HID Problem

[AE1M]

Hello, I use the DDM 35W HID kits in my 2008 4R.

Recently I have started to have an issue where the HIDs, one or both, do not turn on when I start the truck at night, the headlights are in the AUTO mode. If I turn the selector on to ON and back a few times, they fire.

If during the day, while the engine is running, I block the light sensor on the dash in front of the steering wheel, they do fire on in about 10 seconds or so.

I changed the ballast on one side, made no difference. Replaced the bulb on that side, made no difference.

I do not use a relay since 35W from a 12V supply is about 3A, no issue. Been working fine for almost a year.

I was wondering if anyone might suspect the vehicle battery since it's OEM, now pushing 5 years.

Any other thoughts? The wiring looks good. I use dielectric grease on the fittings also.

Bob

 

[downpour11]

Same thing happened to me.... and many many others. Mine went after 6 months. I ditched the DDM kit, they are horrible. I'd find yourself a different kit or go back to stock and just buy some better bulbs.

 

[AE1M]

Same thing happened to me.... and many many others. Mine went after 6 months. I ditched the DDM kit, they are horrible. I'd find yourself a different kit or go back to stock and just buy some better bulbs.

The difference is that I replace the bulb and ballasts (after a long time of dependable service) but the problem remained. So, I would tend to believe it isnt the DDM kit.

Bob

 

[downpour11]

The difference is that I replace the bulb and ballasts (after a long time of dependable service) but the problem remained. So, I would tend to believe it isnt the DDM kit.

Bob

Yeah I know lol me too. You might look into replacing the harness itself though if you want to keep the kit. That was my next guess as to the problem, but I was fed up with it so I ripped it out. Also, after hearing about DDM's customer service I didn't want to even try going deeper down that road.

 

[riceandpho]

U need a harness, the problem is the auto function dont give out enough juice to properly power the ballast, ballast start up can draw more than 10 amps, always use a relay when you can with hid kits. If yours crapping out, go with theretrofitsource or do a true retrofit.

 

[AE1M]

U need a harness, the problem is the auto function dont give out enough juice to properly power the ballast, ballast start up can draw more than 10 amps, always use a relay when you can with hid kits. If yours crapping out, go with theretrofitsource or do a true retrofit.

Thanks for the reply. I have had these in for 9 months no problem, now it is cold weather. I swapped out the left side ballast and bulb. One cold morning I heated up the left side with heat gun until warm. Temp was about 15 degrees F. With the selector in AUTO, started up the truck. Left (heated) side fired, right side (cold) didnt. Switched to OFF then ON, both fired.

Maybe swap out for a relay based system when it gets warmer, not fun working in this weather.

Bob

 

[flyrv9]

Getting 5 years out of a battery is rare. I would keep an eye on it.