Hid kit and splitcharger

[zombie_T6]

just wondering if anyone has experience with HID kits? I installed a 55w kit and it fired up no problem with the ignition on, then when I start the engine and turn them on I get a flicker and they go out. At that point the bulb failure light comes on.

Could it be because I have a split charge fitted? Would this be enough to stop the battery giving the ballasts enough voltage to run when it diverts power to the leisure battery.

I can’t test this because I have sent the HID kit back before I thought of this as a possible problem.

 

[Loz]

More likely the alternator went to idle and the voltage dropped.
Get a better HID kit with a wider working range.

 

[Mooncat]

You need to fit the decoders too otherwise they can start flashing on and off. I'm fairly sure 'decoder' means 'big capacitor' in the world of HID. Just be wary of the new MoT rules that are expected to be implemented in May and if you are fitting to reflector headlights, make sure you get the reflector type kit which shields the bottom of the bulb. I ran some HIDs (not ebay retina melters) in my H4 units but only until a better solution came along.

 

[zombie_T6]

I’ve sent them back now, but yes they were shielded bulbs in large holders to stop light scatter.
It was the 55w stealth kit from hids4u

 

[Mooncat]

That should have worked. Those units have the relay that powers the solenoid that drags the bulb back for high beam, then the decoder and then the ballast. I tested one of their 35W kits but every bulb they sent me had the bubble (the arc tube) in a different place so if you aligned for dipped ok, main was pointing in different elevations.

 

[zombie_T6]

Maybe it's an issue with the 55w kit then?

Until the engine was started they did work fine.

 

[Mooncat]

I also tested the 55W kit from Hids Direct. That performed similar to how you describe however once they sent the decoders which are separate in their kit the flashing stopped. The 55W kit threw up a bulb warning every time they were turned on where as the 35W kit maybe 1/4 of the time (only with engine running though for both kits). I just turned the warning off in VCDS and both kits were happy.

What I would say is that they are both noticeably brighter than normal for other road users and I knew I needed to find a better solution. Driving around town, I would set them to the lowest position so I wouldn't be too much of a nuisance and only when the unlit A and B class roads were empty would I raise the beam back up. On high beam they are a compromise too due to that huge shroud.

Have a look at the H7 conversation thread or the Transporter HQ thread for better alternatives. I'll be putting up a review of the Jun Yan light shortly which is another option.

 

[travelvolts]

As a driver who suffers from photo sensitivity I can tell you that bad HIDs are a bloody nightmare!

 

[zombie_T6]

The stealth kit was shielded. One of the reasons I had a look at them.