Drofseh

1992 SC400

I went to change out the HID kit I've been running for a new one. Put the new kit in, neither headlight would turn on.

Tried the old kit again, same result.

Put in a couple halogen bulbs I had lying around and those light up, but they are incredibly dim, no brighter than the parking lights between the low beams and the turn signals.

Fuses look fine but I'll change those to be sure.

DRL/High beams and all other exterior lights work fine.

You guys have any other ideas as to what the problem could be?

eknine9

iTrader: (8)

Do you have a relay to power the HID's? Or are the ballasts running directly off the headlight harness?

estomax

iTrader: (2)

start with a voltmeter, what is the voltage at the bulb plug?

CatManD3W

iTrader: (18)

Try flipping the connector plugs....I know on mine I had to flip them upside down....to get them to work

When you turn headlights on are you hearing the ballasts click on.....

Drofseh

Today the halogens seem a little brighter. I'm not sure if they are actually brighter or if yesterday they just seemed especially dim because I was used to the HIDs.
I've replaced all the headlight fuses now and will try the suggestions above.

They were connected directly to the headlight harness.

Not sure what it was yesterday, but today I am getting ~13.75v on both low beam bulb plugs with the car running. Voltage at battery is above 14v.

Do you mean the plugs going the headlight harness? I will try that.

I was not hearing the ballast click on.

CatManD3W

iTrader: (18)

Yes the headlight harness...

i.e where the stock bulb plugs into harness....for the HID try it both ways....

Drofseh

Ok, the HIDs are lighting up now.
Must have done it the right way when i put the original kit in and forgotten about it now that's is been a few years.

They still seem a little dim, but I was looking at them in the noonday sun.
We'll see how it is at night.