Problems with your HIDs? Solution inside
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 256
From: St. Louis Missouri
Problems with your HIDs? Solution inside
I have posted on CF several times soliciting feedback on two problems I had related to my HID kits. I tried two different kits from the large auction site and had the same two problems. First, my headlights would not retract when I rotated the light switch to off, UNLESS my high beams were on. Second, one light would intermittently have problems turning on. This seemed to happen when I'd turn them off/on quickly.
Last weekend, I bought relays from Radio Shack and installed them in my car and BOTH PROBLEMS WENT AWAY.
BTW, some folks say you can make these relay harnesses for $10... this is what it took me.
(2) 30-Amp Automotive Relays (Radio Shack, $6.99 each)
(1) Small spool of 12 gauge wire (Radio Shack, $4.99)
(2) Fuses/fuseholder (Autozone, $2.99 each)
(1) package of heatshrink (optional, not sure on cost)
Tools:
Wire strippers/cutters
Flat head screwdriver
8mm wrench
10, 13mm sockets
Torx sockets (2 sizes, I think T10 and T15)
Misc connectors for wiring
My "$10" harnesses cost me closer to $25-28. I figure that's the normal internet translation of "$10".
Last weekend, I bought relays from Radio Shack and installed them in my car and BOTH PROBLEMS WENT AWAY.
BTW, some folks say you can make these relay harnesses for $10... this is what it took me.
(2) 30-Amp Automotive Relays (Radio Shack, $6.99 each)
(1) Small spool of 12 gauge wire (Radio Shack, $4.99)
(2) Fuses/fuseholder (Autozone, $2.99 each)
(1) package of heatshrink (optional, not sure on cost)
Tools:
Wire strippers/cutters
Flat head screwdriver
8mm wrench
10, 13mm sockets
Torx sockets (2 sizes, I think T10 and T15)
Misc connectors for wiring
My "$10" harnesses cost me closer to $25-28. I figure that's the normal internet translation of "$10".
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Can you give any info on how to connect the relays, like to which wires etc? Props on the parts list. Also, what amp fuses did you use and where did you place them?
Last edited by NassyVette; Feb 15, 2008 at 05:20 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Yep,
I have been telling everyone that posts about HIDs to use a dedicated battery based relay wiring harness......resolved all my issues. You can buy such a harness on the bay for $20-30 shipped
Every quality aftermarket lighting system comes with such a wiring harness.
I have been telling everyone that posts about HIDs to use a dedicated battery based relay wiring harness......resolved all my issues. You can buy such a harness on the bay for $20-30 shipped
Every quality aftermarket lighting system comes with such a wiring harness.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 256
From: St. Louis Missouri
Unfortunately, I can't take pictures because I chose to install the relay next to the balast under my headlights. I'd have to remove my headlights to show you. 
Installation is very easy. You relay should have 4 contacts on it which are all numbered. The back of the package explains which terminal needs to be connected where. It's very straightforward.
The fuseholders came with 30 amp fuses so that's what I used. The fuseholders sit next to my battery.
Installation is very easy. You relay should have 4 contacts on it which are all numbered. The back of the package explains which terminal needs to be connected where. It's very straightforward.
The fuseholders came with 30 amp fuses so that's what I used. The fuseholders sit next to my battery.
Last edited by Tech; Feb 15, 2008 at 05:52 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Just save yourself the hassle and go on eBay and buy a dedicated battery based relay wiring harness. You can buy such a harness on the bay for $20-30 shipped
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Lincoln Nebraska
This should help, not specifically talking HIDs but the principle is the same!
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...ys/relays.html
The load of the relays on the lighting circuit fool the car into thinking there are normal bulbs installed. 2002 up vettes sense a burned out bulb and will not retract the headlight assembly to notify you. As an added benifit you can upgrade the wiring this way to allow for higher wattage bulbs.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...ys/relays.html
The load of the relays on the lighting circuit fool the car into thinking there are normal bulbs installed. 2002 up vettes sense a burned out bulb and will not retract the headlight assembly to notify you. As an added benifit you can upgrade the wiring this way to allow for higher wattage bulbs.
Last edited by warpster; Feb 15, 2008 at 07:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 256
From: St. Louis Missouri
This should help, not specifically talking HIDs but the principle is the same!
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...ys/relays.html
The load of the relays on the lighting circuit fool the car into thinking there are normal bulbs installed. 2002 up vettes sense a burned out bulb and will not retract the headlight assembly to notify you. As an added benifit you can upgrade the wiring this way to allow for higher wattage bulbs.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...ys/relays.html
The load of the relays on the lighting circuit fool the car into thinking there are normal bulbs installed. 2002 up vettes sense a burned out bulb and will not retract the headlight assembly to notify you. As an added benifit you can upgrade the wiring this way to allow for higher wattage bulbs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 966
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix AZ
Anyone know where I can get the female connector (to stock headlight harness) in the picture? Autozone has the male connectors for the 9006 bulbs, but I couldn't find the female.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,333
Likes: 6
From: Louisville Kentucky
Okay, for those who like me, need a whole lot more detail on this than what this thread is providing, go here. Post #22 is where I start the discussion about the harness that this thread is referring to. Read it in detail and you'll not only be able to figure out where to get one, but you'll also know exactly what it is called.
I too found this somewhat confusing when listening to guys who know what they're doing. I on the other hand need really big pictures with big ol' numbers and step by step instruction that include details...like when to breath and stuff like that.
I too found this somewhat confusing when listening to guys who know what they're doing. I on the other hand need really big pictures with big ol' numbers and step by step instruction that include details...like when to breath and stuff like that.
Last edited by Junkman2008; Feb 18, 2008 at 12:30 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 3
From: Sarasota Florida
I am soooo glad you joined this Forum
Last edited by stormrider; Feb 18, 2008 at 08:51 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Yep,
I have been telling everyone that posts about HIDs to use a dedicated battery based relay wiring harness......resolved all my issues. You can buy such a harness on the bay for $20-30 shipped
Every quality aftermarket lighting system comes with such a wiring harness.
I have been telling everyone that posts about HIDs to use a dedicated battery based relay wiring harness......resolved all my issues. You can buy such a harness on the bay for $20-30 shipped
Every quality aftermarket lighting system comes with such a wiring harness.
bringin the thread back, i've been having problems with my hid's randomly not working, it happens to either side completly unpredictable, i just ordered one of the harnesses off ebay i hope it fixes the problem!!