HID conversion kit replacement bulbs

This question is more general, but how can you figure out replacement bulb sizes if a used car comes with and HID conversion kit? I'm actually trying to replace a low-beam bulb in my Mazda 3 hatchback and found out that the previous owner put an HID conversion kit in there.

I've done a bunch of research, but I'm not sure how to match the replacement bulb(s) with the kit I have, because there aren't any real distinguishing markings on the bulb or ballast assembly.

From what I can tell (with extremely un-educated background), all I need to do is get a standard HID replacement bulb that fits a "H7" bulb. Most seem to be fairly standard and mine would be either a 6k or 8k color and probably a 35W rating. Is that right, or do I have to find the exact manufacturer to really plug and play the replacement?

Any help would be much appreciated! I'm lost, confused, scared, and getting the car ready to sell (now that I bought my Tacoma!).

 

The mazda speed 3 did come with hid projectors as an option no?

Id check the mazda forums........unless ur car is older and had no hid factory option.....if that is the case, look up the correct halogen bulb size with the sylvania websites bulb fitment guide, or call kragen/napa.

Then get the number and right it down......then buy a new set of hid bulbs from whoever u choose.

The mos usable light is 4300K to 5000k..................anything higher is a waste of money, more annoying to ur eyes and others (blue is terribly irritating to the eye and has been medically/scientifically proven to cause fatigue).

Anything past 5000k is purely for looks and puts out less light.................and yes, stick with 35 watta


Always replace in pairs to avoid colorshift issues which can lead to 1 light as a differant kelvin temp compared to when it was new

 

And for gods sake........never touch the glass of the bulb!

Use gloves (latex/nitriel) if possible, and even then only handle by the base

 

Thanks for the response! I've tried a couple Mazda forums and they don't seem to be very helpful/active. Probably just haven't stumbled on the right one. I turned to TW because this community can probably help better/faster with my Mazda issues than the Mazda forum!

Anyway, I got the car used. Its a 2009 "s Sport" which did not have a factory option. And this kit is definitely an aftermarket DIY job. Whoever had the car before me either did it themselves or took it to some ghetto place, because the conversion kit setup is pretty amateur looking. Lots of electrical tape and a "spacer" made using a fat lock washer.

The current lights definitely have a blue tint to them, and I've seen some color charts that show 6k to be about what is in there now. Heck, it might even be 8k. They're not crazy blue, but there's a hint of blue for sure. Color isn't super important, especially because I'm trying to sell this car within the month. I just need a replacement set that will work with the HID conversion kit.

 

Ok, I would call the retrofit source.......... they may ask for pics





Ill do a lil more digging in a second from my pc



ok, sylvania says


low beam is H7

high beam is 9005


which bulb is swapped in ur case?

 

does it have a 90 degree elbow, or is it a straight connector?

 

I learned that when I replaced the bulbs in the wife's VW. Luckily I learned that before I ever got into the package.

I'm only replacing the low beam. It says "H7-W" on the tag and it looks very similar to this item,



Mine has two black wires, not a red and black, but I don't think that really matters. It has the "slim" base, so I'll need to configure a spacer of some kind. Here's a photo of the one I just removed from the car last night.



and here's the connectors that attach to the ballast, I guess...

 

H7 is what u need I am pretty sure.



http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...rsion-Bulb-Size-Questions-for-2009-Mazda-3-HB

 

Haha, that's the site I've searched to get answers. Never found that thread. However, it looks like that is addressing new kits, and I'm trying to just replace the bulb assembly. All I probably need to know is if all "H7" bulb replacements will work fine with conversion kits, or if I have to match it up exactly with some other spec or manufacturer...

My first hurdle has been educating myself on lighting and HID conversion kits, as I'm just used to removing a lightbulb and then plugging in a new one. What a pain in the butt this has been!

 

heres an H7 spacer
http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/H7-Spacer


and the cheapest (more than likely) bulbs...............since ur selling the car, it wont matter that these guys have a terrible record when u need to deal with customer service on warranty issues

http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/HID-Bulb-Replacements-Pair

 

Those spacers look too deep to really work for my situation. Like I said, someone had a 3/16" thick washer below the base of the bulb to give it some more thickness, but it needs to be slightly thicker still. I suppose I could buy some of those and just cut them down if they are too thick.

And here are some replacements I might get if all I really need to worry about is getting some kind of "H7" bulb replacement.

http://store.ijdmtoy.com/High-Intense-Discharge-HID-Xenon-Bulbs-p/hid_replacement_bulbs_only.htm

 

cool beans.........Im off to get some food.

U do realize the DDM link I gave u is much cheaper for bulbs right?

they do say (unbelievably) $15.00 PAIR

and they specify in the tabs below

id call to make sure tho

 

going to get some food, too. But yeah, I saw they're a lot cheaper. I may go that route. I guess the H7 bulbs will fit regardless of the specific manufacturer....?

 

should be universal as far as manufacturer.........they are all made in china anyhow.

let us know how it goes or if we can help anymore............or u can try the mazda forums again

 

I've given up on them. They're dead to me. You have provided me with 100x the information in infinitely less time. MUCH appreciated!

I'll post an update once I get the replacement bulbs and try to install them.