C% headlights
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Instructor
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 214
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From: Alameda CA and Brick NJ
C5 headlights...Version 2!
To improve my night vision, I am considering installing a set of Philips Crystal Vision Ultra bulbs.
Opinions?
I have seen the post, but would appreciate a reminder on the R&R of the bulbs!
Thanks!
BayVette
Opinions?
I have seen the post, but would appreciate a reminder on the R&R of the bulbs!
Thanks!
BayVette
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HIDs hands down. direct replacements will give you an amazing improvement in light. go to www.jwmotoring.com, he's a forum vendor and offers a great product at a great price with great customer service. can't complain one bit!
as for conversion, its pretty easy. the HID system consists of a ballast (a box about 4x4x1.5, of you can get slim ballasts) and a bulb. you plug your stock connector which connects to the orignal bulb into the ballast, and the ballast into the HID bulb. mount the ballast somewhere safe and you're ready to go. check other threads for installation instructions, there is plenty of space on the inner frame rails or below the headlights to mount the ballast.
there are some issues you may run into. HIDs like good power even though they draw less then stock while running, they may draw more during the first 10 seconds or so as they start up. you may need to upgrade your wiring, you may not. if you do you can buy pre-made relay harnesses which make it easy.
some cars have problems with the headlight doors not closing properly after an HID install. this is due to the lower current draw of the HIDs fooling the headlight door control module into thinking there is a bulb out, if it thinks there is a bulb out, it will keep the headlight doors open to remind you to change it. there are simple solutions such as adding an incandescent 194 side marker to teh circuit to add to the load, or you can buy ready to go plug in load resistors to make it work. my car never had this problem, but some do.
you can buy everyhting you need from the above site.
talk to Jonathan, he'll be glad to explain anything to you.
as for conversion, its pretty easy. the HID system consists of a ballast (a box about 4x4x1.5, of you can get slim ballasts) and a bulb. you plug your stock connector which connects to the orignal bulb into the ballast, and the ballast into the HID bulb. mount the ballast somewhere safe and you're ready to go. check other threads for installation instructions, there is plenty of space on the inner frame rails or below the headlights to mount the ballast.
there are some issues you may run into. HIDs like good power even though they draw less then stock while running, they may draw more during the first 10 seconds or so as they start up. you may need to upgrade your wiring, you may not. if you do you can buy pre-made relay harnesses which make it easy.
some cars have problems with the headlight doors not closing properly after an HID install. this is due to the lower current draw of the HIDs fooling the headlight door control module into thinking there is a bulb out, if it thinks there is a bulb out, it will keep the headlight doors open to remind you to change it. there are simple solutions such as adding an incandescent 194 side marker to teh circuit to add to the load, or you can buy ready to go plug in load resistors to make it work. my car never had this problem, but some do.
you can buy everyhting you need from the above site.
talk to Jonathan, he'll be glad to explain anything to you.
