You just answered a question I had when I just discovered the new HID's I had installed earlier this week, are not functioning in highbeams. Thank you so much!
Thanks for the clear and informative video on this subject. Strangely, this information is very hard to come by on the internet, and with so many HID kit suppliers operating exclusively on the web and eBay, I have found more often than not, the products do not match the advertised specifications/requirements.
Yes, the HID bulbs are much brighter than the factory bulbs and most people can install them themselves. I always order from DDMTuning and have been happy with the results. You will need the bulbs, ballasts, wiring harness and the hi/low switching relay.
Hey Sarge. Headlight assembly comes out really easy. Just look for the screws. If I told you what numbers I ordered, it wouldn't matter as they have changed. Seems like they do that every couple of years. I have the 55 W bulbs and there is no need for an error eliminator. Just make sure you adjust the beams down. I haven't done the fogs, just never got around to it. Have never needed them. They still work great though. No probs.
@RAPR117 Exactly. I was reading the posts and thought I'd just wander into the garage and check it out. 30 minutes later, wahlaaah! It's uploading to UA-cam. Now everyone knows how these things work.
You sir, are a blessing. I've just installed a 9007 HID set up and have been struggling with this for a full week, trying all kinds of different wiring arrangements. Why couldn't the HID vendor who sold me the Morimoto kit tell me this??
@tj548p I don't see any other way of doing it. You only have one bulb, one brightness. Without a second bulb, you have to retract the only bulb you've got to change the reflective curve. It's a straight forward solution, of course, someone else obviously thought of how to make it work. I love the bright minds that create these amazing solutions to problems.
Hi EpicCowick, I wanna know whether the electromagnet switching for ALL headlights model can easily be tested by just using car batteries and just the two + and - wires? tq
@tglander99 This was news to me too. There was a discussion about it on FTE so I thougt I'd understand this for myself. I can't say by first-hand knowledge but this is apparently the way it's done for HIDs.
Did you ever have problems with your relays buzzing when the DRLs are on? I have this problem with my Ford (same model) I tried a capacitor with no luck.
Thanks for this video... I just installed my HID H4 what happened is that when I turn to high beam it is lower than the low beam and the low beam is higher. Any advice?
+Fazarally Sameer You have to know that these bulbs are not meant for non-HID housings. What you are describing happens sometimes and there is really nothing you can do about it short of modifying the entire shape of the housing. There are kits for that but they are expense and defeat the purpose. Also, make sure you adjust the housing so the brighter lights don't shine on oncoming traffic.
@BuhlzI Ha ha... this wasn't really working, per se... I was on the computer reading some posts about this and had to come into the garage to see about it. I didn't get so much as a smudge on the shirt!
What if my high beams are always on? I've had problems with other drivers due to the fact that my high beam on the drivers side is always on. How can I fix this?
Hard to say. Either the bulb is defective and the magnet is always on or the truck is sending a high beam signal to it telling it to turn on when it shouldn't.
Good to know. I'd never have known. That's a pretty cool way to make these work. Who do you get them from? Do all HID that have high and low beam work this way? Thanks!
Thanks for this explanation; I got the scenario where High beam doesn't work which only means that the bulb stopped retracting. For a situation - "High beam works good, but low beam doesn't" : Could we call this as a bulb issue mostly or could the culprit be the controller or the ballast too ?
I have a motorcycle that has 2 projectors. 1 high 1 low. They use single filament h3 bulbs and the low beam uses a shade to block light for low beam. How can I convert them to dual high low using a retractable bulb? I don't want to change the lenses it gives the bike a signature look.
The hi/lo for my headlight is controlled by a small shutter under the bulb that moves forward and backwards. The shutter is the moving part and not the light. An electrician told me that its not possible to test it using the method you use.
i just installed hids in my 2012 f350 today and the low beam shots light higher then the high beam i think they got reversed but i checked all the conections and there correct what could be my issue. is there 2 ways to plug in that little conecter to activate high beam
Has anyone retrofitted their headlights to be bi xenon or dual beam projectors? I’m planning on putting a projector where my reflector is and replacing the oem one with a high/low projector. My question is how do you get the high beams to come on when you turn your regular lights on? And how do you get the low beams to have a high/low function.
