I've got a 53 reg with projector lights, the drivers side one isn't working, every now and then it'll come on when I switch lIghtfield on but rarely does this, anyone know what could be wrong or have a replacement headlight

Bad connector, or a bad ballast are the most likely causes. Even if you have to buy a multimeter checking the connections is cheaper.

I've put new bulb in it, plug connectors all seemed fine, no corrosion, where can I get a ballast from? Any idea roughly how much they are?

Are your xenons self levelling, or has it been fitted with an aftermarket HID kit?. If they are self levelling, the ballast also forms part of the control unit, and as such will not be cheap.

 

The last one I bought was about 2 years ago and was about £100 then, price may have dropped since, but I doubt it.

 

If they are aftermarket, a ballast can be had for about £30

 

Hope it helps

It's got self levelling so take it its not aftermarket, are these volkswagon only or can I get them through my local parts place

When I needed one I had to go to Main agent as they were OEM only, I've never found them at Euro car parts, but you could try google I suppose.

 

Just a thought, the earth to the lighting loom is near the battery tray, have you checked that it is clean so that the ballast is getting full voltage?.

Is there a separate earth for each light? The nearside seems to be fine, just the drivers side that doesn't work, I'll have a look to see if I can see an earth cable tomorrow when it's daylight

I am almost certain it was a shared earth point.

 

If you want to be sure you could swap control units over and see if the fault moves with it to the other side. That way you could be certain before you stump up any cash?.