IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

HIDs for High Beams

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-05-15, 03:37 PM
  #1  
dyel74
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
dyel74's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default HIDs for High Beams

Hi all,

Greetings from Australia :-) Please be gentle, I'm new to the forum

I've just converted my low beams (H11) and foglights (9006) to 6000K HIDs on my IS250. I'll also be changing out the stock OEM brights/High Beams (9005) to 6000K HIDs.

Has anyone experienced any issues with running their High Beams on HIDs? Any issues with blown fuses? I've heard that it's not ideal to have HIDs for brights, since it takes time for the bulb to warm up and the flashing of high beams (eg, to warn other road users) would be quite detrimental to the ballast.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

PS - here's a photo of my HID low beams and foglights, both rated at 6000K

Old 03-05-15, 05:52 PM
  #2  
SGMISF
Rookie
 
SGMISF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: California
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I'm going to advise you to leave your high beams alone. There is a reason why HID equipped vehicles use projectors; to focus the output instead of blinding oncoming traffic. It's not plug and play either since your high beam bulb is used as your DRLs at 50% brightness.
Old 03-05-15, 06:04 PM
  #3  
LucianoLee
Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
LucianoLee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I actually use hi-powered LED in my high beams. Instant on for flashing, and the output is 6000K too

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161527711279?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&var=460549370488&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Old 03-05-15, 06:40 PM
  #4  
MAizz
Lead Lap
iTrader: (8)
 
MAizz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 594
Received 72 Likes on 50 Posts
Default

+1 for the high power CREE LED. I have them installed as high beam and fog lights, never had an issue with using them for quick flashing or extended use
Old 03-05-15, 07:07 PM
  #5  
dyel74
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
dyel74's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies and recommendations, much appreciated. I wish I had asked this question earlier, as I already have a 9005 HID conversion set on the way to Australia :-(

Apart from the obvious strain on the ballast/HID bulb from flashing (which I don't do often anyway), would retrofitting HIDs for the high beam cause any damage to the electrical system / wiring of the car?

Cheers
Old 03-05-15, 08:41 PM
  #6  
pheonix72
Lead Lap
iTrader: (6)
 
pheonix72's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: ca
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Tell me if I am incorrect that the high beams are also functioned as DRL which is only running at 1/2 the voltage? Won't the OP have problem with any HiD retrofit kit?
Old 03-09-15, 09:52 AM
  #7  
Jaytea
Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
Jaytea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Can-Toronto
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

As far as I know you could use a relay kit in order to power HIDs in the high beams. However the shroud that the High beam bulbs are situated is not intended for HID use. You would blind oncoming traffic. If you really want HIDs for extra lighting, you should really consider doing a bixenon quad projector retrofit. You get more light output, a nice cutoff and high beam functionality. However this is definitely not cheap if you bring it to an aftermarket place to do.
Old 03-16-15, 02:36 PM
  #8  
dyel74
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
dyel74's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for all the input guys.

Just out of curiosity, I decided to change out my halogen brights to HID. Changed one side and powered it up with no issues. The bulb achieved full brightness within a couple of seconds using a 55w ballast. Flashing also didn't cause any issues at all.

I then proceeded to change out the other side. Immediately when I turned the high beams on, my HID low beams and HID fog lights started to flicker and look yellow (both kits have 6000k bulbs). The high beam bulbs were also flickering. My guess it's that the high beams were probably overloading the circuit and affecting the low beams and fogs.

I ended up replacing the high beams with their OEM halogens and the flickering issue was gone.

I'll be ordering a 2 x HD relay harnesses from The Retrofit Guys to power the HB and LB. This is probably the safest way to retrofit HIDs without frying the car's stock harness.

Cheers
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RobertGift
RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015)
7
09-30-21 10:06 PM
NIXmx
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
17
03-26-12 01:05 PM
sevmook
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
15
12-13-08 04:20 PM
Sceptre
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
4
12-13-07 02:12 PM
conekiller
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
32
06-06-06 07:24 AM



Quick Reply: HIDs for High Beams



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:54 AM.