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Low beam problems.

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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 06:35 PM
  #1  
Drofseh's Avatar
Drofseh
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Default Low beam problems.

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?
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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 07:24 PM
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Do you have a relay to power the HID's? Or are the ballasts running directly off the headlight harness?
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Old Jun 9, 2016 | 08:25 PM
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start with a voltmeter, what is the voltage at the bulb plug?
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Old Jun 10, 2016 | 11:10 AM
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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.....
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Old Jun 10, 2016 | 11:53 AM
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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.

Originally Posted by eknine9
Do you have a relay to power the HID's? Or are the ballasts running directly off the headlight harness?
They were connected directly to the headlight harness.

Originally Posted by estomax
start with a voltmeter, what is the voltage at the bulb plug?
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.

Originally Posted by CatManD3W
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.....
Do you mean the plugs going the headlight harness? I will try that.

I was not hearing the ballast click on.
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Old Jun 10, 2016 | 01:27 PM
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Yes the headlight harness...

i.e where the stock bulb plugs into harness....for the HID try it both ways....
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Old Jun 10, 2016 | 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by CatManD3W
Yes the headlight harness...

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

Last edited by Drofseh; Jun 10, 2016 at 02:33 PM. Reason: Typo
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