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HID Kit problem

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by rhino1276, Nov 7, 2010.

  1. Nov 7, 2010 at 6:33 PM
    #1
    rhino1276

    rhino1276 [OP] STOP looking at my Member

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    Last year (DEC 2009) I purchased a HID Kit from Slimcubby. I didnt install them until March 2010, and until recently they have worked flawlessly. The first problem was that my passenger side bulb burned out. Which wasnt a big deal because I purchased an extra set of bulbs. The next problem I have is that my driver side light will not light up when I turn the switch on. However, when I turn it on and off a few times it does light up. Also with the drivers side light it has begun to "flicker" and then shuts off. This happens while driving and while parked. I have disconnected/reconnected each connection, checked for corrosion, and checked for any nicks or exposed wires. I cant find any problems. Does anyone have any idea what may be causing this issue?
     
  2. Nov 7, 2010 at 6:41 PM
    #2
    dexterdog

    dexterdog My pee parts itch

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    Sounds like a bad ballast.
     
  3. Nov 12, 2010 at 10:54 PM
    #3
    jvallin

    jvallin Well-Known Member

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  4. Nov 12, 2010 at 10:58 PM
    #4
    GotLift37

    GotLift37 Bangers Runner

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    the first time you started them, how long did you let them stay on before you turned them off? on fresh stuff new unused stuff i know this might sound crazy. but i like to let the ballasts and buls warmed about fully the first use.. 15-30 min.
     
  5. Nov 13, 2010 at 12:29 AM
    #5
    Viet2100

    Viet2100 Well-Known Member

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    Depending on the kit, it shouldn't take longer than a min. OEM kits take about 5 secs.

    OP, swap ballasts and see if the problem follows the ballast.
     
  6. Nov 19, 2010 at 3:50 PM
    #6
    Veccster

    Veccster bass turds

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    I hate to make another thread and am hoping I can get some help here. My HID's from Slim have been installed for several months and worked great...until tonight. One light went out.

    My question...if it is just a bulb, would the ballast still make the obvious high pitch hissing noise these HID's are known for?
    I'm just hoping it's not a bad ballast. Any other way to test this? I don't have extra bulbs and hope to order some soon.


    Also, where do I get replacement bulbs? Do I have to buy the same brand bulbs that came from Slim or are all HID's the same?
     
  7. Nov 19, 2010 at 3:53 PM
    #7
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    You should be covered under his warranty...I have had stuff replaced over time. The ballast might still make the noise. What happens is that the ballast will still try and fire. When it senses that the circuit is not completing, it will shut itself off and try try to turn the light on again until you cycle the switch again. During this time it should make no noise
     
  8. Nov 19, 2010 at 9:20 PM
    #8
    Veccster

    Veccster bass turds

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    OK...so when I first turn on the lights, the passenger side should also hiss (even though it doesn't light up). How long before it quits? Are we talking about a fraction of second or what?

    I tried checking but was alone - had to turn on the lights THEN check for hiss. I got nothing. I would like to know if there is any other way of checking that its the bulb and not the ballast (or vice versa).

    Thanks.
     
  9. Nov 19, 2010 at 10:00 PM
    #9
    GotLift37

    GotLift37 Bangers Runner

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    the side thats working. switch that bulb to the other side and see if its the bulb or the ballast.
     
  10. Nov 19, 2010 at 10:43 PM
    #10
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    If the ballast is out it will be more of a snap snap snap then nothing... Switch the ballasts and try it. Then get back to us.
     
  11. Nov 20, 2010 at 1:33 PM
    #11
    Veccster

    Veccster bass turds

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    switching bulbs is a bitch. I'll try switching ballasts and let y'all know.
     
  12. Nov 21, 2010 at 2:06 PM
    #12
    GotLift37

    GotLift37 Bangers Runner

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    same thing. either way its goin on the other side. lol
     
  13. Nov 24, 2010 at 12:53 PM
    #13
    Veccster

    Veccster bass turds

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    OK...its a bad ballast. I switched them and the light works on the other side. Slim has already said he would send me a replacement if it was the ballast.

    Pain in the arse though...
     
  14. Nov 24, 2010 at 10:03 PM
    #14
    GotLift37

    GotLift37 Bangers Runner

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    so you have been driving around with 1 headlight for 5 days and its about to be several more? that sucks
     
  15. Nov 24, 2010 at 10:28 PM
    #15
    Veccster

    Veccster bass turds

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    I've been out of town for 3 days and driving the wife's Jeep Grand everywhere else. But yeah...it sucks. Not sure how long it will take to get a replacement and not worth the hassle of replacing with my factory bulb. Just hope this is the last time it happens.
     
  16. Nov 25, 2010 at 9:15 AM
    #16
    GotLift37

    GotLift37 Bangers Runner

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    i once had one of my HIDs go out. I was off roading and went thru a natural spring/creek to clean out from under the 4runner before i headed back home. I hit it a little to fast. water splashed everywhere up on the hood. one of my HIDs went out. it was the ballast. emailed the retrofitsource where i bought everything. they said let the ballast dry out for a day or two and see what happens. turns out i got water in the wiring. it dried out. and tada it worked. it sucked driving with 1 hid headlight for a day or two
     
  17. Dec 5, 2010 at 8:50 PM
    #17
    Veccster

    Veccster bass turds

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    Just to close out the thread I interrupted...I got my ballast replaced and both lights work great again.

    Slim covered it under warranty.
     
  18. Mar 19, 2011 at 4:43 PM
    #18
    rhino1276

    rhino1276 [OP] STOP looking at my Member

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  19. May 17, 2011 at 12:34 PM
    #19
    TRDfly

    TRDfly Well-Known Member

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    Not to refire this thread up agian but...........I'm having the same problems. I was part of group buy 5 and now I've swapped bulbs, swaped ballasts and still a problem. My driver side will work for about 10-30 minutes then go out. I thought it was the ballast but I don't think so. I haven't got a clue at this point. No cut wires that I can tell, nothings wet..........I dunno?? HELP!!!!!!!!!!
     

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