HID flicker

[TDot]

Sometimes when you drive do you notice one of someone's HID may be out? And all they have to do is flip the switch off then on again and their light will come on. Why is that? I asked someone about that, who customizes a lot of his cars heavy, and his response was, "That's normal for aftermarket HID kits." That's not good enough for me and doesn't make sense. Can someone explain why this happens and how to prevent it (if it’s possible), before I waste my time and upgrade my fogs?

[donnieb83]

I had the same issue with my 07 Acura TL type S. I installed a set of Xentec HID's (which I love) in the fog lights and it was a hit and miss issue. I wired them to turn on independently and disconnected my OEM DRLs (day time running lights) and used my fog lights as day time running lights. When I left the fog lights were in the "on" position, turning on the car, one of the ballast sometimes would not ignite. I found that if I put the key in the "on" position and waited for 2-3 seconds before I turned the car on, the power from the battery would ignite both ballast and illuminate both fogs. Before I found out this was an issue, I would turn my car on and turn the fog lights off and then right back on. This would illuminate both fogs.

[Ilya]

This only seems to happen if the harness powering them (stock or weak aftermarket one) isn't that good. When you initially turn the car on, a LOT of systems are pulling juice. When you do it while driving, the battery/alternator are already going and can fire the lights better.

I just had this happen on mine (both sides would flicker 5 times at startup). Turns out, a day later, my battery was dangerously close to dying.

Got a new battery, no issues. Fires up instantly. I have the Morimoto kit from TheRetrofitSource.com

[TDot]

Which morimoto kit?

[Ilya]

Whichever you one you want.

35w can only go in fogs. Headlights can be 35w or 55w.