I appreciate the video sir. I am looking to order HIDs for my 2014 F150. I am good on installation/bulb-sizing but still confused on one thing, maybe you can help... I am wondering if I should go with a single beam kit, a Low/High Halogen kit, or a Bi-Xenon kit. Obviously the single beam is for Low beam only and the low/high halogen is for HID low beams and a halogen high beam. I need the retractable bulb as you demonstrated...will this retractable bulb be included in a Bi-Xenon kit? Thanks again for the tip. I hope to install these soon...factory headlights are terrible in comparison.
Blake Seiner I imagine there are pros and cons to all. I like the kit I have now because it gives clear light on both high and low setting. You can tell the magnetic bulb housings just by looking at the large base which contains the electromagnet.
hey TJ, its Jason again. Wondering if you could answer a few questions. First, how did you take your headlight assembly out, is it pretty easy? Second, which DDM balast did you order? does yours work for both highs and lows or just low beams? There are a couple different options when you go to order the kit, like 35 or 55 W, which bulbs you need, error code eliminator, etc. Can you tell me which ones you ordered. Also, did you do the fog lights as well? Thanks
hello there... i have bought one of hid headlight bulb with HI/LO onces but it was vibrate/shake while riding/driving is there any solution for that..??
Do you have a problem with the bulb it self wiggling and moving while driving.... it's not on rough road either they dont do it as bad on highs but lows are bad?
So, if you used a stepper type of switch, would it effectively act as an infinite adjustment type of setup between fully extended/retracted? Or is it just high(on), low(off) setup?
I'm about to buy an old 280zx turbo and thinking about switching to headlight housing's out for the Hella H4 7" conversions. Having an adjustable set over the span of the hi/low range would be awesome, but just on/off is fine too.
Here's my problem; I installed an H4 HID kit in my motorcycle, but when the small plug for the electromagnet is connected the bulb will not illuminate at all. I can physically see the bulb move when I toggle the switch from low to high beam, but it will not light up. If I disconnect the electromagnet bulb, the low beam will work but when I toggle to high beam, the bulb goes completely out. I've switched out the ballast with a known good one but I get the same result. Any suggestions?
EpicCowlick, thanks for your response! I guess that could be a possibility. When the electromagnet connector is plugged in, I hear a buzz sound when I turn on the key. Right now I just have that connector unplugged. The way my light system works is, I have a H7 projector bulb that stays on all the time when the bike is running. The H4 is used for LO/HI beam operations, so it's right now it's like the H7 is my LO beam and my H4 is like my HI beam. 2005 Suzuki GSX-R600.
Hey there ... My Car High Beam And Low beam Both of them are turning on at the Same is it A Problem ? My electrician Told Me They might Burn The holders again :o is it true
When I checked 12v h1 55w halogen bulb in direct in battery it’s brightness is high but when I install on motorcycles it’s brightness is low why ? Even I used relay
@@EpicCowlick but when i have the lights off and when i pull the switch to the high beams it does turn on... its only doesnt switch when lights are on... could it still be the car switch ??
@@DJNexuz1 That bulb is an arc light, meaning it shines based on the wattage used to produce the electrical arc within the bulb. An ignitor starts and maintains the arc when it gets a signal from the car to turn on the headlights. It's also the car's job to send a 12V signal to the electromagnet on the back of the bulb when the HI position is set on the light switch. You'll need to test both those signals to see if the car is doing what it's supposed to. If the headlights work fine with regular bulbs, then it goes to reason that the new bulb or ignitors are bad or they are wired wrong.
Those HID bulbs should be inside projector housings. Using them in halogen housings doesn't contain and project the lighting correctly, which to oncoming traffic, looks like your high beams are on no matter what. Hold a halogen bulb next to an HID bulb, HID is MUCH longer and lets out MUCH more light, that cannot properly be refracted by halogen reflecting methods.
