HID Conversion Kit Troubleshooting Guide | SwiftlyParts

HID Conversion Kit Troubleshooting Guide

There can be various factors contributing to the malfunction of your HID conversion kit. We offer a troubleshooting guide to help you pinpoint the issue. It's important to note that all HID conversion kits are susceptible to failure, primarily due to the numerous components involved. A faulty HID bulb may be the result of a defective gas chamber, wiring issues, or a damaged electrode. On the other hand, a malfunctioning HID ballast could be caused by faulty wiring or any internal component defects.

Even though it may resemble a bulb, it doesn't guarantee that it actually is one. Similarly, if your HID kit is flickering or requires multiple attempts to start, it doesn't automatically indicate a faulty bulb, ballast, or wiring. In fact, most HID system problems exhibit similar symptoms. To accurately diagnose the root cause, it is crucial to follow the troubleshooting steps outlined below.

HID Bulb(s) Wont Turn On

Ensure all connections are secure! Gently tug on each wire behind the connector to check for any looseness. Additionally, visually inspect for signs of corrosion or damage. This step is often overlooked but crucial in troubleshooting, as a loose connector can be mistakenly identified as a faulty bulb. Take the time to properly assess and eliminate any potential issues.

To troubleshoot HID ballast issues, you can start by swapping them from left to right. Unplug the ballasts and switch their positions. If the problem persists on the same side, it indicates a faulty ballast.

If swapping the ballasts doesn't resolve the problem, you can proceed to swap the bulbs. Move them from one side to the other and observe if the issue follows the bulb. This step can help identify if there is a problem with the bulb itself.

If you're unable to pinpoint the problematic component through part swapping, consider removing the HID system and installing the original halogen bulbs. It's possible that the issue lies with the vehicle itself, such as the factory wiring or the fuses. If even the original bulb fails to work, it's time to examine the fuses controlling the headlight or closely inspect the wiring for any potential issues.

HID Bulb(s) Brown Discoloration

If you've ever inspected your HID bulbs to check for any signs of damage or defects, you may have noticed some discoloration in one or both of them. Inside the bulb is a small glass ball containing a blend of metal halide salts and gases. The blend of xenon gas, mercury, fluoride, chloride, and other components can cause a faulty bulb to appear dark or brown inside the glass ball, while other times it may appear perfectly clear. However, it's important not to rely solely on the appearance of the bulb to diagnose its condition accurately.

To determine if your bulbs are faulty, it's recommended to perform a process of elimination testing using known good components. Remember, a brown, milky, or discolored HID bulb doesn't automatically mean it's broken or defective. Proper testing is necessary to make a conclusive determination.

HID Bulb(s) is Flickering

If the HID bulb encounters low voltage other than the 9v-16v operating range, it may result in flickering. This can potentially cause the HID ballast to enter power protect mode or flash between current spikes. Flickering HID lights are an indication of possible damage to the HID system and low voltage which commonly occurs due to 2 scenarios:

  1. Many vehicles are equipped with "automatic headlights" that activate during the cranking process when starting the engine. The current draw from the starter motor during cranking can result in a low voltage condition affecting the entire electrical system.
  2. Numerous vehicles utilize their headlights as Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The DRLs typically operate at reduced voltage to achieve a dimming effect.

It is important to address and rectify any low voltage issues to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the HID system.

Solution:
  • Disable Auto Headlight. Remember to activate your headlights while driving.
  • Utilize the HID DRL harness to connect the HID system directly to the battery for power.