Tips for Buying and Checking OEM HID Xenon Globes by Pro Vision Lighting.

 How to Identify What Globe Is in My Car.

If you blow a factory-fitted HID Xenon Globe, you can test it a few ways. The identity of the bulb type is on the globe’s base or side of the globe, with its main identifiers being D1S, D2S, D2R, D3S, D3R, D4S, D4R, D5S, D8S. This indicates the fitting and bulb type.

Colour temperature (e.g., 4300k, 4200k, or 6000k) tells you if it's a warm white or cool white globe. Voltage (42V or 85V) corresponds to the Ballast. D1 and D2 series are old 85V; D3, D4, D8 are newer 42V. D5S is unique with a built-in ballast, not to be confused with the ignitors on the back of D1, D3, and D8 globes. D2 and D4 might have the ignitor in the OEM Factory Fitted HID Xenon Ballast or on the headlight connector.

Manufacturers like Philips, Osram, Harrison have their own series numbers like 66340, basically telling you it’s an Osram D3S 6000k Xenstart globe.

Check via your VIN with the dealership or check out a Philips or Osram Bulb Application Guide. You will search by vehicle like this -> VW - 2016 - Amarok - low beam globe type.

Is the Globe Blown?
A burnt-looking pressure cylinder is not always an indicator that the globe is blown. When lit, HID globes burn very hot, so looking a bit burnt is not always an indicator of a faulty globe. If it’s as black as night though, this is a good indicator the globe is blown.

Globe or Ballast Faulty?
Sometimes its prudent to swap the globes around. If the fault follows the globe, it’s blown. If the fault stays on the same side it is likely to be the ballast. Some HID systems have separate ignitors, which also burn out — we advise that an automotive electrician help in diagnosing the exact problem.

How to Find a Company that Sells Good HID Globes?
With so many after-market Xenon Bulb Replacements around you want to look out for fakes or ancient stock. Dealers overcharge, some suppliers lie. Pick a local supplier with genuine reviews by google or trustpilot and see if the business has a track record of more than 12 months.

Remember, headlight relays, connectors, computer faults, wiring faults, etc. exist too. But I hope this helps make your diagnostics a bit easier.

Check out:
Pro Vision Lighting Home Page
HID Headlight Globes Category

Lex Boyle, Director,
Pro Vision Lighting & Electrical.