Your mostly correct. The HID bulb type does not determine if they should or should not be in a projector housing. If the headlight Mez was designed for a halogen bulb then you will definitely not gain any lighting performace by retrofitting and HID kit and in most cases will lose quality. Going from a stock halogen projector housing to an HID is the only exception. HID bulbs are not brighter than halogen bulbs. Brightness is measured in Lumens and Color is measured in Kelvins and the government dictates the allowable limits. But you are correct. The light will not focus if the source is not refracting correctly. It is also important to acknowledge that there is a certain amount of *placebo* effect among people who buy them and claim better lighting performace. And a certain amount of *deer in the headlights* syndrome among people who stare at them because they look different.
I realize the bulb type doesn't necessarily have to be in a projector housing, but that's the most common way to upgrade to an HID bulb in an automotive application and actually get a brighter/safer result over stock. Also technically, the aftermarket projectors have the ability to blind in some situations like approaching other cars on inclines and such, as they do not have auto leveling stepper motors in them like most newer cars have these days. HID headlights aren't always the best way to upgrade your lighting, but its the most common mod out there. I appreciate that you noted on the placebo effect; I personally love installing mods on my cars/motorcycles and its easy to do an easy/cheap installation and believe that its better if you aren't very technically minded on things like this. No one wants to believe that spending their money and time on something is actually a waste.
Hello I have an issue with my hid light . only my hi beams show and my dashboard is telling me this the hi beam light is always on too it shows even when on low it's still on his. hope you can help
Thanks for that information. Always wondered how they got the HI/LO out of a HID lamp.
finally someone who knows how to get to the meat of the matter. Thanks
Thank you for finally explaining HID bulbs!!
Any time!
Looks like our little discussion on FTE sparked the idea for this video. Once again, thanks for all the vids you do!
You just answered a question I had when I just discovered the new HID's I had installed earlier this week, are not functioning in highbeams. Thank you so much!
Thanks for the clear and informative video on this subject. Strangely, this information is very hard to come by on the internet, and with so many HID kit suppliers operating exclusively on the web and eBay, I have found more often than not, the products do not match the advertised specifications/requirements.
Yes, the HID bulbs are much brighter than the factory bulbs and most people can install them themselves. I always order from DDMTuning and have been happy with the results. You will need the bulbs, ballasts, wiring harness and the hi/low switching relay.
Sweet, you learn something new every day thank you.
I've been wondering how hi beams worked with my Toyota.. Finally have the answer! Thanks!!!
Thanks , i got the same bulbs but no wiring instructions and only get one setting , thanks for publishing your video .
Great video on how Hi/Lo beam HID lights work!! I have on my Ford F150.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Very helpful. 👍
Wow! Thanks I was wondering how the hell it would go from low to high lol
Cheers mate
Just keep the vids coming. The stabilizer vid was a big help during my install.
Sweet presentation. Thanks for posting!
Cool I knew they did that but never saw a demonstration like this, another great vid thanks for taking the time
@IsmaelLeonM These came from DDM Tuning. They are no frills, Walmart level HIDs. You can spend a lot more but these give a lot of value for the money.
@IsmaelLeonM I have the 55W ballasts for the headlights. You have to request a hi/lo relay when you order a kit to get the high beams.
Hey Sarge. Headlight assembly comes out really easy. Just look for the screws. If I told you what numbers I ordered, it wouldn't matter as they have changed. Seems like they do that every couple of years. I have the 55 W bulbs and there is no need for an error eliminator. Just make sure you adjust the beams down. I haven't done the fogs, just never got around to it. Have never needed them. They still work great though. No probs.
Thanks for sharing that mate!! Much appreciated.
The relay is for Hi/Low beam switching. It is not necessary on the fog lights.
The 6k color will look VERY blue when you're finished.
It's a cost benefit thing. These bulbs work well and I do not get flashed by oncoming traffic.
Thank you! Really helpful.
@RAPR117 Exactly. I was reading the posts and thought I'd just wander into the garage and check it out. 30 minutes later, wahlaaah! It's uploading to UA-cam. Now everyone knows how these things work.
