HID FAQ & Troubleshooting
Q: What the difference between projector & reflector headlamps e.g. H7 and H7R?
A: We get asked this all time so this is top of the list. Reflector headlamps is when you can see the bulb from looking into the headlamp from the front of the car even if they have a cone / upside down umbrella whatever you want to call them covering the end of the bulb (the the image. even has the VW cut out of it) they are still reflector headlamps. Older patterned glass headlamps are nearly always reflector. Only one we can think of is a BMW E36 where this is pattern and projector. If your dip beam is the H7 bulb then you need H7R HID bulbs to stop the glare you would put out from using standard H7 bulbs. The only difference is the bulbs is that the H7R has a blackout sticker on the top of the bulb. Most aftermarket angel eye headlamps are projector too.
Q: Are HIDs legal?
A: Unfortunately not without self leveling headlamp, headlamp washer jets and correct reflecting/projecting headlamps designed for a HID bulb. No matter what you may have read elsewhere trust us they arent. But they will pass an MOT if aligned correctly. So we have to sell them as off road use only...
Q: If i upgrade to HID with this damage or melt my plastic headlamp lens?
A: No they wont. They give out less heat than your standard 55w halogen bulb as HIDs are only 35w.
Q: Are they easy to install?
A: We get asked this a lot. It aways depends on the car thou. If your bulb is held in with a simple spring clip then its easy. Just feed the bulb wires through the clip before putting the bulb into the holder. Or even easier remove the spring clip and put it back on when the bulb is in place. Drill a hole in the headlamp back cover to pass the wires through to the ballast and either use the rubber bung or a dab of silicone sealant to stop any water getting in. If your car has a molded plug with the wires inside it where you would normally push the bulb in and twist it into the headlamp then things can get a bit more tricky. We have a few specific car holders e.g. BMW E46, VW Golf MK5, Astra G. Otherwise its a case of cutting your holder to accommodate the wires that come out of the back of the HID bulb. If your stuck we will be happy to help and dealt with lots of customers problems in the past.
For Mobile fitting call "In Car Installers" on 07921 464861 and quote CMS-100. You must have the HID kit from us ready. Average fitting cost is £70-£100. They cannot supply and fit. If your Local to us Exeter/Devon Area then call Lee on 07527611213 and he will come to you and fit at a better price.
Q: 1 or none of my bulbs are lighting! are they faulty?
A: For HIDs to work the polarity into the ballast needs to be correct. e.g. positive to positive, negative to negative unlike filament bulbs that will work whichever way. 1st thing to do is swap the power into the ballast, just turn the plug around so the red wire goes to - and the black to +. Dont worry you wont damage anything! (you cannot get this wrong with a H4 bi-Xenon kit due to the molded 3 pin plug) If this doesnt work or only 1 side you could have a faulty ballast or bulb. More likely ballast but to check just swap the ballasts over each side and see if the faulty follows or not. When your sure of the fault just send the faulty part back to us with your order number and we will exchange for you if its still under warranty (12 months)
Q: Beam pattern Scattered on H4 HID kit **GOOD TIP**
A: If you have the cone and have the H4 bi-xenon kit fitted. Remove it! Its not essential but you will get a better beam pattern due to the bulb already being covered on this type of bulb. Park in front of a wall/fence on a level surface and twist the back of the bulbs un till the beam pattern looks good. We will get some images up for you of a good pattern from an H4 kit and a HID kit in projector lamps soon..
This page was added 29/04/2009. If you have any tips you would like to share or feel anything is incorrect please do not hesitate to contact us using the contact us page
