HID on High Beams

[Offroader]

Has anyone installed HID on the High Beams?

I have HID's on my Low Beams, and I was considering installing Hella Rallye 4000 Pencil Beams for long range illumination.

But to install the Hellas ($260 plus shipping) I would need a mounting base. The only two options I like are the JAOS Center Protector ($600 plus shipping) or the JAOS Lamp Stay ($300).

On top of this, Halogen light doesn't get very far, so I was planning to install HID bulbs on the Hella Pencils ($350) for:

A GRAND TOTAL OF $1,350.00 :bash:

So I would probably get better illumination at a lower price ($350) installing HID's on my High Beams.

I just wonder if anyone has installed HID's on both hi and low beams, and how good is long range illumination.

 

[sharp4runr]

The high beams would give you a wider beam pattern than the pencil beams for sure as well as being cheaper. The pencil beams should illuminate longer distances better though.

 

[AlexJet]

You have to remember that HIDs needs ~30-40sec to get full power, so you won't be able to flash with your high beams, otherwise you'll burn you HID bulbs too fast and may be will have an issue with ballasts.

 

[Offroader]

You have to remember that HIDs needs ~30-40sec to get full power, so you won't be able to flash with your high beams, otherwise you'll burn you HID bulbs too fast and may be will have an issue with ballasts.

Well, you also have to remember that in the 4th Gen. T4R when you flash the hi-beams, the lo-beams also flash.

I flash them several times everyday during day driving, and haven't had a problem so far. If I ever have a problem, they gave a 1-year warranty, so I hope it happens soon.

 

[AlexJet]

Well, you also have to remember that in the 4th Gen. T4R when you flash the hi-beams, the lo-beams also flash.

I flash them several times everyday during day driving, and haven't had a problem so far. If I ever have a problem, they gave a 1-year warranty, so I hope it happens soon.

Low beams are 9006, so they are only single beam bulbs and there is nothing to be switching in them, they are not H4. Second thing, my low beams are still the same when I'm flashing, so they are off if lights are off and in low beam when are on.

 

[4RunnerRon]

Offroader,

I agree with AlexJet and think this has been addressed somewhere before. HIDs are designed to be used continuously and not intermittently, such as during the quick flash of a high beam. On startup, the salts in the Xenon bulbs ignite and take a few seconds to fully warm up to the bright light we're accustomed to. Flashing high beams with Xenon bulbs would be pointless because the beam wouldn't be all that bright during that split second of activation. In addition to that, it's highly likely that the ignitors, ballasts, and/or bulbs would fail prematurely from all the quick ON-OFF-ON-OFF use. There may be technology to get around this issue, but I notice that most OEM headlight setups for vehicles with HIDs have Xenon for the low beam and halogen for the high beam.

If you're looking for better performance or a different look to your high beams, PIAA bulbs may be a better alternative. That, or you could install and HID system in your foglights, which has been done before and isn't an issue.

 

[AlexJet]

T4Runner06, you are thinking in a right way. Most High beams are halogen, but there are some ways to do HIDs in high beams. And those solutions are taking in consideration by leading manufacturs.
First, you may do a high beam lamp with HID and put a shield, so it wouldn't get the light above certain line. When you need to switch or flash a high beam, it quickly removes or moves this shield.
Second, the same as #1, except no shield. The bulb itself is displaced, so it not giving the light above low beam level. In high beam the bulbs moves to a position to give a high beam output. This technology is used in some H4 HID conversion kits.
Third. There is an HID light behind the lamp. This allow you to use HID light for high beam, just open and close shield.

 

[4RunnerRon]

AlexJet, very good info. Sounds like you've done your homework! I wasn't aware of all three options, but had heard of the bulb displacement method. I assume all of these options are more common on vehicles equipped with one bulb per side versus the two separate bulbs like on the 4Runner.

 

[AlexJet]

AlexJet, very good info. Sounds like you've done your homework! I wasn't aware of all three options, but had heard of the bulb displacement method. I assume all of these options are more common on vehicles equipped with one bulb per side versus the two separate bulbs like on the 4Runner.

I've just been working on similar topics in aviation. They work with any types of headlight.

 

[Uneek]

T4Runner06, you are thinking in a right way. Most High beams are halogen, but there are some ways to do HIDs in high beams. And those solutions are taking in consideration by leading manufacturs.
First, you may do a high beam lamp with HID and put a shield, so it wouldn't get the light above certain line. When you need to switch or flash a high beam, it quickly removes or moves this shield.
Second, the same as #1, except no shield. The bulb itself is displaced, so it not giving the light above low beam level. In high beam the bulbs moves to a position to give a high beam output. This technology is used in some H4 HID conversion kits.
Third. There is an HID light behind the lamp. This allow you to use HID light for high beam, just open and close shield.

Both AlexJet and T4Runner06 are correct. Many who have retrofitted HIDs into their cars agree HIDs shouldn't be turned on and off more than 3x's in an hour for maximum capsule, ballast and igniter life.

Currently, auto manufactures who do implement HIDs in their high beams are using the first method, known as Bi-Xenon. Behind the HID projector there is a movable shield which is activated by a silenoid when the high beams are triggered.

IMO, to have HIDs for your high beams, retrofitting Bi-Xenon projectors would be the best way to go.

 

[orangeblast22]

I've been thinking of going HID for my lows but wanted something really bright for my Highs...what bulb would be best for the Highs on a 2006?

also...

about HID fogs...I wouldl ike something to match the light output and color with my low beam HIDs so when the lows are on and the fogs are on...they match and such... what fog HID should I look into for my 2006?

thanks!

 

[AlexJet]

I've been thinking of going HID for my lows but wanted something really bright for my Highs...what bulb would be best for the Highs on a 2006?
...

Silverstars will work great. I have Xetronic HID in Low and Silverstars in High. Perfect match for me.

 

[atomic punk]

orangeblast...

1) some have used up to 80w for their high beams in here without a problem. Remember that the less "hid-like" hologen bulbs are, the more lumens the output will be for bulbs of equal wattage.

2) no hijacking threads...

Search around, you'll find your foglight answer. Some have used HID's (3000k), some have put in Silverstars.

 

[exclusivebeef]

I do not know how this works but my buddy has a 2007 range rover and his highs and lows are HID (bright as the sun too). If anyone knows, how does this work? Also, someone mentioned using 80w in their highs, could you use 100w or would that be too much? Thanks

 

[Offroader]

There are two systems for this:

1. One bulb for both high and low beams. When you switch high beams a cover comes off the high beam portion.

2. Two bulbs: one high beam and one low. When you switch high beams a cover comes off the high beam bulb.