Modifying the headlamp sensor to prevent error message when using HID bulbs

[Infinitiguy19]

I might want to go to HID's (weird right OEM Paul going after market) but as we all know there will be an error message given by the headlamp sensor. I unplugged the tail lamp sensor and the tail lamps stop functioning so I assume the same for the headlights. Yes I have seen all the topics made on this one topic, But I don't want to use resistors or any of that crap that would negate one of the upsides of HID's. I was pushed towards HID's after I saw this: zer...-2010.

So:

Will the OEM harness need to be modified to accompany HID's?

Can the OEM headlamp sensor be modified in such a way that it sees that 35W is the correct Watts a headlight bulb is supposed to produce? I am talking about changing the internals of the sensor because I am sure internally it reads something and says "Low beam requires 55 watts or else bad" High beam requires 65 watts or its bad".

For 1990-1993 people this kit is for HID low beams: http://www.hidextra.com/HID+Co...K.htm

HID high beams:http://www.hidextra.com/HID+Co....html

But I kind of hate seeing older cars with HID's in a way it looks ricey to me so this project for me at least is a Maybe.

[qship96]

I think the LCD "headlamp out" message gets illuminated by presence or absence of 12 Volt signal from the headlamp sensor.....so one would either need to supply{or not supply} a 12volt supply to the wire leading to the display

[Q45tech]

Careful, measure signal voltages carefully. Most are grounds.

[TBrack]

I never had an error message from HIDs on the old Q. Even with my headlights being different I had the standard 35 watt HIDs so just try it and see.

[Infinitiguy19]

Well I just got word from Michelle that the HID kits do indeed "Plug and Play" and there is no need to cut up the harness. So Question one answered/

I also found out that the even Qships halogen headlights are no match for HID's. Well thats not a fair comparison by any means but still HID is all around better than halogen. Check this out: http://www.candlepowerinc.com/pdfs/BL_Headlamp.pdf

And since Tbrack says that he never had an error message then that answers question 2.

So it seems like I am going HID. I may keep OEM halogen high beams for now., Now to find HID tail and side marker lights.

[qship96]

Well I just got word from Michelle that the HID kits do indeed "Plug and Play" and there is no need to cut up the harness. So Question one answered/

I also found out that the even Qships halogen headlights are no match for HID's. Well thats not a fair comparison by any means but still HID is all around better than halogen. Check this out: http://www.candlepowerinc.com/pdfs/BL_Headlamp.pdf

And since Tbrack says that he never had an error message then that answers question 2.

So it seems like I am going HID. I may keep OEM halogen high beams for now., Now to find HID tail and side marker lights.

So much to clear up........1st, just because Michele says they are "plug and play" means that the new harness just plugs{fits into} into your old headlamp sockets......means NOTHING as far as whether it causes your headlamp sensor to trigger a bulb out warning....you really think a aftermarket reseller of inexpensive chinese hid kits knows and understands the details of a 19 year old Infiniti specific electrical system, and every other manufacturers specific electrical sensors???

2nd, your link to Candlepower is just ONE of the many bulbs they sell to fit into the q45, and NOT the bulbs I purchased from them and am presently using {mine are the Toshiba HIR and Osram Rally bulbs}

Absolutly HID bulbs are "brighter" than halogens, but unless used in headlamp assemblies DESIGNED for them, the light is not focused and creates glare.....degrading the performance for both driver and oncoming traffic

Go to http://www.danielsternlighting.com and spend some time reading the pitfalls of using hid bulbs in lamps designed for halogen.....believe me, if the downsides did not outweigh the benefits, I would have been the first person to convert years ago.....this coming from a person who has spent $$$$ upgrading the headlamps/ adding aux. lights to every car I have ever owned, since 1979.

For those who dont want to wade thru the daniel Stern website{good reading for those who do} here is the direct link to his discussion regarding hid conversion problems http://www.danielsternlighting....html
Modified by qship96 at 11:09 PM 12/18/2009

[Infinitiguy19]

I knew this was too good to be true, What a shame though. I forgot about the fact that Jtibbs had to aim his headlights down when he installed HID's. And SOME if not MANY Massachusetts (Massholes) driver suck but its not worth blinding them over.

2nd, your link to Candlepower is just ONE of the many bulbs they sell to fit into the q45, and NOT the bulbs I purchased from them and am presently using {mine are the Toshiba HIR and Osram Rally bulbs}.

Do you have any info on that bulb or any other bulb they sell for that matter> I know the website has a phone number for tech support but they are closed on weekend and the weekday is a busy time for me.

I guess the best thing I can do for lighting is buy the bulbs you suggest and get the IMPUL front bumper with fog lights.

[qship96]

Your Q takes different bulbs than the later Q, but if you E mail Dan Stern with your make/model and what you are trying to achieve, he will send you his best recommendations based on what fits in your car{ tail lamp and turn signal too if you are interested} he is actually affiliated with Candlepower Inc,even though he lives far from Md, he is one of their lighting engineers and acts as a consultant for them.Sharp guy that even advises NHTSA and car manufacturers.

[Q451990]

Very interesting reading on Daniel's site. The wiring/relay upgrades look like a good idea - but the Q already has relays instead of directly driving the headlamps from the stalk switch. Have you researched or discussed if this upgrade is needed on the Q?

Heath

[qship96]

Very interesting reading on Daniel's site. The wiring/relay upgrades look like a good idea - but the Q already has relays instead of directly driving the headlamps from the stalk switch. Have you researched or discussed if this upgrade is needed on the Q?

Heath

Heath, yes I am VERY interested in the Wiring harness upgrades for my Q,and have used them in all my previous cars- they make a big difference in the amount of light the bulbs produce- especially if you want to add high output bulbs{I have always used H4 80/100 watt bulbs in my other cars}

Even though the Q has relays from the factory, the wires are tiny and would greatly benefit from a good heavy duty harness allowing use of the 80/100 watt bulbs- problem is the sensor, which would need to be tricked to keep the display dark.

[TBrack]

Just retrofit some projectors if you really care about the cons of HID.

[Infinitiguy19]

Heath, yes I am VERY interested in the Wiring harness upgrades for my Q,and have used them in all my previous cars- they make a big difference in the amount of light the bulbs produce- especially if you want to add high output bulbs{I have always used H4 80/100 watt bulbs in my other cars}

Even though the Q has relays from the factory, the wires are tiny and would greatly benefit from a good heavy duty harness allowing use of the 80/100 watt bulbs- problem is the sensor, which would need to be tricked to keep the display dark.

That kind of modifying something that wasn't designed for it, But it would be beneficial. I think it would be easier to add HID's (The right way) than modify the harness.

Just retrofit some projectors if you really care about the cons of HID.

Yeah thats too much for me to do to have projectors, I just want to see better in the rain.

[elwesso]

I know that silverstars are not "ideal", but i just put a new set in and I like them just fine...

You might also consider adding some driving lights, like in the air dam or something.. You could get some HID ones and make a pretty clean install, rather than trying to screw with the stock headlights... I think that would be simpler and better results.

[Infinitiguy19]

Not really liking the 10 million lights look:

So I will stick with OEM but with better bulbs.