You sir, are a blessing. I've just installed a 9007 HID set up and have been struggling with this for a full week, trying all kinds of different wiring arrangements. Why couldn't the HID vendor who sold me the Morimoto kit tell me this??
Glad I could help
My gosh, my life just got that much simpler.
This explains everything i needed to know thanks!
super explanation and demonstration, thank you so much
bery good and simple presentation
Superb, helped me a lot, thanks
I have to say Very helpful video.
Very helpful video thank you
very precise explaination thanx.
My doubt cleared 😊😊
Exactly what i was wondering! I did not understand where they had a separate light or what?
Pretty cool, huh.
lol, coming in on it. Can't make that decision over night but probably going to end up with a RK FLHR
Thx for replying back man. I'm looking forward for the next video lol
@tj548p I don't see any other way of doing it. You only have one bulb, one brightness. Without a second bulb, you have to retract the only bulb you've got to change the reflective curve. It's a straight forward solution, of course, someone else obviously thought of how to make it work. I love the bright minds that create these amazing solutions to problems.
Are the relay harness need for bi xenon hid and fog light? I'm gonna put 6k/35 watts on my 2012 f-250
Hi EpicCowick, I wanna know whether the electromagnet switching for ALL headlights model can easily be tested by just using car batteries and just the two + and - wires? tq
Sure. All you need is a 12 volt source. A battery is fine to test the magnet.
Thanks...
@tglander99 This was news to me too. There was a discussion about it on FTE so I thougt I'd understand this for myself. I can't say by first-hand knowledge but this is apparently the way it's done for HIDs.
Did you ever have problems with your relays buzzing when the DRLs are on? I have this problem with my Ford (same model) I tried a capacitor with no luck.
No, I haven't. My truck does not have DRLs though. They are just light sensor and manual switch.
Installed a new h4 kit on my car an when i turn it on i only get low beam .. when i push the switch to hi bean it dont change ... how can i fix?
Nice presentation
What’s the light bulb number you have here
i will be doing videos like yours soon on my channel
very useful video for me
Glad to hear that
THAT COOL man thanks, I had no idea about thoes...can you tell me where you got them
Where did you buy the HID's ???? I need some like yours for my tundra.
thank you for the video 👍
My pleasure!
Thanks for this video... I just installed my HID H4 what happened is that when I turn to high beam it is lower than the low beam and the low beam is higher. Any advice?
+Fazarally Sameer You have to know that these bulbs are not meant for non-HID housings. What you are describing happens sometimes and there is really nothing you can do about it short of modifying the entire shape of the housing. There are kits for that but they are expense and defeat the purpose. Also, make sure you adjust the housing so the brighter lights don't shine on oncoming traffic.
+EpicCowlick Ok thanks again
@BuhlzI Ha ha... this wasn't really working, per se... I was on the computer reading some posts about this and had to come into the garage to see about it. I didn't get so much as a smudge on the shirt!
What if my high beams are always on? I've had problems with other drivers due to the fact that my high beam on the drivers side is always on. How can I fix this?
Hard to say. Either the bulb is defective and the magnet is always on or the truck is sending a high beam signal to it telling it to turn on when it shouldn't.
Good to know. I'd never have known. That's a pretty cool way to make these work. Who do you get them from? Do all HID that have high and low beam work this way? Thanks!
Thanks for this explanation; I got the scenario where High beam doesn't work which only means that the bulb stopped retracting. For a situation - "High beam works good, but low beam doesn't" : Could we call this as a bulb issue mostly or could the culprit be the controller or the ballast too ?
+VCSekhar Parepalli The controller/ballast is only used to start and maintain the arc. The electromagnet is for the HI/LO beams.
I have a motorcycle that has 2 projectors. 1 high 1 low. They use single filament h3 bulbs and the low beam uses a shade to block light for low beam. How can I convert them to dual high low using a retractable bulb? I don't want to change the lenses it gives the bike a signature look.
@IsmaelLeonM I haven't done the fogs yet and am not sure of the part number. Search the forums and someone will have posted it.
