HID Confusion

[munruss]

Very confused. I want to install low beam HIDs and I bought Notto SE. I am reading now that DDM tuning 55 watt is the way to go. Plus DDM tuning is less expensive.

 

Is DDM Tuning my best route or should I stick with the Notto SE? Will I have a problem with the 35 watt setup?

 

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Edited September 27, 2010 by munruss

[Keldon]

Very confused. I want to install low beam HIDs and I bought Notto SE. I am reading now that DDM tuning 55 watt is the way to go. Plus DDM tuning is less expensive.

 

Is DDM Tuning my best route or should I stick with the Notto SE? Will I have a problem with the 35 watt setup?

 

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

I don't know about either of those brands, but what I can tell you is I've been buying kits from XenonDepot since 2003 and can honestly say they are extremely high quality and look incredible. Not only are their products superior to most others on the market, their tech support is first rate. They answer any questions and quickly solve any issues you might have. I recently bought my third kit from them for my Sport. You may pay more for their kits but trust me there's a reason why those others are so cheap. The tech dept will tell you exactly what you need, and if you have any issues with "flickering" they will send you the part to fix it. Some error code blocker or something. All I know is I've gotten years of trouble-free performance from their kits and will only buy from someone else if they go out of business. And that isn't likely to happen b/c they've been around since 2001. Good luck! -Keldon

[Keldon]

Very confused. I want to install low beam HIDs and I bought Notto SE. I am reading now that DDM tuning 55 watt is the way to go. Plus DDM tuning is less expensive.

 

Is DDM Tuning my best route or should I stick with the Notto SE? Will I have a problem with the 35 watt setup?

 

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

PS...I wouldn't do a 55w kit b/c HIDs burn brighter and hotter than halogen bulbs and you will eventually ruin your headlight assembly burning bulbs that hot. All OEM HIDs are 35w and there's a reason for that. Go to XenonDepot's website and take some time reading their info pages and testimonials...you'll soon realize there is a big difference in HID kits. I'm not saying there aren't any other good places to buy kits, just that I trust these guys b/c they've been around so long and I've never had a problem with their kits in three of my cars. But definitely stay away from 55w kits!

[munruss]

I don't know about either of those brands, but what I can tell you is I've been buying kits from XenonDepot since 2003 and can honestly say they are extremely high quality and look incredible. Not only are their products superior to most others on the market, their tech support is first rate. They answer any questions and quickly solve any issues you might have. I recently bought my third kit from them for my Sport. You may pay more for their kits but trust me there's a reason why those others are so cheap. The tech dept will tell you exactly what you need, and if you have any issues with "flickering" they will send you the part to fix it. Some error code blocker or something. All I know is I've gotten years of trouble-free performance from their kits and will only buy from someone else if they go out of business. And that isn't likely to happen b/c they've been around since 2001. Good luck! -Keldon

 

Thank you very much. I'm on the phone with them now.

[Keldon]

Thank you very much. I'm on the phone with them now.

 

 

No problem munruss, you'll be glad you called. The guy I talk to all the time is Steve. He's extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Let us know how it works out.

[munruss]

No problem munruss, you'll be glad you called. The guy I talk to all the time is Steve. He's extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Let us know how it works out.

 

I spoke to Mike. I mentioned that someone off this forum recommended the company. I have to return my other kit first and then I will purchase the kit from your recommend company. I'm going with the 4300K 35 watt. They will also include the stuff which will prevent any errors from the 35 watt system.

 

~Russ

[Keldon]

I spoke to Mike. I mentioned that someone off this forum recommended the company. I have to return my other kit first and then I will purchase the kit from your recommend company. I'm going with the 4300K 35 watt. They will also include the stuff which will prevent any errors from the 35 watt system.

 

~Russ

 

 

Russ, that's the exact kit I have! The Xtreme kit right? They recommend that one over the less expensive Volt line. I've used both and I have to say I think the Xtreme line has a more even light distribution. They use the highest quality bulbs and ballasts in that line. Also, as I'm sure they told you, you get the brightest, whitest light output with the 4300k bulbs. That's what all OEM applications are. You'll have to tell us how it all works out and post some pics when you're done!

[munruss]

Russ, that's the exact kit I have! The Xtreme kit right? They recommend that one over the less expensive Volt line. I've used both and I have to say I think the Xtreme line has a more even light distribution. They use the highest quality bulbs and ballasts in that line. Also, as I'm sure they told you, you get the brightest, whitest light output with the 4300k bulbs. That's what all OEM applications are. You'll have to tell us how it all works out and post some pics when you're done!

 

I feel better about this. I know I will have issues getting to the passenger side bulb. I will go through the wheel well. That's what the manufacturer says to do to access that bulb.

[Keldon]

I feel better about this. I know I will have issues getting to the passenger side bulb. I will go through the wheel well. That's what the manufacturer says to do to access that bulb.

