ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Anyone out there running more than one set of HIDs on the factory wiring? I'm considering swapping out my low and hi beams but wanted to make sure I didn't need any type of extra harness to run them. Thanks!
? on HID's
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darkie3495
Moderator
I run 2 sets but for lows and fogs. no issues with factory wires.
Do you tend to drive with your highs on for extended periods of time? If not, I recommend not to use HIDs in your highs since by flicking the lights on and off quickly you will prematurely destroy your lights since it takes usually 5-10 sec for the light to heat up to normal operating temperature.
If you don't plan on doing a retro fit, HIDs in your lows will throw alot of light with your stock reflectors.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
I knew about it not being good to turn them on/off quickly, such as you would do in the highs, just let that slip my mind I guess. Using them in the high beams is out. However, I will consider them for the fogs. Did you notice a big improvement using them as fogs?
darkie3495
Moderator
I did notice a big improvement in adverse weather since i went with 3000k. I've never had 4300k or above in them though. I'm not sure if you will see the same effect since i have a different reflector. Whichever color you choose you'll notice increased distance and a better spread.
rvcahawaii808
New member
i use 35w 3k HIDs in my fogs and i think it makes a really big difference. i aimed my fogs slightly higher so they kind of "blend in" with my lows and it really lights up the general area around/in front of me
borgzman
New member
I have in HID fogs only, of course I tried in low beam, bright..but horrible glare...looks cheap to me. So, I have a xenon charge bulb in low beam atleast near the color temp of daylight.
Here's a pic of by how the beam is projected in fogs: http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr134/borgzman/IMG_0229.jpg
Its only 35W though, IMO better if 50W. And the light output is enough for my city driving.
the pic above is not photoshop, its just shrink...I think I have philips xtreme power in lows at that time.
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
Since the fogs don't reach out like the lows, I always thought it'd just be a waste of money, but sounds like they actually add function. I'd probably go 3000k in the fogs and either 4500k or 5000k in the lows, stock high beams. I considered HIR bulbs which are suppose to be a nice improvement, but I can get a HID kit at a lower cost and it'll produce more light. My main concern is that I do a lot of night driving where I'm forced to use the lows, and deer seem to like to hang around feeding on the side of the roads. I need something to help me spot them so I don't end up hitting one of them.
I am thinking to get DDM HID kit for my fogs too but they (one of the places that sell them online) do not recommend them for fogs since they are too small and will have heat dissipation issues.
Did you have problem to run them for extended (2-3 Hr.) periods of time?
rvcahawaii808
New member
rvcahawaii808
New member
if im not in the city, i have them on all the time. i drive up to the mountain at least once a week and i have them on for the entire trip. this is the second set i have from DDM and i havent had any problems. also DDM is so cheap that if it were to burn out i wouldnt really care. the only thing you gotta remember is that when you install DDM HIDs on toyotas you need to plug the harness in upside down...reverse polarity or something
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER
New member
DDM doesn't advise the 55 watt kit for the fogs, but there are no issues with the basic 35 watt kit. Looks like the DDM HID's are next on the mod list, and if fogs will help with that then it'll be an extra $35 well spent IMO. Can anyone else comment on plugging in upside down for the polarity? Thanks guys!
rvcahawaii808
New member
from the ddm site...
If you install your HID kit and they do not turn on you may have reverse polarity. What this means is the power and ground wires are your vehicles stock harness are reversed. What you will have to do is plug the harness connector into the ballast backwards. You will be plugging in the connector from your car into the kit backwards. This will not harm the vehicle or the kit.
Note: Reverse Polarity is an issue with the cars wiring not the HID kit. Some cars come from the factory wired in an orientation that is reversed when compared to the HID kit. When using stock halogen bulbs, polarity has no effect, therefore, some manufactures will have the power and ground wires opposite of the HID kit. Some manufactures will have reverse polarity more then others. A lot of GM models have reverse polarity.
basically when you install it the harness going into the ballast wont "click" into place because it will be upside down. all i did was use electrical tape to make sure it stayed in place
Nashvillerunner
New member
Man go with some type of HID kit! I never believed in them until I purchased my 2005 Acura TSX. The lighting was unbelievable compared to halogen. That is one of the first upgrades I did to my 4Runner and love them. They give you increased lighting on the road and I will never go back to halogen. I purchased mine from Steve at HID Conversion Kit, HALO HID Lights, LED Tail Lights, and many more auto accessories... and they were a little under $200. It is a great kit and very easy to install. He is on the site as xenondepot and can hook you up with a great deal. I am looking at getting some yellow ones for the fog lights.
Clemsonfan15
New member
I would not put a 55 watt kit into the headlights.
Could you please elaborate more? I know few people plus from reading online I don't remember any problems with 55W kits.
thanks
Clemsonfan15
New member
55 watt kits will generate more heat and will produce more glare. I would leave 55 watt kits for a projector set up.
If you feel confident about it go for it, I just don't think it's necessary.
jaybird93000
New member
ok, so is the optional wiring harness required at all, even for the 35W kit? what's the optional harness for?