In the HID conversion kit system there are three main components: The ballast, the adapter wiring, and the bulb. When one of these components fails it has the potential to damage the other components at that time. When mounting the HID ballast, keep these things in mind: Always use the supplied bracket if available. Never mount where the ballast will be exposed to the elements, and never mount the ballast with double sided tape! Always try to mount the ballast to a metal structure to promote heat dissipation. When using double sided tape to mount your ballast the tape acts as an insulator from the metal that the ballast should be mounted to, which creates an opportunity for the ballast to overheat. The GTR Lighting GEN 3 CANBUS Pro 35w HID ballast is arguably one of the best HID ballast options money can buy. When installing HID bulbs, even when they are brand new, clean them with isopropyl alcohol and allow them to air dry before installing in the housing. This ensures there are no contaminants on the bulb that will cause premature failure. When a bulb fails it may damage the ballast that was powering it. The GTR Lighting Ceramic-Base HID bulbs are the highest quality HID bulb available.IMPORTANT TECHNICAL BULLETIN
1. Mounting the ballast:
2. Clean the bulbs:
Also it is important that the housing the HID bulb is being installed into is sealed so it cannot be contaminated from the outside elements. If your housing is open when the bulb gets wet and dirty it can fail the next time it is turned on.
3. Use dielectric grease in your connections:
It is a good idea to use electrical-component-safe dielectric grease whenever a connection is made from the ballast to the bulb, or the power wire to the ballast. This promotes a good seal on the connection and will deter corrosion from forming on the electrical contacts.
The GTR Lighting HID relay harness is easily the most high-tech and reliable wiring accessory for your HID kit.
4. Turn the Auto-Headlight mode OFF:
Many vehicles have “automatic headlights” that will turn the headlights on during the cranking process when starting. When cranking the vehicle the current draw of the starter motor causes the whole electrical system to suffer from a low voltage condition that will send the HID ballast into a power protect mode, or cause the ballast to flash between spikes of available current.
If you see the HID lights flickering during startup, it is an indicator that you are damaging the HID system every time you turn the vehicle on. It may be necessary to disable the auto-headlight system, create a starter triggered relay to interrupt the power to the HID system during cranking, or wire the ballast power directly to the battery with a relay bypass harness.
5. Solve loose connections:
If your HID system wiring has any loose connections it will cause premature failure of the ballast, bulb or both. Intermittent connections will force the system to turn on and off frequently which is hard on the electronics.
As an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of aftermarket lighting systems, particularly High-Intensity Discharge (HID) conversion kits, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to shed light on the crucial components and practices involved. Over the years, my hands-on experience and continuous exploration of cutting-edge technologies have equipped me with a comprehensive knowledge of the intricacies within the HID conversion kit realm.
Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the technical bulletin:
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Ballast Mounting Guidelines:
- Mounting the HID ballast is a critical step in ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the system.
- Always use the supplied bracket for secure attachment.
- Avoid exposure to elements and refrain from using double-sided tape for mounting, as it acts as an insulator and hinders heat dissipation.
- Preferably mount the ballast to a metal structure to promote heat dissipation and prevent overheating.
- The GTR Lighting GEN 3 CANBUS Pro 35w HID ballast is highlighted as a top-tier choice, emphasizing its quality and performance.
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Bulb Maintenance and Installation:
- Cleaning HID bulbs with isopropyl alcohol, even when brand new, is recommended to eliminate contaminants that could lead to premature failure.
- Ensure the housing for the HID bulb is sealed to prevent contamination from external elements.
- The GTR Lighting Ceramic-Base HID bulbs are touted as the highest quality option, underlining their superiority in the market.
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Dielectric Grease for Connections:
- Dielectric grease, known for its electrical insulation properties, should be used in connections between the ballast and bulb, as well as the power wire to the ballast.
- It promotes a secure seal on the connections, preventing corrosion on the electrical contacts.
- The GTR Lighting HID relay harness is endorsed as a high-tech and reliable wiring accessory for HID kits, emphasizing its significance in ensuring proper connections.
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Disabling Auto-Headlight Mode:
- Automatic headlights on some vehicles can cause issues during the cranking process, leading to low voltage conditions that may damage the HID system.
- Recommendations include disabling the auto-headlight system, creating a starter-triggered relay, or wiring the ballast power directly to the battery with a relay bypass harness to address potential problems.
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Addressing Loose Connections:
- Emphasis is placed on the detrimental effects of loose connections within the HID system wiring.
- Loose connections can lead to premature failure of the ballast, bulb, or both.
- Intermittent connections force the system to cycle frequently, placing strain on the electronics.
In summary, these guidelines and recommendations underscore the importance of proper installation, maintenance, and component selection for a reliable and efficient HID conversion kit experience. The integration of high-quality components, careful installation practices, and proactive measures contribute to the longevity and optimal performance of the HID lighting system.
