Vector POB HID Spotlight: Question

[JME]

I just bought a Vector POD HID spotlight from a friend used, but sometimes when I turn it on it goes right back off, and again and again; then eventually it comes on. Sometimes after twice; occasionally it takes four or five flicks of the switch until it comes on. I also was ran it for about 10 minutes one time and it automatically went off. I turned it back on a few minutes later and ran it for about 20 minutes and it did it again. I checked the charge of the battery after this happened and 3 out of 4 lights came on (red one, yellow one, and one green one). I was wondering if these things could be caused by a failing battery? If not, what is it?

Thanks

 

[Kremer]

My guess is the battery is dying. The good news is they they are cheap.

EDIT: Old sulfated Lead Acids will usually show good voltage as long as cells aren't shorted, but as soon as you give them any load the voltage collapses. What is probably happening is that there's enough juice to start the ignition process but the voltage falls enough during that that the ballast cuts off. Subsequent reattempts eventually get the bulb hot enough that the ballast current draw falls off enough to a point where the battery voltage remains just high enough to keep it lit and it will eventually be able to hold an arc for a few minutes before cutting off.

 

[JME]

Thanks...Where is the best place to get them?

 

[Cosmo7809]

Usually the auto parts store sells them. This might help too http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=2710697#post2710697 .... And welcome to the forums.

 

[Patriot]

Before ordering a new battery you could hook up the battery leads to the battery in your car just to test it. If it works fine there you'll know for sure.

 

[NeSSuS-GTE]

You might want to follow THIS thread. Same issue.