 

 

Russ, yes I have the same fun to look forward to. I bought the kit a month ago and haven't tackled it yet b/c I know it won't be fun doing the pass side. I did take the fender lining part of the way off a few weeks ago just to see how difficult it was going to be getting my hands up in there. I decided I'm going to take the wheel off for better access, I think that will make the job much easier. Steve from XenonDepot said he had another guy with a '10 Fusion already do it and supposedly he didn't need the wiring harnesses or the error code eliminator, only the ballasts. That would be awesome! Just put in the HID bulbs, connect them to the ballasts, secure the ballasts and fire 'em up. But, just incase, we have the relays, wiring harness and error eliminators. They gaurantee one of the ways will work trouble-free. I plan on doing mine this wknd. Let me know if you get to yours first, how it goes and any tips.

[munruss]

Russ, yes I have the same fun to look forward to. I bought the kit a month ago and haven't tackled it yet b/c I know it won't be fun doing the pass side. I did take the fender lining part of the way off a few weeks ago just to see how difficult it was going to be getting my hands up in there. I decided I'm going to take the wheel off for better access, I think that will make the job much easier. Steve from XenonDepot said he had another guy with a '10 Fusion already do it and supposedly he didn't need the wiring harnesses or the error code eliminator, only the ballasts. That would be awesome! Just put in the HID bulbs, connect them to the ballasts, secure the ballasts and fire 'em up. But, just incase, we have the relays, wiring harness and error eliminators. They gaurantee one of the ways will work trouble-free. I plan on doing mine this wknd. Let me know if you get to yours first, how it goes and any tips.

 

Better yet, you let me know how it goes with the passenger side and where you mount the ballasts. What did you use to remove the fender lining, a screw driver?

 

Please, provide me detail after your install this weekend.

 

~Russ

[Keldon]

Better yet, you let me know how it goes with the passenger side and where you mount the ballasts. What did you use to remove the fender lining, a screw driver?

 

Please, provide me detail after your install this weekend.

 

~Russ

 

Yes, the thinnest flathead u can find. U have to pry up the center of the tab then pull the whole tab out. Its easy once u get the hang of it. But there are several of them, gets old quickly. As far as mounting the ballasts, I used the double-sided tape they provide (very strong stuff) to mount them to the inside of the fender on one of my cars, and the zip ties with my second kit. I just tied them around smtg sturdy like a bracket or brace for some part like the washer fluid container. Never had a problem either way. Will post again here if I do the job this wknd. Depends on the weather.

[munruss]

Yes, the thinnest flathead u can find. U have to pry up the center of the tab then pull the whole tab out. Its easy once u get the hang of it. But there are several of them, gets old quickly. As far as mounting the ballasts, I used the double-sided tape they provide (very strong stuff) to mount them to the inside of the fender on one of my cars, and the zip ties with my second kit. I just tied them around smtg sturdy like a bracket or brace for some part like the washer fluid container. Never had a problem either way. Will post again here if I do the job this wknd. Depends on the weather.

 

Sounds like a plan!

[munruss]

Hey there! I'm just checking in to see how the HID install went.

 

~Russ

[Keldon]

Hey there! I'm just checking in to see how the HID install went.

 

~Russ

 

Sorry Russ, didn't get to it this wknd. My drvr side headlight assembly is clouding up and crackling just like my pass side did a few wekks ago. Now I have to have the dealer order and replace this one. This is the fourth time I've had to replace a Ford headlight. Anyway, I'm not going to install the HIDs until I get the new headlight assembly put in. I'm hoping they can do it this week. But I'll be sure and post here as soon as I get the kit installed.

[munruss]

Sorry Russ, didn't get to it this wknd. My drvr side headlight assembly is clouding up and crackling just like my pass side did a few wekks ago. Now I have to have the dealer order and replace this one. This is the fourth time I've had to replace a Ford headlight. Anyway, I'm not going to install the HIDs until I get the new headlight assembly put in. I'm hoping they can do it this week. But I'll be sure and post here as soon as I get the kit installed.

 

Why are they breaking? A leak?

[Keldon]

Why are they breaking? A leak?

 

 

They're not really 'breaking,' just clouding up and developing these tiny little crackly lines that look awful when looking at the headlight at night. That's the only time you can really see them. I'm very surprised no one else on here has noticed them. You'd have to read my earlier post (Headlight lenses clouding) to understand what's going on. Anyway, I'm getting the other one replaced this week, so I hope to install the HIDs soon afterwards.

[munruss]

They're not really 'breaking,' just clouding up and developing these tiny little crackly lines that look awful when looking at the headlight at night. That's the only time you can really see them. I'm very surprised no one else on here has noticed them. You'd have to read my earlier post (Headlight lenses clouding) to understand what's going on. Anyway, I'm getting the other one replaced this week, so I hope to install the HIDs soon afterwards.

