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2019 ILX LED Headlight Flickering & Dimming

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Paul Z. · rep 0 · May 22, 4:58 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Acura ILX Premium

Hello everyone,

I'm having an issue with the LED headlights on my 2019 Acura ILX Premium. The driver's side headlight has started to flicker intermittently, and sometimes it seems to dim significantly compared to the passenger side. It's not completely out, but it's definitely not consistent.

This started happening a few weeks ago, and it's getting worse. I'm worried it might fail completely soon. I know LED lights are supposed to last a long time, so this is unexpected for a 2019 model. Has anyone else experienced flickering or dimming LED headlights on their ILX or other Acura models?

What could be the cause of this, and is it an expensive fix?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Flickering or dimming LED headlights on a relatively new vehicle like your 2019 Acura ILX can be concerning. While LEDs are durable, their associated control modules or wiring can still fail. This issue typically points to a problem with the LED driver module, the LED assembly itself, or the power supply.

Steps to Diagnose:

  1. Visual Inspection: Check the headlight assembly for any signs of moisture intrusion, physical damage, or loose connections at the back of the housing.
  2. Check Wiring: Inspect the wiring harness leading to the affected headlight for any signs of fraying, corrosion, or damage. A poor ground connection can also cause flickering.
  3. Swap Components (if possible): If your ILX uses separate LED driver modules, a technician might try swapping the driver module from the working passenger side to the flickering driver's side to see if the problem follows the module. This helps isolate the issue.
  4. Scan for DTCs: While less common for simple headlight issues, a body control module (BCM) or lighting control module might store codes related to circuit faults (e.g., B1200, B1201 related to headlight circuit).

Causes:

  • Faulty LED Driver Module: This module regulates the power to the LED array. A failing driver can cause flickering, dimming, or complete failure.
  • Loose or Corroded Connection: A poor electrical connection or ground point to the headlight assembly.
  • Internal LED Assembly Failure: Although less common, individual LEDs or the entire array within the housing can fail.
  • Wiring Harness Damage: Damage to the wiring leading to the headlight.
  • Voltage Fluctuations: Rarely, issues with the vehicle's charging system could cause inconsistent power, but this would likely affect other electrical components too.

When to See a Shop: Given that LED headlights are complex and often integrated units, it's highly recommended to take your 2019 Acura ILX to an Acura dealership or a reputable automotive electrical specialist. They have the expertise and diagnostic tools to accurately pinpoint whether the issue is with the LED driver, the LED assembly, or the wiring. Attempting to repair or replace these components without proper knowledge can be difficult and potentially costly if done incorrectly. Headlight replacement, especially for LED units, can be expensive, so accurate diagnosis is key.

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