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HID fogs...need some help...one side sputtering

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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 02:03 PM
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Default HID fogs...need some help...one side sputtering

Finally got around to installing the HID fogs. During the test fire up all was well. But, when I put everything into position only the passenger side works correctly. The driver's side sputters...I can hear it arcing like it's not getting enough voltage. Do I need a relay or something? I checked all connectors.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 02:13 PM
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There are a few things that could be wrong.

First I would check on the wiring and make sure the connections are solid.
Check your fuses and upgrade to 20 amp
Make sure the car is running
Switch out the ballast to the other bulb. You could have a bad ballast or bulb.

If that fails you might need a battery relay harness. I have them available if you decide you need one.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 02:21 PM
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Swap the bulbs between the ballasts and see if the problem follows the bulb. I've found a flickering bulb is usually the result of a poor ground or a failure in the bulb's electrodes. The ballast will attempt to fire the bulb with a high voltage arc repeatedly until a connection is made.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 05:15 PM
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Ok, thanks for the tips....too bad I put everything together b4 this condition surfaced I'll wait til I'm fresh and check it all out again...if I need parts I'll contact you guys. Jhon.....do you have fuse # off hand? is it located near the battery or in the footwell? thanks!

Last edited by $$$frumnuttin'; Jun 10, 2009 at 05:18 PM.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 05:27 PM
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The fuse is near the battery. I found that I only needed to go up to a 15 amp fuse for my fogs after adding the HID. Also, does it do this with the motor running or off?
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 05:36 PM
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I usually suggest 20 and it usually works for most people. I'm not sure off the top of my head. It will def. be in the underhood fuse box.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 06:20 PM
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Fuse #6. I believe it's in the corner closest to the engine second one in.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 07:59 PM
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thanks on the fuse location....yes, it does it with the car running and off.
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Old Jun 11, 2009 | 02:37 PM
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Default update....

Ok, I switched to a 20 amp fuse...no change. I then switched the bulbs....the flashing stayed at the driver's side, so not the bulb. The flashing is more consistent now, but still not right. I rechecked all connectors.

Here is a pick of the ballast....


Not sure what to do at this point...any help appreciated.
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Old Jun 11, 2009 | 02:43 PM
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Did you try the other bulb in that ballast? The ballast is probably bad.
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Old Jun 11, 2009 | 02:46 PM
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Yes, as I said, I switched the bulbs and the problem didn't follow the bulb.
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Old Jun 11, 2009 | 02:55 PM
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Looks like the ballast is bad. Contact the ebay seller. If he won't replace it I have some.
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Old Jun 11, 2009 | 04:09 PM
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might be easier if I just get one from you for now....they aren't too much are they?
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Old Jun 11, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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Pm sent.
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Old Jun 11, 2009 | 05:24 PM
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I would try one more thing:
remove the ballast from it's location and (with the bulb attached for testing) manually connect the power and ground to the batter posts.

If it still flickers, your ballast died and you'll need a new one.

If it works normally, you'll need a relay harness to supply enough power to fire the HID bulb.
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Old Jun 11, 2009 | 10:47 PM
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Default found this on the seller's site

what do you guys think of this? Have you heard of this 'canbus' business?

Please follow the procedure step by step 1)Does it only flicker when the engine is on? 2) If yes, your car has canbus system. Canbus is a headlight fail safe detection system, because hid ballast works under different parameters, so the car will assume its headlight is faulty and will try to regulate the power, and if you purchase the canceller, it will trick the computer in your car to think that its still running on halogen but applying the correct loads on the socket, so it will not flicker anymore. Please fill out the following form to request for canceller module, please go to this link to fill out the request http://www.mcculloch-hid.com/ebay/Fo...uleRequest.htm 3) If the, light flashes with engine on or off please Please make sure your battery is properly charged and that it has at least 13V constant and make sure that it is able to put out 10amps. This is a common problem on the ATVs and UTVs with smaller battery, you might want to consider getting a bigger or stronger battery. 4) If None of the above solution fix the problem please go to this link to fill out a RMA request http://www.mcculloch-hid.com/ebay/Fo...hinglights.htm
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Old Jun 11, 2009 | 11:12 PM
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I've never heard of that....but then again I haven't used McCulloch HID kit either.
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To HID fogs...need some help...one side sputtering

Old Jun 11, 2009 | 11:21 PM
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Old Jun 11, 2009 | 11:29 PM
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Me neither. I put the trickle charger on for an overnight charge...there may be something to that battery issue. I say this because when I first did a hardware test with the kit just laying on the front bumper and hooked up I got fully lit hids. Only after final installation did I run into the strobing. Maybe I ran the battery down fooling around with the fob with the engine off....will report back tomorrow...this is actually a bit interesting now
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Old Jun 12, 2009 | 07:06 PM
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this is weird...it flickered at first, then I was able to get it to stay on until I shut the lights; tried it again and it wouldn't light up. Started the car and it was no help. I am 50/50 split I need a ballast or a relay harness. still need to try the direct hook up to the battery....getting tired of the whole thing....
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