Xenon Light replaced by dealer, now doesn't match at all!

[MplsDude]

I had my dealer replace my passenger HID headlight under warranty due to the TSB for flickering, etc.

Well the one they put in is totally yellow and doesn't even seem to look like the other Xenon that is on the drivers side that has the blueish/purplish tint to it.

Did they even put a Xenon light in? Did they put the wrong one in? It looks horrible and I want to go back to the dealer about it but I want to understand the situation first.

Any advice, insight, tips are appreciated.

Thanks!

[Yeti]

I think there is an actual burn in stage for a new bulb.

[MplsDude]

Originally Posted by Yeti

I think there is an actual burn in stage for a new bulb.

How long will this take? It looks really bad.

[Vegas Matt]

Here's a little something from the Tech Tips thread:

-----
TT-06-11
All Touaregs, Headlamp Bulbs (Especially HID)

If headlamp bulbs were originally blue and have turned white after approx. 200 hours, this is normal. Do not replace bulb because of color difference.

-----

After looking inside the housing, I'd say it's pretty much impossible to fit a standard halogen into the bixenon housing, as the wiring wouldn't match up. So, they more than likely did put in an HID bulb. The color temperature may be different, but even that may be the same, and the new one just needs to "burn-in" before it becomes the 4300k color temperature of the other stock bulb.

Additionally, how did you get them to replace the bulb? My dealer is not being the most responsive about this, even though I've had both headlights flicker and go out independently of one another. They said they didn't see it, so no dice. Was wondering how you handled yours.

Matt

[MplsDude]

Originally Posted by Vegas Matt

Here's a little something from the Tech Tips thread:

-----
TT-06-11
All Touaregs, Headlamp Bulbs (Especially HID)

If headlamp bulbs were originally blue and have turned white after approx. 200 hours, this is normal. Do not replace bulb because of color difference.

-----

After looking inside the housing, I'd say it's pretty much impossible to fit a standard halogen into the bixenon housing, as the wiring wouldn't match up. So, they more than likely did put in an HID bulb. The color temperature may be different, but even that may be the same, and the new one just needs to "burn-in" before it becomes the 4300k color temperature of the other stock bulb.

Additionally, how did you get them to replace the bulb? My dealer is not being the most responsive about this, even though I've had both headlights flicker and go out independently of one another. They said they didn't see it, so no dice. Was wondering how you handled yours.

Matt

Thanks for the info, I hope it turns blue soon!

I just told the dealer my passenger light is flickering every once in awhile and that sometimes it goes out and the check bulb message comes on. I also mentioned there is a TSB for this problem as well.

[Vegas Matt]

All I'll say is this: It's amazing the difference between a good dealer versus a mediocre one...

And yours, right now, sounds miles ahead of mine.

Matt

[TREGinginCO]

I just had both of my xenons replaced and they both have more of a yellowish color, which is very noticeable when you come from very white, albeit blinky, xenons.

[MplsDude]

Originally Posted by Vegas Matt

All I'll say is this: It's amazing the difference between a good dealer versus a mediocre one...

And yours, right now, sounds miles ahead of mine.

Matt

Ugh, I hate my VW Dealer, they are all total prick$! I wrote down all the TSB's I wanted them to look at (like 3 of them) and gave the list of them to my service guy when I pulled in for my appointment, his response was TSB's are up to the general managers discretion and took the piece of paper and crumpled it up into a ball right in front of me and threw it in the trash!

I will not be back to this dealer, I will make the 20 mile drive to the other VW dealer who I hear has great customer service.

[PastorSteve]

That's simple. I would have called for the Service Manager or General Manager on the spot. When I was having a time with my dealership getting parts in from Germany I called the owner of the dealership. I explained to him that the service/parts department wasn't winning him any friends and that they weren't getting parts in as promised meaning I would have to make several trips to the dealership to get simple warranty/service issues taken care of and he straightened them up immediately.

They make their money on repeat purchases and long-term service. They don't want to lose you. You need to speak to the proper people - not the service bay dude if he's not responsive. I had a small scratch in the finish on one of the buttons of my nav. system and my dealer replaced the entire nav system to take care of the issue. The best service I've ever had.

[Vegas Matt]

We'll see how things go real soon on mine: I'm goin' in!

They got my new driveshaft, e-brake pedal assembly, and rear seat armrest in, and I will be repeating my list of issues from last week (including the TSB-covered headlight flickering.) I'm planning on chatting with a different service advisor, as well as the service manager, to see how things go. I feel the new advisor I'll be dealing with is more of a VW enthusiast, so I may have a better go of it with him. We'll see...

Matt