HID HID big problem

marky3d · 31st July 2007, 12:00

I have a strange problem with one of my HIDs (the right one to be precise). Sometimes (this has happened 3 times in 2 days now) when I start the car and switch on the lights only the left HID powers up, the right one stays off... Then I turn the lights back off and on again and the right one turns on like it should. So there is no problem with the bulb itself becouse it clearly is working or with the ballast. Because the HIDs were dealer fitted, maybe the right ground wire was not fixed properly or is this a problem some others also get with the auto lights. I never use auto lights but I have to move the stick from off, past the parking lights, past the auto lights, to lights full on. Anyone else encountered similar problems?
My car is Type R GT PLUS (same as Type S EX - without sunroof DOH)

pcr · 31st July 2007, 12:24

Haven't had this problem. What you describe can happen to flourescent lights when the starter is faulty, HIDs are similar. The starter provides a higher than normal voltage to "strike" the arc. I think you need a replacement HID unit.

marky3d · 31st July 2007, 12:26

I forgot to mention the HIDs are some aftermarket kit...

TTDegs · 31st July 2007, 18:18

I would guess the same as you - dodgy ground connection would be the first thing I'd get them to check.

Bear in mind the BIG voltages that are involved with HIDs, you don't want to be touching the wrong wire...

Nick7 · 4th August 2007, 10:06

I've heard lots of stories about how 'good' work many of those aftermarket HID kits.
Basically, it's not legal, and lots of it is sold as pure crap.

PS: Yes, while it works it does give more light.. but in many occasions also it gives more light into oncoming traffic (glare).

czechplastik · 4th August 2007, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick7

I've heard lots of stories about how 'good' work many of those aftermarket HID kits.
Basically, it's not legal, and lots of it is sold as pure crap.

PS: Yes, while it works it does give more light.. but in many occasions also it gives more light into oncoming traffic (glare).

Agreed, if you have any sense you'll put the standard lights back in.

MC Hammer · 4th August 2007, 23:50

Could be a dodgy self levelling kit on the one side?
As it's the right side; it could be that the suspension is lower there and it defaults to off to avoid dazzle.
You could also try the auto washing system to get some water in the electrics to help with the dodgy connection.

Miggins · 5th August 2007, 11:20

Not sure on this point but I believe I was told a faulty connection can cause subsequent damage to the HID system

marky3d · 7th August 2007, 18:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by MC Hammer

Could be a dodgy self levelling kit on the one side?
As it's the right side; it could be that the suspension is lower there and it defaults to off to avoid dazzle.
You could also try the auto washing system to get some water in the electrics to help with the dodgy connection.

i have a HID kit, so I do not have self levelling or the washing system

Greedy · 7th August 2007, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick7

I've heard lots of stories about how 'good' work many of those aftermarket HID kits.
Basically, it's not legal, and lots of it is sold as pure crap.

PS: Yes, while it works it does give more light.. but in many occasions also it gives more light into oncoming traffic (glare).

Technically not illegal as it's an aftermarket product not OE fit so different regs apply but H would shoot the dealer if they found out.
Myself, I would not touch them with someone elses barge poll. Fit the original lamps or get a blue rinse but def get rid of the HID's.

Sorry Marky3d

Nick7 · 8th August 2007, 11:43

They are illegal.
HID's *require* automatic leveling adjustments and washers for them.
If you do not have those, they are illegal.

marky3d · 8th August 2007, 12:52

I know they are illegal very well.
That was not the question!

MC Hammer · 11th August 2007, 21:43

Marky, I did spot they weren't OE parts hence my reply.

If you keep these fitted you are on your own, especially if tehy sometimes don't work.
Imagine you cruising along a nice B road at 50mph (or whatever

) at night when suddenly there's darkness. Certainly not something I'd risk, as well as attracting the eagle eyed dazzled plod.

Nick7 · 12th August 2007, 11:36

marky3d, the issue is also quality of suck el-cheapo products.
As I said, I heard also lots of problems from people who bought it in my country.
From lots of light flicker, to bulbs burning out, and similar intermittent problems you have.
Basically, it's one of two things: poor wiring, or poor product itself.

One of dangers people forget is using those aftermarket kits, and just replacing their regular 10A fuse with 15 or 20A fuse, and using same wiring.
Unlike halogen light, which is rated 55W, and thus draws around 4A, HID's on powerup draw ~12A each, which stabilizes at some 3A after some seconds (35W).

