55W Projector Retro Issues..

Did a full FX-R retro, with 55 Watt ballasts and Phillips 85122+ 4300k bulbs; went in around March of 2011.

Just noticed that the light output on my driver's side has drastically reduced, and the cutoff is nearly non-existent. Kind of pissed. Passenger side is still perfect.

This is the second set of projectors that I've had issues with from TRS. First was a set of Mini Morimotos; had them in for about 6 months, when the chromium reflective coating on the bowls began to flake off. Andrew made good on things, by sending me a set of FX-Rs for half off. Apparently, TRS stopped offering the mini's with 55W ballasts shortly after I purchased mine - due to the fact that the projectors are not large enough to effectively dissipate the heat from higher wattage ballasts.

On vacation at the moment, so I ca't diagnose the issue right now. Hoping that it may be somethings as simple as a faded bulb, (which, quite frankly I'd still be somewhat disappointed with).

If it turns out that the coating has again faded on the reflectors, not too sure what my solution will be. These are completely epoxied to the headlight housings, so I'll have to get a new housing.. Through some research on HID Planet, it seems like TRS had a bad batch of FX-Rs that shipped out right around when I got mine. WTF.

Not bashing them at all, just kind of frustrated at potential lack of QC. Yes, I know that this kind of mishap is an expected risk of "retrofitting" an OEM component.

I guess this is more of an FYI thread at the moment - to see if anyone else is having these issues. I'll update once I have time to diagnose.

Jake

Oh, and to keep things lively for the interim:

 

Hard to blame it on TRS QC if it's an issue that comes up after the units have been in service for a while.

Infantile failures can be blamed on poor QC, but since TRS isn't actually the manufacturer, all they can do is respond to customer issues and forward those issues to their supplier.
If word on HIDP indicates that they are aware of a bad batch, I have no doubts that TRS will make good on the projectors.
Unfortunately, there isn't much they can do about the housing issue, but you can get a pair of Depo housings on Amazon for under $200.

 

That sucks Jake - you had me thinking about doing HIDs. I hope they take care of you somehow.

Also, nice recovery gear

 

I'm not worried - all of my dealings with them have been entirely positive. I'll update once I find out what is actually going on..

 

I wouldn't let this dissuade you from doing a retro - they're totally worth it! Pasrt of my issue may be due to the fact that I'm running 55W ballasts.

Also, just bought a Sealine dry bag with that coupon!

 

Sweet - that should help keep your stuff dry up in AK. Glad you could put it to use.

 

Dangit... This is getting really, really old.

Finally found the time to pull my headlights apart; I suppose this is the reason why the out put has been around the brightness of a fart for the last 6 months...

What really sucks is that TRS told me that I wouldn't have any issues with running the FX-Rs and 55 Watt Ballasts. In fact, they pointed me in that direction after having the same exact problem with the Mini Morimotos.

What really really sucks is that the reflector bowls are JB-Weld'd to the headlight housings.

Composing an email to TRS soon. All of my dealings with them have been positive thus far; and I'm sure that they will make good on the situation. I know it's an acceptable risk when altering ANYTHING from OEM state... But, come on guys???

 

I had already decided against a digital ballast and decided to go 35w Denso. I had already decided against a generic bulb and decided to go Osram CBI. This is making me reconsider a FXR 3.0 and want to go with a real OEM housing too.

 

I've been doing some snooping around on HID Planet, and it seems as though I'm not alone in the issues that I've been having.

I was even running the Phillips 85122+'s..

At this point I might just see if TRS will cover a set of OEM headlights and go back to halogen.

From what I've seen, the quality of the Morimoto projectors has gone to crap.

 

Well it looks like real OEM FX projectors with a clear lens are in my future.

 

Yeah, I'd have to agree with that one...

TRS is prepared to offer discounting on yet another set of projectors. I'll update as things progress.

 

You gonna get real FX projectors? Something else?

 

"Sorry to hear of the issues you're having. The 50w ballasts to sometimes cause reliability issues with some parts over the long haul.

If you're looking to do another retrofit, you could certainly keep your working 50w ballasts, but I would recommend going to an OEM projector which have a lower failure rate than aftermarket projectors, most notable when using 50w ballasts. The RX-350, which we have on sale, would be both a solid upgrade and solve your issues I think.

Again we could also extend a discount on the new FX-R's if that's something you'd like to do.

Let us know and we'd be happy to help!"