2001 Cadillac STS HID Headlight System -Ballast Replacement

Tiny
DDEEMER
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CADILLAC STS
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
2001 Cadillac Seville STS - My passenger side low beam headlight recently quit working. I thought that I could just replace a bulb, but it turns out that it has the OEM HID system. Once I realized this I tried swapping the "good" lamp from the drivers side but it still doesn't work so I assume the the problem is with the ballast.

I have two questions:

1. Where are the HID ballasts located on this car and how do I get to them in order to replace them?

2. Is there a less expensive ballast replacement option for this vehicle? On-line GM parts sites list the replacement ballast at ~$600 and sell it for ~$430 each. After market ballasts can typically be purchased for $40-$80 each. The GM parts sites also indicate that the original ballast is no longer available and that an adapter cable cable will be required for an additional $30 to make the replacement ballast work. This suggests to me that the replacement ballast is a standard ballast that could be purchased for significanly less $ if I just knew what to buy!

I have already located two new D1S lamps for $45 for the pair (GM wants ~$300 each!) And I would go ahead and replace both ballasts and both lamps if I could figure out where to buy the ballasts for a reasonable price.

I have searched the internet for a couple of days and not been able to find the answers to these questions! So, your help with this would be gratly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave.
Thursday, October 1st, 2009 AT 12:18 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
Hey Dave,

I have found that Rockauto.com or amazon.com has a pretty good deal on those. Here is a guide and a few diagrams on how to change the ballasts out for new.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reverse-light-bulb-replacement

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
BOB BTCHIN
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  • 4 POSTS
  • 2001 CADILLAC STS
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 103,000 MILES
I recently purchased the car and found out there was a headlight out, it has an HID system. When I looked into it, I also found that the previous mechanic had removed the HID ballast box. A new ballast box can range from $400-$700. I can not afford this. My question is "Can I replace the HID system with halogen headlights?" And Will I have to do a massive rewiring project or can I just wire in the new bulbs?" Thank you for your time.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 AT 1:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TY ANDERSON
  • MECHANIC
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Depending on how or if the headlights was modified to accommodate the HID system. If the mounting into the headlight is in original condition and nothing has been cut or trimmed for the HID bulbs then you could put the headlights back to stock condition.
If the headlight bulb socket is still present for both headlights then that makes it easier. If not you'll need to get some electrical sockets for the original head light bulbs. If you've done electrical repairs before then wiring in back the wires to each headlight shouldn't be too difficult.
Make sure this HID system is aftermarket because these Cadillacs came with a factory accessory HID system.
I would first removal all HID components (Disconnect the battery before removal as HID system run very high voltage and pose a hazard if power to HID is not cut) from the vehicle. Then you need to know which wire goes to the head lights.
The driver side headlight wires are Yellow (pwr side) and Black (ground side). The Passenger side Tan with a white line (pwr side) and Black (ground side). Connect each electrical socket to these wires to run traditional halogen headlight bulbs.
Hope this answers your question.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 AT 1:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOB BTCHIN
  • MEMBER
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This is a factory system. Does that make a difference?
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 AT 1:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TY ANDERSON
  • MECHANIC
  • 719 POSTS
Probably not an issue. You still have fuses, relay, power wire and ground wire with out the HID system.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 AT 1:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOB BTCHIN
  • MEMBER
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Thanks for the help. Will try it tomorrow.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 AT 1:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TY ANDERSON
  • MECHANIC
  • 719 POSTS
Sorry for the late reply
Let me know if it works.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 AT 1:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOB BTCHIN
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The wiring would work fine. The problem is with the headlight fixture itself. The HID has 2 screws that hold in the headlight, the halogen bulb #9006 has a twist in receiver. So it comes down to paying for 2 headlight assemblies or buckling down and paying for the new HID ballast. Thanks for your help. Bob
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 AT 1:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TY ANDERSON
  • MECHANIC
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I've seen some people cut an opening with a dremel tool for a halogen bulb and silicone a bulb into it which would be the lease cost but also more risky if it doesn't work out. You might try a salvage yard for a Cadillac headlight without the HID system to see if you can bring the cost down that way. Or a used ballast online or junk yard.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2017 AT 1:34 PM (Merged)

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