HID Light not always starting

[BigD]

I installed my new HID headlight setup from HID Country a few weeks ago. From the start I'm having a problem with the light not always lighting. I turn the key off, and turn the key back on and it's fine most the time. I got caught a few times with no headlight on during the day. Has any one else had this problem? I talked with Jason from HID Country, but he has not responded yet. Thanks for any help.

[Guest tx2sturgis]

I had the same issue, and removed it. I think you should cross-post this in the "HID group buy" thread.

 

These units are not 100% reliable. For some owners, they may be, but for others, they are prone to mis-starts and thats not a good thing on a bike. During the nighttime hours, the rider will know it of course, but during the daytime, visiblity will be compromised, and an accident COULD happen.

 

I cant recommend them at this time, until this flaw is worked out.

[Squeeze]

If you made an Plug'n'Play install linking the ballast to the H4 Connector of the Haed Light, most likely the Contact Resistance in the Hi/Low Switch causes a Voiltage Drop and this will end in a non-Start once in a while.

 

This is a Problem which mostly can't be blamed on the HID. A H4 Bulb will work with a lowered Voltage, yes, but the Light Output will be comprimesed anyway.

[Dano]

Use the high/low switch to trigger an SPDT relay to pass the higher voltage to the ballast. Run it from the battery and put a fuse in the feed.

[BradT]

JAson mentioned to me that this problem will go away if you make sure the plugs are pushed in tightly.

 

I had the same problem but has not occured in a long time.

 

Brad

[BuddyRich]

Actually the light always starts, But when you hit the start button you cause a voltage drop thru out the system and the HID's cannot remain lit at that low of a voltage. I have had that problem for the last 5 years. I just put a switch on the fairing. Leave it off when you start it and then after its been running for a few seconds flip it on. Works good for me.

Edited August 31, 2010 by BuddyRich

[JoeKanuck]

It's best to run the ballast directly from the battery through a relay and run the relay via the headlight connector.

 

HID ballasts work best off of a constant power supply. Make sure all connections are clean. When I did mine, I found that I had many corroded connections that I had to clean before I got everything working right. Those same poor connections also will effect the stock headlight quality and reliability.

 

The connections on my bike, like the rest of it, are 25 years old. It's not surprising that I've had to reseat most of my connections, including fuses.

 

A separate switch to run the HID headlight is also not a bad idea.

[BigD]

Thanks for all the help on this problem. I will start working on all these suggestions this weekend. I love the light, I would hate to go back.

 

Thanks again, BigD