Citroen C6 flashing headlight telltale

[jamescarruthers]

The L/H headlight (HID) on my C6 comes on fine but after some time it goes off, accompanied by the headlight indicator on the dashboard flashing.

I presume this is a similar system on other Citroens? Would it be wise to start with a new bulb or does it point to the ballast failing?

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, as for the discharge bulbs, I would first check it is seated properly. I would wear some disposable rubber gloves so as not to get any oil from your hands on the bulb and to insulate yourself from shock as these can carry residual charge.

If these are the originals (and it may well be as they last for ages), then they may be at end of life and you must replace them in pairs. You need D2S bulbs, but remember never touch the glass with your fingers.

If you are going to replace them, I would strongly suggest you upgrade them from the stock bulbs to something like the Osram Xenarc Night Breakers - these have up to 200% more light and 250M - some info here.

https://www.powerbulbs.com/product/osra ... r-d2s-twin

I did this on my X7 with Directional Xenons and the improvement from the stock bulbs was a whiter crisper, brighter light and much better range.

[jamescarruthers]

Good tip, okay I’ll start with bulbs. I have a few spares from another car which weren’t old when taken out. I suppose I can try these first. My Avantime has yellow D2S and it is tempting to swap these in. Not sure if I look like a dick or not though! Sublime colour to drive at night.

I think may have to take the bumper off but hopefully not.

[GiveMeABreak]

I think the yellow bulbs were more in use in Europe - but over here I'd stick to range and brightness, as the C6 like the X7 only has the one bulb used for both main and dipped beam, so doubly important that it has these qualities.