HID DIY Greif Relief

[tjoseph]

If you are considering a DIY HID install on a Genesis Sedan (2012 for me), allow me to possibly save you some serious grief. I have read bulb install stories here that have ranged from “too loose, spinning in the socket” to “broken tabs when turning to lock” and mine was potentially the latter as they were either barely engaged in the socket or unable to rotate at all.

Looking at the aftermarket HID bulb flanges while comparing them to the OEM Osram unit (64211 L) you can quickly see that the 64211 uses a very thin metal Flange/Tabs.
http://www.osram.com/appsinfo/pdc/pdf.do?cid=GPS01_1057023&vid=EU_ALL_eCat&lid=EN There are vendors that can supply you with HID bulbs that use this original style flange. If the bulb twists in like the OEM bulb, this install should be no more than 45 minutes a side, if that.

In the interest of time, I used a local HID specialty shop http://thehidfactory.com , they do nothing but HID/LED installs, to get this done. They don’t allow “shop gawkers” but they did tell me that the tabs had to be ground down (thinned out) and
‘some mods to housing..”. They are professional, reasonable and quick.

Save yourself some serious time and find a non “one size fits all” aftermarket bulb if your doing it yourself. Find one that’s as close to the OEM Osram flange type as possible.

To that end, and you want customer support, Steve at http://www.highperformancebulbs.com is fantastic, quickly replying to emails. He stocks the thin metal flange bulbs with the much better female OEM style power connecter, no 2 spades you should electrical tape, and the bulbs look high quality: http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/h11-hid-bulbs-h11-hid-replacement-bulbs.html

Parts used on my install:
http://www.diodedynamics.com/store/...dai-genesis-sedan-low-beam-hid-conversion-kit
Used the install shop’s bulbs (5000k) for warranty purposes but they were very close to kit above, slightly better quality in my eyes. Same fat tabbed flange!

Fogs: LED 5000k - 1300Lm. 15 minute install
http://www.diodedynamics.com/store/led-bulbs/listed-by-size/h8/h8-xml2-pair

DRL/High Beams OEM Halogen until the LED market catches up to the dual voltage issue.

Bottom line, find a bulb with the thin metal flange and this should be no problem. No relay, no flicker, very bright

 

[Ambush]

Hello

I have a 12' and I just ordered the DD ballasts. I know you mentioned you did not see the install of your kit but do you know if they happened to you use a relay to power your hids? I have the EXACT BALLASTS and they will not fire up. They will only flicker and burn out. DD customer service says I need a relay to the battery but I did not feel like running extra wires everywhere.

If you have the time and feel comfy, can you snap a pic of your wiring if you can see it (tucked in the black trimming under hood).

Thanks!

-Ambush

 

[tjoseph]

Definitely am not running a relay. The beauty of that ballast is there should be no need for one using 35 watt bulbs. I'll post a shot soon but there is no relay, the install is invisible when the top cover is on.

 

[consilius]

I always use a relay in my HID install as there was an incident that a friend of mine encountered. A car was started with the low beams on about twice a day for a couple of years and something eventually went and fried the oem wiring harness. It was a $4,000 repair. The relay would be the one taking the load of the HIDs and at $30.00, it's not a very expensive "insurance".

 

[Ambush]

Definitely am not running a relay. The beauty of that ballast is there should be no need for one using 35 watt bulbs. I'll post a shot soon but there is no relay, the install is invisible when the top cover is on.

You know, that could be my problem. I am not sure what the bulb wattage is as I assumed they were 35 watt as the kit was in the car when I purchased it.

Hmm.....I just hate to have to TRY and take the bulbs out to investigate. UGUG!

Thank you for your reply.

 

[Ambush]

I always use a relay in my HID install as there was an incident that a friend of mine encountered. A car was started with the low beams on about twice a day for a couple of years and something eventually went and fried the oem wiring harness. It was a $4,000 repair. The relay would be the one taking the load of the HIDs and at $30.00, it's not a very expensive "insurance".

You know, I am kinda leaning to that. I am just being LAZY and not wanting to drop the bumper to run wires all over BUT for a safety net, I am all for it.

Thanks!

 

[tjoseph]

Consilius is right, the relay is cheap insurance. Im gambling that the better ballasts are accurately rated at below what the 55W OEM Osram bulb pulls. I found the stats, can't find them now, on the HYLUXTEK ballasts with their DSP ASIC Processors running a 5000k 35watt bulb. Both DD and the local shop were good only if using these ballasts without relay. Ive noticed that these lights warm up very slowly which is fine with me.

The attached image says little but Ive confirmed there is no relay. I initially didn't like the tie wrap mounting but after thought, these things get hot and I don't mind the full surface area exposed to air and if road service is required, it might be quicker than pulling on heavy duty double sided tape. The OCD in me likes the neatness of Syantsi's example on this forum, but I can live with this.
Intersting lab test in 2009 on older ballasts http://www.theeshadow.com/files/volvo/hidcomp.html