Kraziken
06-06-2011, 01:16 PM
Posted on Nasioc, but figure I'd put the full scoop here.
My HID's were getting problematic after three years of use. Worked fine in dry weather. If it rained, sometimes one headlight didn't work, or both! Not great for Washington residents! :eek:
Decided it must be the OEM FX35 ballasts, since they don't seem to be waterproof. So I decided to go to retrofitsource and get some better ballasts. I picked the Morimoto 3Five ballasts. Figured I would redo the wiring harness at the same time just in case.
---
Technical features include: True 35w output, 8-Amp Quickfire, hot-restrike capability, digital control board to automatically shut down in case of bulb/harness failure, and an integrated can-bus module to help combat error codes.
Physical features include: completely water-proof casing, potted internals, extra long output cord length, bulb-base seals, compact size, modern looks, laser etched graphics.
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Pic of the car with the lights removed.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5300230-1.jpg
The wiring harness has a connector that goes to the OEM power. I had the connector cut off a few months ago from the shop when they were troubleshooting the light problem (strangely enough it kind of fixed it for awhile, but then the problem popped up again).
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5300229-1.jpg
So the wires were direct connect, so not great for trying to work on replacements. I went to Fry's and found a 3 wire molex type connector. I cut the connection and added these quick connects.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5300234-1.jpg
Here's a pic of the original FX35 wiring connector, and the new waterproof connectors from retrofitsource.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5300226-1.jpg
A pic of the old FX35 ballast and the new.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5300225-1.jpg
Passenger side had a nice convenient empty bolt hole that worked great for supporting the ballast. I have no idea what the hole was originally used for, but the bolts from the morimoto kit fit.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5310238-1.jpg
Drivers side didn't have a bolt hole in the location, so I used the bolt used for the ground to attach the ballast.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5310235-1.jpg
Another pic of the ballast location drivers side, just before I shoved the light assembly back in.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5310236-1.jpg
Happy to report, everything is back to normal. I've driven a few times in the rain, and no problems. :grin: :grin:
My HID's were getting problematic after three years of use. Worked fine in dry weather. If it rained, sometimes one headlight didn't work, or both! Not great for Washington residents! :eek:
Decided it must be the OEM FX35 ballasts, since they don't seem to be waterproof. So I decided to go to retrofitsource and get some better ballasts. I picked the Morimoto 3Five ballasts. Figured I would redo the wiring harness at the same time just in case.
---
Technical features include: True 35w output, 8-Amp Quickfire, hot-restrike capability, digital control board to automatically shut down in case of bulb/harness failure, and an integrated can-bus module to help combat error codes.
Physical features include: completely water-proof casing, potted internals, extra long output cord length, bulb-base seals, compact size, modern looks, laser etched graphics.
----
Pic of the car with the lights removed.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5300230-1.jpg
The wiring harness has a connector that goes to the OEM power. I had the connector cut off a few months ago from the shop when they were troubleshooting the light problem (strangely enough it kind of fixed it for awhile, but then the problem popped up again).
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5300229-1.jpg
So the wires were direct connect, so not great for trying to work on replacements. I went to Fry's and found a 3 wire molex type connector. I cut the connection and added these quick connects.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5300234-1.jpg
Here's a pic of the original FX35 wiring connector, and the new waterproof connectors from retrofitsource.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5300226-1.jpg
A pic of the old FX35 ballast and the new.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5300225-1.jpg
Passenger side had a nice convenient empty bolt hole that worked great for supporting the ballast. I have no idea what the hole was originally used for, but the bolts from the morimoto kit fit.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5310238-1.jpg
Drivers side didn't have a bolt hole in the location, so I used the bolt used for the ground to attach the ballast.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5310235-1.jpg
Another pic of the ballast location drivers side, just before I shoved the light assembly back in.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/06/P5310236-1.jpg
Happy to report, everything is back to normal. I've driven a few times in the rain, and no problems. :grin: :grin: