Ghibli headlight ballast

[AlfaManc]

I replaced a low beam headlight bulb a few months ago but within a couple of months, the bulb has stopped working. I suspect it may be due to the ballast as the bulb should work for a couple of years without a problem. It was flickering for a while and even now, it just about flickers when I switch the alarm on and off.

Phoning the dealer to ask about a ballast, they replied that you can only buy a new headlight unit. To my knowledge, there are places that sell these ballasts and they bolt onto the back of the headlight. I am absolutely not keen on spending £2k replacing a headlight unit for want of a £50 part.

Has anyone replaced just the ballast and if so do you have part number? There seem to be two types so I'd need to figure out what works for AFS headlights. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[CatmanV2]

Might be relevant as to what year your Ghibli is. Might not, but just thinking aloud. Hope you get sorted

C

 

[AlfaManc]

It's a 2014 diesel. The part I am looking at is like this one

130732932015 Xenon Ballast Control Unit

What's Included: 1 Xenon Ballast Condition: New Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer: AL Genuine AL part AL part number: 130732932015 Fits: A list down below Positions: Left or Right side

xenons4u.co.uk

Maybe I'll need a headlight in the end but just to explore my options first. The ballast controls the power to the headlight and a faulty one can cause the bulbs to blow frequently.

 

[Zep]

There are a lot listed on eBay. You might have to remove your headlamp to make sure you get the right version.

 

[AlfaManc]

There are a lot listed on eBay. You might have to remove your headlamp to make sure you get the right version.

That's the plan for next week. Even Eurospares list the ballast as an original Maserati part so I am hopeful of a cheaper fix than fitting two new headlights. I'll get the headlight out, get a part number and report back in a few days as to whether changing just the ballast has worked. I am certain the issue is not the headlight ECU, so logically it is either the ballast, bulb or both.