370z headlight ballast replacement

Knockoutpie · 10-21-2016, 08:15 PM

Hey guys. My headlight ballast or igniter cable is going bad. Bulb doesn't always go on and I'm on a new set of bulbs. Question is though. Can I replace the ballast taking off the wheel and shrouding or do I need to take the bumper off and remove the headlight completely? I scored a ballast and igniter cable replacement in eBay for $30

Daniel123588 · 10-21-2016, 10:18 PM

There is a good chance you may have enough space (driver side) by going through the fender well but very limited space espcially with working with tools in that cramped space. Ballast are bolted under the headlights so you may not even be able to access the phillip screws that hold it in. The passenger side has the washer reservoir that may get in the way.

Once you take off a bumper once, you will realize how easy that process is. While it may take longer, it may make life easier.

Knockoutpie · 10-22-2016, 11:11 AM

I've removed the bumper before, I want to try and avoid that, luckily it's the passenger side that needs to be replaced. I'll try the wheel well first, if no luck I'll go to the bumper and update this post with my findings.

Knockoutpie · 10-22-2016, 01:27 PM

Bumper has to be removed / partially removed. There are three screws that cover the ballast screws so the headlight assembly needs to be removed completely.

If anyone is curious, this is the part number for the 370z ballast. The ballast I replaced it with was from a 350z unknowingly. It works fine, however the tension release bolt design it a tad different and the metal clasp around the igniter cable fitting did have to be cut just a smidge to fit snugly in the 350z ballast

Basically. A 350z and 370z ballast are interchangeable. To replace the ballast the bumper needed to come off because you have to remove the head light assembly from the car. And the tension release clasp around the connector for the ballast needs to be trimmed if you're using a different ballast than the 370z oem.

No you cannot use an aftermarket HID ballast as the ballast for the 350z and 370z have a grommet that make your light waterproof. This is a unique design and no other aftermarket company makes a ballast in this exact size.

Daniel123588 · 10-22-2016, 06:01 PM

Thanks for the update. Some people don't follow up that's why. Shoots!

CWofRR · 10-25-2016, 02:10 PM

If you take of the front wheel, you can reach it thru the fender liner. just gotta pop off some clips.

eastwest2300 · 11-05-2016, 03:37 PM

Im dealing with a bad ballast right now, im trying to get a replacement right now..

Kid_pistol131 · 11-24-2017, 03:54 PM

where did you guys get the replacement ballast from? both of mine have went out and i dont wanna pay the dealer prive :,/

10-21-2016, 08:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
Knockoutpie Base Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Gilbert Arizona Posts: 93 Drives: 2013 370z Sport Rep Power: 9	370z headlight ballast replacement Hey guys. My headlight ballast or igniter cable is going bad. Bulb doesn't always go on and I'm on a new set of bulbs. Question is though. Can I replace the ballast taking off the wheel and shrouding or do I need to take the bumper off and remove the headlight completely? I scored a ballast and igniter cable replacement in eBay for $30

10-21-2016, 10:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
Daniel123588 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Hawaii Posts: 192 Drives: 2012 370z sport Rep Power: 9	There is a good chance you may have enough space (driver side) by going through the fender well but very limited space espcially with working with tools in that cramped space. Ballast are bolted under the headlights so you may not even be able to access the phillip screws that hold it in. The passenger side has the washer reservoir that may get in the way. Once you take off a bumper once, you will realize how easy that process is. While it may take longer, it may make life easier. TreeSemdyZee likes this.

10-25-2016, 02:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
CWofRR Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Cali Posts: 116 Drives: herra slow Rep Power: 15	If you take of the front wheel, you can reach it thru the fender liner. just gotta pop off some clips. __________________ IG impwks_wes

11-05-2016, 03:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
eastwest2300 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: South FL Posts: 90,962 Drives: '16QX70/'21 Supra3.0 Rep Power: 2684550	Im dealing with a bad ballast right now, im trying to get a replacement right now.. __________________ Infiniti QX70 & Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium

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10-22-2016, 11:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
Knockoutpie Base Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Gilbert Arizona Posts: 93 Drives: 2013 370z Sport Rep Power: 9	I've removed the bumper before, I want to try and avoid that, luckily it's the passenger side that needs to be replaced. I'll try the wheel well first, if no luck I'll go to the bumper and update this post with my findings.

10-22-2016, 01:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
Knockoutpie Base Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Gilbert Arizona Posts: 93 Drives: 2013 370z Sport Rep Power: 9	Bumper has to be removed / partially removed. There are three screws that cover the ballast screws so the headlight assembly needs to be removed completely. If anyone is curious, this is the part number for the 370z ballast. The ballast I replaced it with was from a 350z unknowingly. It works fine, however the tension release bolt design it a tad different and the metal clasp around the igniter cable fitting did have to be cut just a smidge to fit snugly in the 350z ballast Basically. A 350z and 370z ballast are interchangeable. To replace the ballast the bumper needed to come off because you have to remove the head light assembly from the car. And the tension release clasp around the connector for the ballast needs to be trimmed if you're using a different ballast than the 370z oem. No you cannot use an aftermarket HID ballast as the ballast for the 350z and 370z have a grommet that make your light waterproof. This is a unique design and no other aftermarket company makes a ballast in this exact size.

10-22-2016, 06:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
Daniel123588 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Hawaii Posts: 192 Drives: 2012 370z sport Rep Power: 9	Thanks for the update. Some people don't follow up that's why. Shoots!

11-24-2017, 03:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
Kid_pistol131 Base Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: So Cal Posts: 15 Drives: 2014 370z pw AT Rep Power: 8	where did you guys get the replacement ballast from? both of mine have went out and i dont wanna pay the dealer prive :,/