• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-

HID help?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rcombs18
  • Start date Start date Jun 23, 2010
R

rcombs18

New Member
Jan 27, 2009
92
0
0
Jun 23, 2010
#1
  • Jun 23, 2010
  • #1
hey guys i don't really know much about HIDs my car that i bought has them and every now and then they will go from on to off a couple times while i'm driving. after they do that they will stay on just fine. I was just wondering if you guys would have any idea of what the problem could be? Thanks!
 

trombonedemon

Well-Known Member
Jun 25, 2009
1,962
39
59
U.S.A, U.S.A., U.S.A.!
Jun 23, 2010
#2
  • Jun 23, 2010
  • #2
What kind of HID's, the plug and go or the ones that need a ground for the High beams. Sounds like you have a loose connection.
 

Maxpowers

Member
Sep 9, 2009
859
2
19
Pittsburgh, Pa
Jun 23, 2010
#3
  • Jun 23, 2010
  • #3
Look and see if it is just plugged into where the stock bulb should go or if wires are spliced and cut up. Is this both headlights flickering or just one?

PNP style will just use your driver's side headlight socket and then run a wire across to the passenger side. Two ballast will be used, one for each side. If this is the style, then check the all the connections.

Switch the bulbs and see if it follows the bulbs from one side to the other. Then switch the ballasts to see the same.

Edit: You need to fix this ASAP. The rule of thumb to follow with HID's is:
Do not turn them on and then turn them off within 5 mins.
Do not turn them off and then turn them on within 5 mins.
Do not use them for more than 3 hours at a time. After 3 hours, give them a 5 minute break.

HID's are made from a mineral that heats up when you turn it on and turns into a gas. You have to let it change from solid to gas each time you use it (10 min rule) or it will greatly reduce the life of the bulb.
 

Maxpowers

Member
Sep 9, 2009
859
2
19
Pittsburgh, Pa
Jun 23, 2010
#4
  • Jun 23, 2010
  • #4
Very good read to understanding HID's:

HID 101
 

SaleenGT2001

Well-Known Member
Jul 18, 2005
2,811
4
58
Four Oaks NC
Jun 23, 2010
#5
  • Jun 23, 2010
  • #5
Maxpowers said:
Look and see if it is just plugged into where the stock bulb should go or if wires are spliced and cut up. Is this both headlights flickering or just one?

PNP style will just use your driver's side headlight socket and then run a wire across to the passenger side. Two ballast will be used, one for each side. If this is the style, then check the all the connections.

Switch the bulbs and see if it follows the bulbs from one side to the other. Then switch the ballasts to see the same.

Edit: You need to fix this ASAP. The rule of thumb to follow with HID's is:
Do not turn them on and then turn them off within 5 mins.
Do not turn them off and then turn them on within 5 mins.
Do not use them for more than 3 hours at a time. After 3 hours, give them a 5 minute break.


HID's are made from a mineral that heats up when you turn it on and turns into a gas. You have to let it change from solid to gas each time you use it (10 min rule) or it will greatly reduce the life of the bulb.
Click to expand...

driven with mine on on the xterra from NY to NC non stop (except for gas) and flashed on and off at passing cars a LOT and mine have lasted about 4 years now. the kits are down to $37 each so if it goes out it is no big deal
 

sneaky98gt

10 Year Member
Apr 23, 2008
2,387
144
114
NC State University
Jun 23, 2010
#6
  • Jun 23, 2010
  • #6
SaleenGT2001 said:
driven with mine on on the xterra from NY to NC non stop (except for gas) and flashed on and off at passing cars a LOT and mine have lasted about 4 years now. the kits are down to $37 each so if it goes out it is no big deal
Click to expand...

$37? Really? Where? I want some! lol
 
R

rcombs18

New Member
Jan 27, 2009
92
0
0
Jun 23, 2010
#7
  • Jun 23, 2010
  • #7
I've only noticed there being one ballast and it is on the passenger side. Both headlights are flashing. I don't have any high beams. When i turn them on the headlights and my fog lights both shut off.
 

SaleenGT2001

Well-Known Member
Jul 18, 2005
2,811
4
58
Four Oaks NC
Jun 24, 2010
#8
  • Jun 24, 2010
  • #8
sneaky98gt said:
$37? Really? Where? I want some! lol
Click to expand...

been using this seller for years now. he fixed every problem we have ever had

http://cgi.ebay.com/10000K-HID-XENO...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335d7e8b78
 

sneaky98gt

10 Year Member
Apr 23, 2008
2,387
144
114
NC State University
Jun 24, 2010
#9
  • Jun 24, 2010
  • #9
SaleenGT2001 said:
been using this seller for years now. he fixed every problem we have ever had

http://cgi.ebay.com/10000K-HID-XENO...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335d7e8b78
Click to expand...

Sweet.

OP, sorry to jack the thread, but I have one question myself:

Is it worth the extra money to get the dual beam HID kit? Like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/BI-XENON-HID-CO...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335d926300
 

Maxpowers

Member
Sep 9, 2009
859
2
19
Pittsburgh, Pa
Jun 24, 2010
#10
  • Jun 24, 2010
  • #10
sneaky98gt said:
Sweet.

OP, sorry to jack the thread, but I have one question myself:

Is it worth the extra money to get the dual beam HID kit? Like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/BI-XENON-HID-CO...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item335d926300
Click to expand...

You need high and low to pass inspection...

That being said, using a stock headlight you will not be able to tell a difference between high and low. A HID bulb does not put out light 360 light a regular bulb. The amount of light output does not change between high and low, the direction of the light is what changes.

If you get a projector headlight, then you will be able to tell the difference between high and low.

Edit:
"Bi-xenon headlights typically have a shade or filter in front of the bulb during low-beam operation. When the high-beams are needed, the shade moves out of the way and the bulb’s full-light output is projected onto the road. "

If you look at the stock headlight housing you will see that it is not set up for light to go straight out.
 

SaleenGT2001

Well-Known Member
Jul 18, 2005
2,811
4
58
Four Oaks NC
Jun 30, 2010
#11
  • Jun 30, 2010
  • #11
the dual beam kit works great. it moves the bulb in and out of the reflector to change the light beam. i have both kits and i like the dual beam kit a lot better
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Need help asap
  • shaggyman65
  • Dec 24, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
262
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Dec 24, 2025
shaggyman65
S
6
2010 V6 Sees differently than GT?
  • 6t9Mach1
  • Mar 31, 2026
  • 2010 - 2014 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
191
2010 - 2014 Specific Tech Apr 1, 2026
6t9Mach1
6
L
Car has been overheating. Not sure what is causing it. Any help would be appreciated.
  • Luckysgirl
  • Jun 2, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
140
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jun 2, 2026
Luckysgirl
L
S
Car shakes when taking off help???
  • STANKYstangs
  • May 10, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
12
Views
343
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- May 27, 2026
LILCBRA
2
02 mustang gt crank no start
  • 2v.cjmullis
  • Jan 28, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
5
Views
351
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jan 30, 2026
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?