I ordered xentech 6000k H7 (projector) HID's for my truck. I love the look and brightness. However there are a couple minor issues. The first is when the HID's are on, the radio loses reception, drastically. The next is that when my truck is off and the light switch is set to auto, and I click the unlock button. Only one side will turn on. The other just flickers. But if i turn the switch to "on" they both pop right up. What is the deal with them?

 

Can't say anything on the radio but the flicker thing, mine does it too. From what I've seen it's due to not enough power or something. I heard it can be fixed with a relay or something else.

 

I thought about not enough power too. But they say that HID's are supposed to draw less then normal halogens. So i dunno. I was about to order some HID's for the fogs, but I like the radio...

 

The static is from RF interference and the only way to limit this is to wrap the ballasts in static free material and the flicker is caused by not enough power on initial start up. this can be reversed by using a relay but short bursts are not good for longevity of the bulbs.

 

When you click the unlock button it sends a predetermined amount of power to the lights. The stock setting is for halogen bulbs, enough to just make them flash. When you have HIDs the amount of power sent through is enough for the first ballast to ignite the bulb but not enough for the second ballast. This can be fixed with a relay in wired into the postive power wire for the HID kit. However, it's best to take it off the auto setting so they don't flash. This will prolong the life of the bulbs and ballast.

As far as the radio is concerned, the ballasts are messing with the reception. The best fix for this is to fab up a lead box to block out the signals the ballasts are throwing out. Other then that there isn't much you can do.

 

Wait, how does it not have enough power? How exactly would I install a relay to fix it. Even if I turn them off auto lights, they still turn on when I hit the unlock button. Is there a way to increase the stock pre determined power?

Oh and i think i figured out my radio issue. They say I need to check/get a new ground. But i have no idea how. lol.

 

Did you read my post? It explains how its not getting enough power.

The only fix for this is to wire a relay in. It costs maybe $4 and 20 min of your time.

 

Yeah, you posted as I was typing. How do you wire a relay in? Do I need to relays or what? If you tell me I can do it, but I dont know how to do it.

Would a larger battery help? I think I need a bigger one because of all my stereo and crap. But dunno what kind.

 

You need a 4 prong relay. I dont have the wiring diagram infront of me, but if you use the search feature its somewhere in the posts. I'll search through some files and I'll see what i can find.


A larger battery isn't going to do anything. If you want to upgrade for your stereo look into Optima YellowTop.

 

The correct fix for this is to power the ballasts directly from your battery through a relay. The stock triggers will make the relay and power your ballasts with full power.

They sell pre-made relay kits on all the major HID sites and they are fairly inexpensive.

 

Everything mentioned here is correct...you are not drawing enough power for the HIDs to ignite.

The problems with wiring them to your stock wiring harness (just plugging them into the exiting connector and not running a relay to your battery) is
1- HID system does not get fluent and regular current. Yes HID systems use LESS power when lit but need more power to ignite the gas inside the bulb...not having contant 12V power is why you are seeing the bulbs flicker. This will shorten the life of not only your HID bulb but will cut the life of your HID ballast and igniter.
2-cuts life of your entire HID system from Ballast toIgniter
3-Can cause damage to your stock wiring requiring you to replace your stock wiring harness...

The HID's I use in my truck and used in my roush mustang were purchased from Ultrabrightlights.com...yes they are quite expensive, but you get what you pay for and McCulloch HID systems are great and I have never had any problems with them. You can also go to their site and purchase wiring harnesses with connectors to allow you to directly connect your current HID systems to your battery without having to worry about wiring them yourself (if you are not handy at wiring this is great for you)...

The wiring harnesses run 40-50 bucks if I remember correctly...however you can make your own for about 10-25 bucks.

 

will this harness work for the xentech or w/e HIDs? or just the mccullochs?

 

Th Xentec Bixenon kits come with a relay/harness, so you are good.

 

hey mSall how can I tell if I got 6K or 8K?? I think i got sent the wrong thing...

 

Wiring harness will work on all HID kits and includes connectors to plug into your stock wiring harness to keep the light **** factory.

Best bet is to hook em up and turn them on...all HID bulbs are long and clear though.

Should also have a number on the bulb though