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2019 ILX Headlight Flickering and Intermittent Outage

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Laura J. · rep 0 · May 22, 4:58 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Acura ILX Premium

I own a 2019 Acura ILX Premium, and I've noticed my headlights, specifically the driver's side, have started flickering. Sometimes it goes out completely for a few seconds before coming back on. It seems to happen more at night or when I first turn them on, but it's becoming more frequent and unpredictable.

I'm worried about driving at night with this issue. Could this just be a bulb that's about to go out, or is it something more serious with the electrical system, like a ballast or wiring problem? What should I be looking for?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 4:58 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Headlight flickering and intermittent outages on your 2019 Acura ILX Premium can indeed be a safety concern. This issue often points to a few common electrical culprits, especially if it's isolated to one side:

  1. Failing HID Bulb: If your ILX uses High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, the bulb itself can cause flickering and intermittent outages as it nears the end of its life. HID bulbs contain gases that can become unstable, leading to inconsistent light output. This is often the first thing to check.
  2. Faulty HID Ballast: HID bulbs require a ballast to regulate the voltage and current. A failing ballast can cause the bulb to flicker, dim, or go out completely. If replacing the bulb doesn't fix it, the ballast is the next likely suspect.
  3. Loose or Corroded Wiring/Connections: The electrical connections to the headlight assembly, bulb, or ballast can become loose or corroded over time. This can interrupt power flow, causing the light to flicker or cut out. Inspect the connectors for any signs of damage or oxidation.
  4. Headlight Assembly Issue: Less common, but sometimes there's an internal fault within the headlight assembly itself, such as a bad ground or a circuit board issue.
  5. Daytime Running Light (DRL) Module: If the flickering also affects your DRLs, there might be an issue with the DRL control module or its wiring.
  6. OBD-II Codes: While not always triggered by simple bulb issues, a more significant electrical fault might generate codes such as:
    • B1200: Headlight Circuit Malfunction
    • B1201: Headlight Relay Malfunction

When to See a Shop: If you're not comfortable working with automotive electrical systems, especially HID components which involve high voltage, it's best to take your 2019 Acura ILX to a qualified mechanic or Acura dealership. They can safely diagnose whether it's the bulb, ballast, wiring, or another electrical component, ensuring proper repair and restoring your nighttime visibility.

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