Ohh snap i seen Shot gun rounds on his table..
The hi/lo for my headlight is controlled by a small shutter under the bulb that moves forward and backwards. The shutter is the moving part and not the light. An electrician told me that its not possible to test it using the method you use.
Interesting. Thanks.
i just installed hids in my 2012 f350 today and the low beam shots light higher then the high beam i think they got reversed but i checked all the conections and there correct what could be my issue. is there 2 ways to plug in that little conecter to activate high beam
Has anyone retrofitted their headlights to be bi xenon or dual beam projectors? I’m planning on putting a projector where my reflector is and replacing the oem one with a high/low projector. My question is how do you get the high beams to come on when you turn your regular lights on? And how do you get the low beams to have a high/low function.
I appreciate the video sir. I am looking to order HIDs for my 2014 F150. I am good on installation/bulb-sizing but still confused on one thing, maybe you can help...
I am wondering if I should go with a single beam kit, a Low/High Halogen kit, or a Bi-Xenon kit. Obviously the single beam is for Low beam only and the low/high halogen is for HID low beams and a halogen high beam.
I need the retractable bulb as you demonstrated...will this retractable bulb be included in a Bi-Xenon kit?
Thanks again for the tip. I hope to install these soon...factory headlights are terrible in comparison.
Blake Seiner I imagine there are pros and cons to all. I like the kit I have now because it gives clear light on both high and low setting. You can tell the magnetic bulb housings just by looking at the large base which contains the electromagnet.
hey TJ, its Jason again. Wondering if you could answer a few questions. First, how did you take your headlight assembly out, is it pretty easy? Second, which DDM balast did you order? does yours work for both highs and lows or just low beams? There are a couple different options when you go to order the kit, like 35 or 55 W, which bulbs you need, error code eliminator, etc. Can you tell me which ones you ordered. Also, did you do the fog lights as well? Thanks
hello there... i have bought one of hid headlight bulb with HI/LO onces but it was vibrate/shake while riding/driving is there any solution for that..??
what type of bulb is it name and where did you buy it from
How do you know which kit to buy for your car? Is it dictated by the kit hi/low or is it by the bulb type?
Just look up the OEM bulb types and order equivalent types from the vendor.
Thanks
No problem
is that a 6000k HID?
4800
what about LED headlight
if I want change from HID to LED
my car Jeep grand cherokee 2013
Do you have a problem with the bulb it self wiggling and moving while driving.... it's not on rough road either they dont do it as bad on highs but lows are bad?
Dillon Atkinson I haven't had that problem. Sounds like something is loose.
So, if you used a stepper type of switch, would it effectively act as an infinite adjustment type of setup between fully extended/retracted? Or is it just high(on), low(off) setup?
I'm about to buy an old 280zx turbo and thinking about switching to headlight housing's out for the Hella H4 7" conversions. Having an adjustable set over the span of the hi/low range would be awesome, but just on/off is fine too.
Justus Perry Definitely either on or off. The magnet has no way to move the bulb "a little".
Can you buy H7 bulb with Hi/Lo beam
what can I hook the wire up to so I can switch from high and low beam
This setup just uses the factory plugs. No custom wiring. Switching from low to high and back is done from the turn signal stock.
Here's my problem; I installed an H4 HID kit in my motorcycle, but when the small plug for the electromagnet is connected the bulb will not illuminate at all. I can physically see the bulb move when I toggle the switch from low to high beam, but it will not light up. If I disconnect the electromagnet bulb, the low beam will work but when I toggle to high beam, the bulb goes completely out. I've switched out the ballast with a known good one but I get the same result. Any suggestions?
Tri P Zuki maybe the charging system doesn't supply the amps to run the ballast and the magnet?
EpicCowlick, thanks for your response! I guess that could be a possibility. When the electromagnet connector is plugged in, I hear a buzz sound when I turn on the key. Right now I just have that connector unplugged. The way my light system works is, I have a H7 projector bulb that stays on all the time when the bike is running. The H4 is used for LO/HI beam operations, so it's right now it's like the H7 is my LO beam and my H4 is like my HI beam. 2005 Suzuki GSX-R600.
