Change or repair broken LED front light 'dot'

Hi everyone!

This is my first post here. Pleased to join! I own a 2009 Ferrari California which I find in all ways absolutely stunning and fantastic to drive. Have owned it for a year now mostly without any issues that couldn't be sorted easily.

A couple months ago I noticed one of the LED 'dot' lights in the front went dark. These are the lights that are usually on in daylight so to say, the white dots in a row on each side just above the main headlights. Not a big deal I thought and when I had my car in for annual service I asked my dealer to have a look to see if it could be fixed. To my surprise they let me know that in order to repair one of these LED light-dots, they have to replace the whole light panel on that side. Chockingly, this would also cost a massive $4,700 to replace. A huge cost obviously just to replace a dead LED-light.

Has anyone had a similar problem and how did you solve it, if you did? It's annoying to have more dots lightened up on one side than the other of the car, even if it's just one that differs.

Thanks in advance!

 

This problem was discussed back in August 2014. You can do a search of this forum and search "headlamp" to find it and get some advise. If you don't have a warranty, it's an expensive fix. You have to REPLACE the headlamp.

 

Hi Azcali,

Thanks for the reply! Much appreciated. I found the thread I think. Seems to be an issue also with the turning lights then. Mine isn't under warranty any longer unfortunately so I'd have to pay the full $4,700 just to get this single LED-dot back. Quite annoying. I'll probably just leave it as it is for now. If anyone knows of a way to solve this without replacing the whole light then please let me know.

It seems to be a very sensitive design by Ferrari as there are so many separate lights in there and to not be able to replace one of them individually must be frustrating to many owners who experience this.

 

The thread was mine. I had 3 LED that have dropped. I simply decided to leave them as is...

 

I have this problem, one of the LEDs has dropped into the front of the headlight cover. The new or used replacement price is extortion. Today I did a search one eBay for a Ferrari California Headlight Cluster, and there was an ad for a shop that does repairs, their cost is $1200 plus shipping. I will not put a link as it may change over time, but if you search by text you should be able to find the ad.
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I wouldn't say it's extortion, dealerships are simply not equipped (or have the knowledge on how) to repair broken parts. They just replace with brand new parts. If the LED was bad they're not going to solder on a replacement LED or replace a circuit board.

The headlight is expensive yes, it's simply the cost of a brand new headlight, and it will solve your issue. Replacing it is just one option for you. But it's not the only option. There are talented folks out there who can repair your existing headlight, you'll pay less than a full replacement, but you're still going to pay.

The only way to spend the absolute least amount of money on fixing your issue is to figure out how to fix it yourself.