 

 

Well, I ordered my HID kit. H11 4300k Xtreme Xenon HID!

Edited October 15, 2010 by munruss

[Keldon]

Well, I ordered my HID kit. H11 4300k Xtreme Xenon HID!

 

 

Hey Russ, that's the exact kit I bought. Definitley the right choice. I've used 6000k and 5000k in my last two cars, and while they looked cool as heck and were a HUGE improvement over the halogens, they didn't look like the OEM HIDs you see coming at you on BMWs, Audis, Lexus's etc. So after talking to Steve from XenonDepot several times and doing my own research, it was obvious that 4300 was the way to go. With projector lens housings, the 4300k bulbs will look like factory HIDs. A lot of people are misinformed about the color temperatures for HIDs and think the higher you go the brighter they will be. Not so. 4300k bulbs are the brightest, while moving up to 5000k and 6000k will just provide more bluish to purplish hues. Once you are familiar with the different color temps you can spot them a mile away. And I've seen some 8000k on some cars..wow do they look hideous. So anyway, congrats and let us know when u get them installed. I finally got my driver's side headlamp assembly replaced so I'm good to go, I just haven't had the time yet to install mine. Oh before I forget, Steve (from XenonDepot) was telling me we should be able to simply plug in the bulbs, run the wires thru the rubber dust cover, then to the ballast and that's it! They include the relays and error code eliminator just incase, but he thinks we won't even need them. That will be awesome if that's true b/c I had to use those relays and harnesses before and it was a PITA!

[munruss]

Hey Russ, that's the exact kit I bought. Definitley the right choice. I've used 6000k and 5000k in my last two cars, and while they looked cool as heck and were a HUGE improvement over the halogens, they didn't look like the OEM HIDs you see coming at you on BMWs, Audis, Lexus's etc. So after talking to Steve from XenonDepot several times and doing my own research, it was obvious that 4300 was the way to go. With projector lens housings, the 4300k bulbs will look like factory HIDs. A lot of people are misinformed about the color temperatures for HIDs and think the higher you go the brighter they will be. Not so. 4300k bulbs are the brightest, while moving up to 5000k and 6000k will just provide more bluish to purplish hues. Once you are familiar with the different color temps you can spot them a mile away. And I've seen some 8000k on some cars..wow do they look hideous. So anyway, congrats and let us know when u get them installed. I finally got my driver's side headlamp assembly replaced so I'm good to go, I just haven't had the time yet to install mine. Oh before I forget, Steve (from XenonDepot) was telling me we should be able to simply plug in the bulbs, run the wires thru the rubber dust cover, then to the ballast and that's it! They include the relays and error code eliminator just incase, but he thinks we won't even need them. That will be awesome if that's true b/c I had to use those relays and harnesses before and it was a PITA!

 

I'm glad you got that light lens taken care of. The HIDs are on back order, which is fine with me. I contacted Steve and he bumped my shipping to 2-day air for no additional charge. He also included the capacitor stuff incase I get an error warning on the dash. Hopefully I'll get them installed in the near future.

[munruss]

I'm glad you got that light lens taken care of. The HIDs are on back order, which is fine with me. I contacted Steve and he bumped my shipping to 2-day air for no additional charge. He also included the capacitor stuff incase I get an error warning on the dash. Hopefully I'll get them installed in the near future.

 

Hey, how are you? I finally got my HID delivered. Only took a week. Did you install yours yet? I will install mine soon.

[akirby]

Hey, how are you? I finally got my HID delivered. Only took a week. Did you install yours yet? I will install mine soon.

 

I hear talking to yourself isn't too bad, but when you start answering yourself................. :confused:

[Keldon]

Hey, how are you? I finally got my HID delivered. Only took a week. Did you install yours yet? I will install mine soon.

 

 

Russ, sent you a PM since this topic has turned into more of a two party discussion.

[ronehrmann]

I am sure there were a lot of us following this. We want to install HID's too. How did it all work out. What problems did you run into.

[the_clem87]

I am sure there were a lot of us following this. We want to install HID's too. How did it all work out. What problems did you run into.

x2 I wouldn't mind hearing the outcome of this as well. I'm planning on installing a kit in my Fusion as well and would like to know how this turns out. My biggest worry is that the daytime running lights may not put out enough power to keep the HID's running without flickering or anything similar. Anyone have any experience with this? I not sure it's possible to "disable" the DRL's as they're computer controlled. I'd like to have the ability to drive the car normally without having "bulb out" lights on or having to turn on the lights manually in order to overcome any low voltage DRL problem...

[munruss]

OK guys, I installed my HIDs. It is not hard and do not listen to anyone that says to remove the radiator over flow tank to access the lights. Drop both liners to gain full access to the lights. Dropping the liner will also give you plenty of room to do a clean professional job.