-12T19:10:10Z")
To me it sounds like the ballast. From what I understand, an HID headlight system basically consists of the bulb, igniter and ballast. It sounds like your bulb and igniter are OK - the lamp lights up. The fact that it’s not staying lit would indicate to me that you have a bad ballast (the unit that sustains the high voltage to maintain the HID arc). I had this problem with my '00 Acura but now my headlight seems to stay on. Maybe if I left my headlights on for longer the light would go out. Anyway, HID headlight parts ain’t cheap. Good luck!