Hey there ... My Car High Beam And Low beam Both of them are turning on at the Same is it A Problem ? My electrician Told Me They might Burn The holders again :o is it true
Never touch the bulbs. Oil and grease in hands will damage it.
True. You never want to touch the glass but the stiff wire on top is ok.
When I checked 12v h1 55w halogen bulb in direct in battery it’s brightness is high but when I install on motorcycles it’s brightness is low why ? Even I used relay
The headlight housing needs to be optimized for that type of bulb. It's probably scattering the light so much it appears dim.
EpicCowlick I used on bi xenon projector lens
I just got on DDTuning web site and they do not show a buld like that, I will have to call them tomorrow.
Hi mines do retract but dont do so when i pull my switch to high... what else can be the problem?
If the bulb retracts, something with the car switch. You're on your own there.
@@EpicCowlick but when i have the lights off and when i pull the switch to the high beams it does turn on... its only doesnt switch when lights are on... could it still be the car switch ??
@@DJNexuz1 That bulb is an arc light, meaning it shines based on the wattage used to produce the electrical arc within the bulb. An ignitor starts and maintains the arc when it gets a signal from the car to turn on the headlights. It's also the car's job to send a 12V signal to the electromagnet on the back of the bulb when the HI position is set on the light switch. You'll need to test both those signals to see if the car is doing what it's supposed to. If the headlights work fine with regular bulbs, then it goes to reason that the new bulb or ignitors are bad or they are wired wrong.
I get a lot of stuff wrong... ;)
Those HID bulbs should be inside projector housings. Using them in halogen housings doesn't contain and project the lighting correctly, which to oncoming traffic, looks like your high beams are on no matter what. Hold a halogen bulb next to an HID bulb, HID is MUCH longer and lets out MUCH more light, that cannot properly be refracted by halogen reflecting methods.
The projectors also have a cutoff inside them, that blocks the top half of the beam from blinding other drivers, most are adjustable to some degree.
Your mostly correct. The HID bulb type does not determine if they should or should not be in a projector housing. If the headlight Mez was designed for a halogen bulb then you will definitely not gain any lighting performace by retrofitting and HID kit and in most cases will lose quality. Going from a stock halogen projector housing to an HID is the only exception. HID bulbs are not brighter than halogen bulbs. Brightness is measured in Lumens and Color is measured in Kelvins and the government dictates the allowable limits. But you are correct. The light will not focus if the source is not refracting correctly. It is also important to acknowledge that there is a certain amount of *placebo* effect among people who buy them and claim better lighting performace. And a certain amount of *deer in the headlights* syndrome among people who stare at them because they look different.
I realize the bulb type doesn't necessarily have to be in a projector housing, but that's the most common way to upgrade to an HID bulb in an automotive application and actually get a brighter/safer result over stock. Also technically, the aftermarket projectors have the ability to blind in some situations like approaching other cars on inclines and such, as they do not have auto leveling stepper motors in them like most newer cars have these days. HID headlights aren't always the best way to upgrade your lighting, but its the most common mod out there. I appreciate that you noted on the placebo effect; I personally love installing mods on my cars/motorcycles and its easy to do an easy/cheap installation and believe that its better if you aren't very technically minded on things like this. No one wants to believe that spending their money and time on something is actually a waste.
wheres the Harley
I got them from DDMTUNING (dot) com
Ha ha, I'm not the best at putting everything away before I start something else.
Check out the newest video on my channel... woohoo!
Get 4300 K bulbs if you want real light that is truly improved. Blue and purple headlights do not help you see anything.
google?
haha you got your references wrong
Get video!
Just gonna say, do a real retrofit with projectors, you will get better output and not blind people like you currently are
***that's****
DDMTuning . com
Hello I have an issue with my hid light . only my hi beams show and my dashboard is telling me this the hi beam light is always on too it shows even when on low it's still on his. hope you can help
Hey I have the same problem, did you ever find a fix for it?