Any HID Issues in Projectors?

Installing HIDs is the second favorite thing I've done to the truck only behind disabling the double horn honk. The difference in light output is significant.

mossback said:

Installing HIDs is the second favorite thing I've done to the truck only behind disabling the double horn honk. The difference in light output is significant.

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And no issues so far? Auto lights working ok?

Did you use a harness or just direct wire?

There are quite a few threads on all this here in the archives. Some more info here:

http://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/2017-hid-headlamp-update.32801/page-4#post-285009

And no issues thus far.

mossback said:

There are quite a few threads on all this here in the archives. Some more info here:

http://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/2017-hid-headlamp-update.32801/page-4#post-285009

And no issues thus far.

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Thanks! I ordered my kit; plan to do the install this weekend. I'll throw up some pics after.

For reference, here's a pic of the current LEDs further back from the wall. Decent hotspot, but it's a little off and the light isn't dispersed too well around it. They do the job but it will be interesting the see the HIDs in comparison.

In terms of aftermarket technology with regards to lighting, LED headlight bulbs are still in their 'infancy', they're getting better with each generation but until they can get sharp and even light patterns from the LEDs like how a Halogen/HID filament does in a projector, LED bulbs still have a ways to go. Granted a lot of projectors in aftermarket headlights are absolute crap and it won't really help changing just the bulb, but I digress. I helped swap my friend's 15 Expy Headlights with the Morimoto HID kits Highs and Lows, they've been running great with no issues for some 11 months now.

Install went very smoothly; in fact, this might be the easiest install I've ever done. This is a Morimoto XB kit from the The Retrofit Source. A quick google search will show that these are very highly rated kits enjoyed by many folks.

Here's a quick look again at the LEDs.....


And here are the HIDs.......



These pictures were taken against the same wall at approximately the same distance. None of this is scientific, just observational. Immediately you'll notice the hotspot has brightened significantly and the beam pattern has drastically widened....there's no gap between the two lights anymore and the pattern reaches almost down to the floor. I'm also seeing more consistent color throughout the light.

I haven't had a chance yet to try them in any "real" darkness (living in the city, you forget how dark the night actually is) but I'll post a few more shots when I do.

For those curious, I'm using the auto-lights without any issues. Now I do park in a garage both at home and at work...but so far no problems.

Maximus said:

In terms of aftermarket technology with regards to lighting, LED headlight bulbs are still in their 'infancy', they're getting better with each generation but until they can get sharp and even light patterns from the LEDs like how a Halogen/HID filament does in a projector, LED bulbs still have a ways to go.

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I agree. I think the pictures show the limitations of LEDs, even in a projector lens. Until they create an omni-directional LED (which I don't think is possible) HIDs will have a clear and significant advantage over LED when retrofitting into a halogen housing.

And so continues the battle between a man and his mods. HIDs and I have the quintessential love/hate relationship. Lights have always been my go-to mod (after tint) and they've always had quirks. (At least the "digital" ones...more on that below**)

Pulled into the garage this evening and found my passenger low beam didn't fire with the auto-lights, while the driver side worked fine. It took about 5 power cycles before it finally fired. (I left at least 30 seconds between on/offs....not trying to blow a bulb)

Now my initial install didn't include a relay harness, as the stock wiring should be sufficient. So I went ahead this evening and installed the relay harness, using a factory ground point. So far, everything works well. I'll provide an update after a few days.

**I've used HIDs for over a decade now. My very first install used the old style "analog, magnetic, full size" ballasts. (I've heard them referred to as all three). Now maybe it was just a product of cars with old school electrical, but those ballasts NEVER gave me trouble and worked for years (including in the harsh northeast winters). As soon as they started rolling out the "slim, digital" ballasts, is when I started seeing oddities. Anyone else experience the same?