So I've looked all over the web including here and I cannot come close to finding or even using the right keywords to figure out my problem. I own a 08 MCS with the factory bi-xenon lights. My passenger headlight will not activate. If I plug the driver side connector into the passenger headlamp it comes right on without a problem. Even for troubleshooting I plugged the passenger (bad) connector into the driver side headlamp and it will not activate. I've checked the fuses, followed the wire down to the ECU and took apart the passenger side by the ECU and searches every plug and wire going into the ECU that were the same color as the connector and still cannot determine what is wrong. My guess is that sketchy connector. If anyone has had this issue, may know the fix or even know where I can find the connector please let me know because I'm tired of a curfew my car gives me since they give out ticket for the lucky people with an out headlight.

 

We just picked up our 2010 MCS two weeks ago and I am still getting familiar with the car.


I can tell you that with my old Audi wagon with xenons, they used a ballast for each light. Without Googling it, I believe the ballast was the 'power source' for the light since true xenon gas lights need a tremendous amount of voltage. They would eventually wear out and need to be replaced.


Not sure if the Mini's are set up the same way.

 

sounds like a bad ballast.

If you are plugging in the good side into your headlight and everything works. Its the ballast.

 

I'll have to check that out. What's odd though is even my other headlight won't even come on plugged into the bad side. The ballast is located under the headlight assembly is that correct? It looked like something of that nature.

 

If that's the case, it isn't the ballast then.

 

That's a power source problem.
Time to take your multimeter and check for power at the connector.
If not power is present, time to trace back all the way into the firewall and fusebox.

It's either a cut wire, or bad / faulty connector.

- Erik

 

That's my next step once I get time from work to check it out. Thanks for the idea. I'll update once I find out.

 

So I tried checking the connector with a volt meter the only way I could to my knowledge, which consisted of placing the pins on each connection as a pair and watching for at least some kind of numbers. They all had some kind of power but I'm not sure if I even did it correctly and what numbers that are the normal. I uploaded some pictures just to get an idea on how complicated this headlight connector is.

 

Having the same issue!! Have you found a fix?

 

My guess is one of the pins are not making contact. Use the other side as a guide for which ones power up when you test them.