Hella Fog Lights - disappointment

Jon T4R

Jon T4R

New member
Not sure where to post this but I thought I should share...

Three weeks ago I had a set of Hella H13090611 Micro DE series 55W professionally installed in my 3rd gen. My mechanic is an ace - one of those guys that can fabricate something custom if need be and has 30 yrs experience. He did a great job - they look like stock (in the round holes in front bumper).

Yesterday i noticed the driver side one was out. Brought it to my mechanic and he said "they are poorly sealed and water got in which caused a short." He cleaned it out and re-sealed as best as he could (at no charge - but i took care of him anyway) and it works now but I thought I should pass this info along to the group. For the $, I would not expect a leak and failure within only a few weeks.

Anyone have a suggestion for an alternative that might be more reliable/better quality that would fit in the same place?
Thanks
 
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you need to fab up a plate to fit behind the lights to shield them from water.
the main problem stems from them being located right in front of the tires.
getting high pressure tire spray is bad for what ever light you put down there.
i had the same problem and adding the shields fixed it.
 
I have owned both the Hella 500s and (current set) PIAA 520 and I think the PIAA are superior.

I've had mine for 5 years now. Still running great.
 
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brianemc2_42 said:
I have owned both the Hella 500s and (current set) PIAA 285 (or is it 185) anyways I think the PIAA are superior.

I've had mine for 5 years now. Still running great.
Click to expand...

dont you mean the 520s?



and yes PIAA is by far superior to hella in every way, i have submerged my PIAAs several times in water crossings and never once had an issue -even with cracked lenses
 
Hmm.. I thought it was only me. I will have to change my Hella fogs to PIAA fogs in the near future. They are the only reason I have failed my state inspection in the past. If you have equipment hooked up, by law, it must work, in the state of Virginia.
I might even cut holes and install bigger fogs. I dont know though, are the PIAA's strong enough alone?
 
Thanks guys... Looks like maybe some alum fab this weekend (along w replacing dash bulbs and finishing cargo drawers). Maybe change to PIAA at some point if they fit in same place? Anyone have exact model # for the PIAAs? Thnx again.
 
Oh, and Kid, though I m not too crazy about your icon (avatar? ..whatever), I did not take it personally. Mine is not a jeep. ...its a Willys! Hah.
 
I used the yotatech thread that cfranck1 posted, but I just bought a little sheet of aluminum from home depot, measured, cut, and bent it up in a vise.

No problems after a year or so. Had a bulb go out a month or two ago, but I think it was just time for it to go.
 
To the OP: Where did you get your Micro DE's? Were they used? My '99 4Runner Highlander came stock with Micro DE's. I replaced them with Hella models from yellowandbluelighting.com for the ability to convert them to HID. The aftermarket OEM model is longer than the stock models which allows for the longer HID bulb.

My original lights had zero problems and their construction seemed identical to the ones that replaced them. I had a friend buy the same ones I did (aftermarket Hella/OEM) and he got water in them pretty quick.

In the HID retrofit I had to cut the rubber boot at the back of the light. I sealed it (where I cut it) and where the factory wires entered to ensure that water didn't get in there. I would suggest sealing it a bit more and maybe make a shield. You can also put a ziptie around the rubber boot to increase the seal.
 
Brian757 said:
Hmm.. I thought it was only me. I will have to change my Hella fogs to PIAA fogs in the near future. They are the only reason I have failed my state inspection in the past. If you have equipment hooked up, by law, it must work, in the state of Virginia.
I might even cut holes and install bigger fogs. I dont know though, are the PIAA's strong enough alone?
Click to expand...

yes PIAAs are very strong, and have a very good light output, i have used my fog and driving lights several times just by them selfs at night with no head lights, and if you ask me they are brighter than my headlights and give more and better light...


Jon T4R said:
Thanks guys... Looks like maybe some alum fab this weekend (along w replacing dash bulbs and finishing cargo drawers). Maybe change to PIAA at some point if they fit in same place? Anyone have exact model # for the PIAAs? Thnx again.
Click to expand...

thats just it, sadly PIAA does not make a direct replacement light for the factory OE micro fogs... but they make a better light period. i know i know, some of you guys like to keep things stock appearing and such so going with different and bigger aftermarket lights might not be your style, and thats ok. i was just putting it out there that if you want a light that is gonna work, and have a outstanding company standing behind them if they, for some reason dont then go with PIAA. -i have taken lights to them that are 15+ years old that have served me well and well outlasted their life expectancy, and they have always no questions asked replaced them with either a new light(or set) or the brand new replacement model for the light i brought in. never once have they charged me a dime. its experiences like that, that keep me coming back and buying their products. -sure they might cost more than a set of Hellas, but you will only buy one set, where as with Hella, i have not heard of this kind of customer service...

just my thoughts
 
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