sbelyo

Hello All...

I have a USDM 2004 RX-8 GT AT and I'm looking for some advice on where to troubleshoot this issue.

I've noticed that the passenger side headlights seems dimmer than the driver's side. The high beams both work. I read here on the forums that it could be the day time running lights module. I'm not aware if my car has them or not. I don't notice any lights on when the car is started during the day time, but I've only checked when my e-brake was engaged and the car was in park.

I went into the secret menus on the Navi unti and did the wiring check. It shows that the front lights are out even when they are on, so I'm guessing something is wrong. I didn't want to start replacing bulbs or anything before I got some advice.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

The outside of the headlight's plastic cover has probably deteriorated. It is common to all cars of this type. There are products out there that will take care of this temporarily. They are available at your local auto parts store.

sbelyo

they're really clean and they're both evenly clear. I've polished many of them and I don't think this is the issue. I've searched the forum and it seems like this is common, but only with cars that have daytime running lights and I'm not sure if I'm supposed to have them. Plus the wiring diagnostic in the Navi shows that the front lights are out so there's definitely a fault somewhere

sbelyo

it sure looks like it's the headlight discharge control unit. I read the FSM and there is a section that shows the process for removal and installation. It the describes if one is dimmer than the other replace the control unit.

Now, since the FSM shows that removal of the unit is possible I would think that it could be replaced. However, I found evidence that once you have the headlight out you will not be able to remove the connector like the manual shows.

I also find conflicting parts information. A Mazda parts manager looked it up for me and said that they don't sell just the module. You must buy the whole headlight assembly to the tune of $700. I have found at least one parts website that lists an HID control module for $186

Has anyone purchased and installed just the control module?