Team-BHP - Auto Lighting thread : Post all queries about automobile lighting here

My father owns a 1st generation Ciaz, and one of the projector's lamps have failed. He has also been thinking about getting LEDs for the same, and this gave him the excuse to do so.

He's looking to just replace the lamps, with no changes to the wiring/headlamp assembly. Is this possible, or will he have to get new wiring done as well (I've explicitly asked him not to get any wiring changes done after seeing all the cars on fire due to aftermarket modifications shorting).

Is there a specific brand and configuration of bulb he should be getting? And would it be cheaper to get the bulb and do the change himself, or get it done at some shop? (He's pretty nifty with tools and knows his way about mechanical stuff)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sukanta73 (Post 4977650)

Will it not be a very odd configuration i.e; Led (white) in low beam and yellow in high beam?

Or any other suggestions like HID or relay?

Of course HID is a much better option and you can go for Osram DH7 4200K HID kit. This will be the best option for your projector lens low beams. The CCT mismatch between the halogens and the HIDs will also not be too much and does not look visually bad. Infact I have a similar combination on my Skoda Laura. I have 4200k h7 HID in my low beams (projectors) and normal halogens in my high beams and they work very well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sukanta73 (Post 4977650)

Or any other suggestions like HID or relay?

If you install an HID conversion kit upto 55W - no relay harness would be needed. Stock wiring will be fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Behemoth (Post 4977663)

Adding my 2 cents based on experience. I have used both - Osram 35W HID conversion kit & GS (sourced from Blaze) 55W HID conversion kit in the same projectors, with stock H7 setup. There is a world of difference in the light output & the 55W kit is far superior + cheaper in comparison. Both have the same 1 year standard warranty. Osram kit is made in China, GS kit at least has "Made in Taiwan" written everywhere on it.

So if one is going for a new replacement - I personally would suggest trying the GS kit via Blaze. 4300K is available in it, new stocks arrived just last week & couple of friends already ordered.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WanderinNomad (Post 4977075)

Well, It's definitely less than 300 hours. I had changed a bulb just a few days back and it failed yesterday. HID's and other expensive options are not an option in a 15-year-old car. But if your hypothesis is true, I can remove the entire 100/90 setup and can try going back to 60/55 bulbs.
However, I have been using such a setup for the past 10 years and have faced this issue only in the past 2-3 years. I have a hunch that there is some problem with the wiring. This problem was shown to several local mechanics who have tried their hands on different solutions. I would actually like to know the root cause of this issue to solve it in one go.

Guys any idea . Has anyone faced issues of repeated headlight bulb failure?

Quote:

Originally Posted by WanderinNomad (Post 4977075)

However, I have been using such a setup for the past 10 years and have faced this issue only in the past 2-3 years. I have a hunch that there is some problem with the wiring.

It is likely that your alternator cut out has become weak, and there is delay in operation, so you get momentary higher voltage when some load is reduced, ie Ac compressor clutch and condenser fan switch off.

Rahul

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reinhard (Post 4977707)

If you install an HID conversion kit upto 55W - no relay harness would be needed. Stock wiring will be fine.

Adding my 2 cents based on experience. I have used both - Osram 35W HID conversion kit & GS (sourced from Blaze) 55W HID conversion kit in the same projectors, with stock H7 setup. There is a world of difference in the light output & the 55W kit is far superior + cheaper in comparison. Both have the same 1 year standard warranty. Osram kit is made in China, GS kit at least has "Made in Taiwan" written everywhere on it.

So if one is going for a new replacement - I personally would suggest trying the GS kit via Blaze. 4300K is available in it, new stocks arrived just last week & couple of friends already ordered.

Hi Reinhard,
Would like to know upon flashing the lights, if GS HIDs are faster to light up. Would this be a straight fit for XUV500 low beam projectors? My High beam usage is very rare and hence looking for a reliable Low beam upgrade.
Also could you share the current cost, if you got to know from friends.

- Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twiny (Post 4978200)

All HIDs take more or less the same time to reach full intensity. The GS ones are slightly faster (maybe 1-2 seconds) compared to Osram that I had installed. But that's about it. Can even be the other way round if different sent of units is compared from same brand also. No HIDs can be instant ON like halogens or LEDs.

As for the installation in XUV5oo - what is the stock low beam bulb spec of your car? Is it H7 (typical for a dual barrel setup)? In that case - the conversion kit will be very easily available anywhere. Its currently available for around 4800 odd INR I think. Few hundreds here / there. I can PM you the Blaze contact if you want.

Keep in mind - for HID - the bulb and ballast is always the SAME. the only thing that may differ - is the coupler to connect into the existing headlamp's wiring pins. That's all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by straight6 (Post 4978660)

Hey guys,

I wanted to know if its possible to remove/replace the oem led bulb from a projector headlight that comes with the current generations of Swift and Dzire? Can HID be fitted in it?

Yes, of course it's possible. You could even fit a halogen bulb in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by straight6 (Post 4978669)

Thanks. Have you tried it or seen this done? I'd like to replace it with 4300k hid.

I haven't personally done it myself, having never owned a Swift before. But I've seen plenty of examples rocking HIDs and LEDs, all of them aftermarket. For most cars equipped with projectors, any type of light should work provided there's enough space in the headlamp assembly (apart from a few other factors). In a popular car like the Swift, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle.

Keep in mind though, you may need to cut the plastic (or rubber, my Skoda comes with rubber) headlamp dust caps to make the fans that cool the bulbs fit. Invest in good quality bulbs and make sure all the proper wiring work is done. Also, make sure that the ballasts are properly seated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by straight6 (Post 4978660)

Hey guys,

I wanted to know if its possible to remove/replace the oem led bulb from a projector headlight that comes with the current generations of Swift and Dzire? Can HID be fitted in it?

No, this is not possible. These modern projectors do not have removable bulbs and the LED is inbuilt inside the projector. You cannot fiddle with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by straight6 (Post 4978660)

I wanted to know if its possible to remove/replace the oem led bulb from a projector headlight that comes with the current generations of Swift and Dzire? Can HID be fitted in it?

I'd recommend you to first open the rear dust cap of the headlamp - if its removable. Many modern LED headlamps tend to come in sealed units that are not serviceable parts & need a replacement in case of a failure.

I have no clue about how the unit is in the Baleno/Swift - but please do check personally once if the bulb is removable. Only after confirming this should you take the plunge to order an HID kit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shivamk11 (Post 4978942)

No, this is not possible. These modern projectors do not have removable bulbs and the LED is inbuilt inside the projector. You cannot fiddle with it.

Oops! Seems your reply was already posted while I was typing mine. Mine is redundant now. :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by straight6 (Post 4979230)

Thanks I will check these headlights out at cst kurla market first and then see what to do.

I checked in the Boodmo Catalogue - its 20K per side, only indicator bulb can be changed, otherwise sealed unit.

Link

See if an HID projector can be tucked in somewhere in the grille with small modifications to work alongside the headlamps.