"Right Low Beam Failure" Message Help

35

Asked by jjwalt Apr 28, 2015 at 06:21 PM about the 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have an '08 Saab 9-3 Aero equipped with the Bi-Xenon headlamps. I've recently come across the "right low beam failure" message; since the both the low and high beam are housed in the same headlight assembly for the xenons, I replaced the unit with an oem Philips XenStart D1S 35W bulb (which has the ballast built-in the base of the headlight). Even though I've: replaced the bulb; checked all connections; ensured no fuses were blown; etc. my right headlamp still will not light on (for either low-beam or high-beam) and the "right low beam failure" message inevitably pops up on the SID. In the owners manual, they recommend having a dealership replace Xenon headlights (due to high voltages, temperatures, etc.), but, in fact, it's perhaps one of the simplest (physically) replaced bulbs I've ever come across. After spending $100 on the part, I don't really want to spend another $115 at the dealership for them to only open up the hood. Has anyone come across this issue? Is it a simple fix or is there perhaps something more sinister at-play?

3 Answers

102,625

Was reading a Saab forum and they said that it was a common problem for the headlight relay to fail due to bad solder points. Try a new relay. Also check any fuses for head lights.

5 people found this helpful.
143,765

This is also a common problem with the head switch assembly,just to ad to Reelins suggetions.

2 people found this helpful.
35

Thanks for the suggestions Reelin68 and T_S_T. I was mispoken when I said that the D1S bulb had the ballast built into the base of the unit; it is actually the ignitor (opposed to the bulb and ignitor being separate for model years '03-'07). The ballast is located underneath the actual headlight assembly itself & after taking off the front bumper and accessing the headlamp, I exchanged my two ballasts for one another (left to right, right to left) and I found the source of my issue. Thanks for your insight!

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

9-3

Looking for a Used 9-3 in your area?

CarGurus has 5 nationwide 9-3 listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    jhardwood
    Reputation
    900
  • #2
    dontata
    Reputation
    800
  • #3
    Jan Fosen
    Reputation
    730
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Saab 9-5
1 listing
Used BMW 3 Series
58 Great Deals out of 1,178 listings starting at $2,500
Used Jeep Wrangler
137 Great Deals out of 5,905 listings starting at $6,500
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
34 Great Deals out of 513 listings starting at $5,450
Used Saab 9-7X
1 listing
Used Volvo S60
11 Great Deals out of 181 listings starting at $6,495
Used Ford Mustang
42 Great Deals out of 1,603 listings starting at $8,995
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 965 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota 4Runner
27 Great Deals out of 537 listings starting at $14,791
Used Toyota Corolla
140 Great Deals out of 2,270 listings starting at $3,495
Used Lexus SC
3 Great Deals out of 15 listings starting at $13,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.