Left LED duller than Right

Gedc · 10-03-2020, 06:07 AM

Hi Folks. NZ based ford mondeo owner. Had the car 4 years from new. Noticed when shutting down last week, that the left LED appears to be yellow(er) in color and not white. When you look at the headlights one definitely has a yellow glow to it. It doesn't appear to be the glass.

This is only when the running lights are on i.e not low beam or headlights which appear fine when turned on.

Ford have had it for 2 days, Keep saying they can't find anything wrong. We've sent them the pics as well. They initially thought it was 'adaptive' based on steering wheel position but then agreed it wasn't.

I've had recent / similar issues with the dealership on another unrelated issue and eventually fixed it using google and forum friendly experts. Any ideas as to where i can direct them? Thanks

Ged

**russellw** · 10-03-2020, 08:39 AM

Yellowing of LEDs is almost always heat related and even though you say it's not the cover, it is usually the plastic covers that are damaged by heat.

I presume these are the DRL's that are in the picture so the only other possibility is that the light fitting isn't getting sufficient voltage due to a wiring issue. Take the plug off the back of the DRL and compare the voltage between the two sides.

Gedc · 11-03-2020, 06:11 PM

Thanks for the feedback. As an update. The dealership couldn't find anything wrong. Swore blind it wouldn't be the LED units - to quote - "they never fail". Kept it overnight then they found the issue - which they still haven't fully explained to my wife. $3500 replacement unit required. I have the ford 5 year warranty as well - doesn't cover it as they class it as lights. Seems to have everyone from the service desk through to business managers involved at this time. Awaiting them to confirm with ford NZ if they will replace the unit at their cost. We have the CGA in NZ - consumer guarantees act - which affords me some protection re fit for purpose / acceptable lifespan.

Need to lodge a dispute if not mutually resolved but I reckon a maintenance free, sealed LED unit should last longer than 4 years before failing.

Thanks again. I'll post the technical fix for the benefit of the forum when I get it back in writing.

Smoke Pursuit · 17-04-2020, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gedc

Thanks for the feedback. As an update. The dealership couldn't find anything wrong. Swore blind it wouldn't be the LED units - to quote - "they never fail". Kept it overnight then they found the issue - which they still haven't fully explained to my wife. $3500 replacement unit required. I have the ford 5 year warranty as well - doesn't cover it as they class it as lights. Seems to have everyone from the service desk through to business managers involved at this time. Awaiting them to confirm with ford NZ if they will replace the unit at their cost. We have the CGA in NZ - consumer guarantees act - which affords me some protection re fit for purpose / acceptable lifespan.

Need to lodge a dispute if not mutually resolved but I reckon a maintenance free, sealed LED unit should last longer than 4 years before failing.

Thanks again. I'll post the technical fix for the benefit of the forum when I get it back in writing.

Its a non serviceable item. Should be covered under the 5 year warranty. Would love to hear the outcome on this one.