Lighting - HID Headlamps Flicker/Stop Working

08-044

October 9, 2008

Applies To:
2003 3.2CL - ALL

Headlight Flickers or Doesn't Work

SYMPTOM

One or both of the high intensity discharge (HID) headlights are flickering or stop working.

PARTS INFORMATION

HID Headlight Inverter Unit: P/N 33144-S3M-A01

TOOL INFORMATION

HID Checker: T/N 07AAJ-S3MA100

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.

Failed Part: P/N 33144-53M-A01

Defect Code: 03217

Symptom Code: 01201

Skill Level: Repair Technician

Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Make sure the No.43 (20A) and the No.45 (20A) fuses in the under-hood fuse/relay box are OK:

^ If the fuses are OK, go to step 2.

^ If either fuse is blown, this service bulletin does not apply. Replace the blown fuse(s), recheck the headlights, then continue with normal troubleshooting if needed.





2. Disconnect the 2P connector from the inverter unit on the problem side. The drivers's-side connector is blue, and the passenger's-side connector is gray.

4. Make sure there is battery voltage between inverter unit 2P connector terminal No.2 and body ground:

^ If there is battery voltage, go to step 5.





^ If there isn't battery voltage, this service bulletin does not apply. Repair the open in the wire between the under-hood fuse/relay box and the inverter unit.

5. Turn the headlight combination switch off.

6. Make sure there is continuity between inverter unit

2P connector terminal No.1 and body ground:

^ If there is continuity, go to step 7.





^ If there isn't continuity, this service bulletin does not apply. Repair the open in the wire between the inverter unit and body ground. If the wire is OK, check for a poor ground at G201 or G301.

7. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the audio unit and the navigation system, then write down the frequencies for the audio unit's preset buttons.

8. Disconnect the battery negative cable, then disconnect the positive cable.





9. Remove the TORX bolt from the headlight cover using a TORX 125 bit.





10. To remove the cover from the headlight assembly, turn it 45 degrees counterclockwise (driver's side) or 45 degrees clockwise (passenger's side).

NOTE:
The passenger's-side headlight cover has reverse threads.





11. Turn the socket 45 degrees counterclockwise, then disconnect it from the bulb.





12. Insert the socket into the HID checker to do an HID headlight bulb check.

13. Connect the 2P connector (passenger's side is gray, driver's side is blue) to the inverter unit.

14. Connect the battery cables.

15. See if the light in the HID checker comes on when you turn the headlights on:

^ If the HID checker light comes on, this service bulletin does not apply. Replace the affected headlight bulb:

- Refer to page 22-134 of the 01-03 3.20L Service Manual, or

- Online, enter keyword HEADLIGHT, and select
HID (High Intensity Discharge) Bulb
Replacement from the list.

^ If the HID checker light does not come on, go to step 16.

16. Replace the HID inverter unit:

^ Refer to page 22-135 of the 01-03 3.20L Service Manual, or





^ Online, enter keyword HEADLIGHT, and select HID (High Intensity Discharge) Unit Replacement from the list.





Disclaimer