Adding HID's to non-HID equipped vehicles

[philipa_240sx]

This is just an exploratory topic. I have not actually done this swap, just researched it. This may be of interest to Canadian owners especially since HID's are NOT offered on any of the Rogue models here.

Please note that aftermarket HID lamps and systems not installed at the factory are considered illegal for road use in the US and Canada. If caught, you can be ticketed.

There are 2 ways to approach this. 1) Use all OEM components. 2) Use an aftermarket kit.

There are several issues to be addressed:

Daytime running lamp system:

The DRL system on Canadian models wires the high beams in series for reduced light output when system is ON. The HID's are on the low beams anyway, so any retrofit should not affect DRL operation.

Lens assembly:

Ideally the OEM HID reflector and HID bulb would be the best here as the optics used for HID's are different than halogen. If you use an aftermarket kit, many states/provinces may consider them illegal as they do not conform to DOT standards for beam cutoff, etc.

Wiring:The wiring, terminal numbers and fuse sizes appear to be identical. The plug on the harness however appears to be different. You may have to cut off the factory plug and rewire. You may be able to get the correct replacement plug from Nissan. In the case of aftermarket kits, this may not be necessary.

Headlight aiming system:Non-HID models lack the wiring for the OEM headlamp aiming system. This system allows you to adjust the HID aiming (up & down) from the drivers seat to compensate for vehicle load, etc. You could add the wiring or somehow fix it to a set position. Aftermarket kits may or may not include this feature.

Cost:Aftermarket kits range in price from $140 to $400+ USD for the bulbs, ballast, ignitor, and harness. OEM can be very expensive. Prices for the Rogue aren;t available online yet, but the entire lamp assmbly (lens, bulbs, ballast, harness, etc) costs over $700USD per side for other models!