It was present in my '06 GS-300 and it's here in my '08 IS-F. Anyone know the mechanics of the noise generated by the HID lighting system in Lexus automobiles? TIA!

 

It's the ballasts converting the power....

The noise is a lot more fun when you have 4 OEM ballasts...


Joe Z

 

it's normal. you hear it in all cars with hid

 

Yes I enjoy the noise. I have recorded it on a DAT recorder and have converted it to a ringtone that increases in volume. I guess I have too much time on my hands.....

 

Yeah the sound intensifies and then it eventually goes down once the ballast has warmed up the bulbs to normal operating temp.

 

Any time you generate AC from DC there is noise. The car's electrical system is still (sadly) only 12vdc. HIDs need 400v+ to arc, so the ballast acts as an inverter and converts DC to AC so the voltage can be stepped up. Doing this with switching devices (light weight and inexpensive - relatively) instead of using big transformers (very heavy weight and high cost) means there will be noise. It's just a fact of energy conversion.

 

it shouldnt be very loud... just a small hmmmmmmm

 

Show off!