31st July 2007, 12:00	#1 (permalink)
marky3d Valve Cap Join Date: 12th July 2007 Posts: 20 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	HID big problem I have a strange problem with one of my HIDs (the right one to be precise). Sometimes (this has happened 3 times in 2 days now) when I start the car and switch on the lights only the left HID powers up, the right one stays off... Then I turn the lights back off and on again and the right one turns on like it should. So there is no problem with the bulb itself becouse it clearly is working or with the ballast. Because the HIDs were dealer fitted, maybe the right ground wire was not fixed properly or is this a problem some others also get with the auto lights. I never use auto lights but I have to move the stick from off, past the parking lights, past the auto lights, to lights full on. Anyone else encountered similar problems? My car is Type R GT PLUS (same as Type S EX - without sunroof DOH)

11th August 2007, 21:43	#13 (permalink)
MC Hammer Kids use a lot of space Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 16th June 2006 Location: UK Posts: 622 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	Marky, I did spot they weren't OE parts hence my reply. If you keep these fitted you are on your own, especially if tehy sometimes don't work. Imagine you cruising along a nice B road at 50mph (or whatever) at night when suddenly there's darkness. Certainly not something I'd risk, as well as attracting the eagle eyed dazzled plod.

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This thread is about: HID big problem, it's in Lights at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; I have a strange problem with one of my HIDs (the right one to be precise). Sometimes (this has happened 3 times in 2 days ...

31st July 2007, 12:24	#2 (permalink)
pcr Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 5th September 2006 Location: Shropshire Posts: 848 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	Haven't had this problem. What you describe can happen to flourescent lights when the starter is faulty, HIDs are similar. The starter provides a higher than normal voltage to "strike" the arc. I think you need a replacement HID unit.

31st July 2007, 12:26	#3 (permalink)
marky3d Valve Cap Join Date: 12th July 2007 Posts: 20 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I forgot to mention the HIDs are some aftermarket kit...

31st July 2007, 18:18	#4 (permalink)
TTDegs Super Moderator Civinfo master Join Date: 4th August 2006 Location: Cardiff Posts: 5,638 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I would guess the same as you - dodgy ground connection would be the first thing I'd get them to check. Bear in mind the BIG voltages that are involved with HIDs, you don't want to be touching the wrong wire...

4th August 2007, 10:06	#5 (permalink)
Nick7 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 10th August 2006 Location: Croatia Posts: 453 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	I've heard lots of stories about how 'good' work many of those aftermarket HID kits. Basically, it's not legal, and lots of it is sold as pure crap. PS: Yes, while it works it does give more light.. but in many occasions also it gives more light into oncoming traffic (glare).

4th August 2007, 23:50	#7 (permalink)
MC Hammer Kids use a lot of space Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 16th June 2006 Location: UK Posts: 622 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	Could be a dodgy self levelling kit on the one side? As it's the right side; it could be that the suspension is lower there and it defaults to off to avoid dazzle. You could also try the auto washing system to get some water in the electrics to help with the dodgy connection.

5th August 2007, 11:20	#8 (permalink)
Miggins Enthusiastic Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 25th August 2006 Location: The Twilight Zone Posts: 531 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	Not sure on this point but I believe I was told a faulty connection can cause subsequent damage to the HID system

8th August 2007, 11:43	#11 (permalink)
Nick7 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 10th August 2006 Location: Croatia Posts: 453 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	They are illegal. HID's require automatic leveling adjustments and washers for them. If you do not have those, they are illegal.

8th August 2007, 12:52	#12 (permalink)
marky3d Valve Cap Join Date: 12th July 2007 Posts: 20 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	I know they are illegal very well. That was not the question!

12th August 2007, 11:36	#14 (permalink)
Nick7 Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 10th August 2006 Location: Croatia Posts: 453 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader: (0)	marky3d, the issue is also quality of suck el-cheapo products. As I said, I heard also lots of problems from people who bought it in my country. From lots of light flicker, to bulbs burning out, and similar intermittent problems you have. Basically, it's one of two things: poor wiring, or poor product itself. One of dangers people forget is using those aftermarket kits, and just replacing their regular 10A fuse with 15 or 20A fuse, and using same wiring. Unlike halogen light, which is rated 55W, and thus draws around 4A, HID's on powerup draw ~12A each, which stabilizes at some 3A after some seconds (35W).