HID Headlights and HID Fogs PROBLEM!!!

[Krakor]

I had my stock HID 4300K's changed to 6000K's and had my fogs changed to 6000K HID's as well.

Only had them for a month or so now.

The driver side headlight pulses after some time and then goes out.

The passenger side fog when you turn the fogs on, starts out bright for a second or 2 then dims slightly. The left does not do this.

Then while driving for about 20 minutes, the fogs both go out and the driver headlight pulses then goes out too.

I say "WTF?!?!?"

Anyone have any ideas?

I had the ballast replaced for the driver side headlamp but that did not fix it. I think it may actually be the bulb.

But the fogs started to do this right after the shop replaced the ballast for the headlight.

Does anyone have any advice for me here?

I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

[Donutz]

The easiest bulb test is to swap the one that works for the one that doesn't. If that fixes the problem then you know it's a bulb; if it doesn't fix it, you have other issues. You said you replaced the ballast on the side that still doesn't work? Have you also checked to see that all of the connectors are secure?

[Krakor]

The easiest bulb test is to swap the one that works for the one that doesn't. If that fixes the problem then you know it's a bulb; if it doesn't fix it, you have other issues. You said you replaced the ballast on the side that still doesn't work? Have you also checked to see that all of the connectors are secure?

The shop, Oakville Mazda, checked them. I was with the tech when he showed me the connections.

This is really ticking me off.

I read somewhere on the threads that there may not be enough power for HID Headlights and Fogs. Could this be true?

[Donutz]

Good question. I don't know, but I'm sure someone will be along soon that can confirm. I only have AM HID's for headlights so I can't confirm if running two sets of HID's will cause them to crap out.

[CoreySprung]

I read somewhere on the threads that there may not be enough power for HID Headlights and Fogs. Could this be true?


Easiest way to test that out, is turn the fogs off and see if the driver side headlight keeps pulsing.

If it does then maybe running a relay harness from the battery to power the fogs might help.

[Krakor]

Easiest way to test that out, is turn the fogs off and see if the driver side headlight keeps pulsing.

If it does then maybe running a relay harness from the battery to power the fogs might help.

Do you think Oakville Mazda would have thought of that?

Or should I tell them about it?

[-RJ3-]

By posting this, you already have told Andrew, or Jason from Oakville Mazda LOL.. .They do see this on the forum you know??? LOL

[Krakor]

By posting this, you already have told Andrew, or Jason from Oakville Mazda LOL.. .They do see this on the forum you know??? LOL

Yeah I know.

I was just there on Friday getting it fixed and then this weekend it went crazy again.

I didn't want to message him yet. I wanted him to enjoy his Easter weekend.

I will call him on Monday unless he calls me first.

[cwp_sedan]

If you aren't running a relay harness for the fogs this is most likely your problem for those. Unless there is a hardware malfunction.

[Krakor]

If you aren't running a relay harness for the fogs this is most likely your problem for those. Unless there is a hardware malfunction.

On the way home tonight I kept the fogs off and the headlights did not flicker once.

I think this may be the problem.

I will contact Oakville Mazda in the morning to find out if they added the relay.

If not, where can I get one? How much? and is it easy to install myself?

Thanks for your help.

[insaini]

wow thats weird .... just two days ago i did HID's for headlights and fogs ... went for about a 20 min drive last night and didnt have any problems ... both stayed on fine and did not flicker at all .... should i be worried for the future?

cwp ... do u have any problems? are you running any sort of relay or anything?

[insaini]

hm i just noticed krakor has a GT ... which comes stock with HIDs ... maybe I won't have that problem?

[cwp_sedan]

On the way home tonight I kept the fogs off and the headlights did not flicker once.

I think this may be the problem.

I will contact Oakville Mazda in the morning to find out if they added the relay.

If not, where can I get one? How much? and is it easy to install myself?

Thanks for your help.

Why are you going through Oakville Mazda for all of this? I guess if they did the install and son't know what they were doing they may have missed something. Who did you buy your HIDs from? They should be able to get you a relay/harness.

If you don't mind removing your bumper, the install of a harness is pretty straight forward.



wow thats weird .... just two days ago i did HID's for headlights and fogs ... went for about a 20 min drive last night and didnt have any problems ... both stayed on fine and did not flicker at all .... should i be worried for the future?

cwp ... do u have any problems? are you running any sort of relay or anything?

I don't have any "major" issues. One of my fogs don't fire all of the time but that isn't a big deal. Same with headlights if they are set to auto and come on when you start the car.

I usually leave all lights off when I start the car and this helps prevent this problem. I ran my HIDs for my headlights without a harness (I was able to do this because I have an 07). As for my fogs, I heard a lot of people were having power issues, or lack there of, so I decided to use a relay harness. You don't have to but if you have any issues with your fogs, I would recommend using one.

[McGuyver_3]

On the way home tonight I kept the fogs off and the headlights did not flicker once.

I think this may be the problem.

I will contact Oakville Mazda in the morning to find out if they added the relay.

If not, where can I get one? How much? and is it easy to install myself?

Thanks for your help.


That could be the problem but i doubt it all that happens is when the headlights are turned on it sends a signal to the fogs and allows them to turn on. 07 and newer it is a negative signal and 04-06 it is a positive signal. They still run off of their own power sources though. I have installed several sets and even had that same setup myself with oem xenons in the headlights never had a problem though

[Krakor]

That could be the problem but i doubt it all that happens is when the headlights are turned on it sends a signal to the fogs and allows them to turn on. 07 and newer it is a negative signal and 04-06 it is a positive signal. They still run off of their own power sources though. I have installed several sets and even had that same setup myself with oem xenons in the headlights never had a problem though

So what do you think should be done?

I haven't spoken to Oakville Mazda yet.

I will today.

Your help would be appreciated.

[McGuyver_3]

Just to ask did the oem xenons come with the car or did you retrofit them like i did?
Also make sure the fuse for the fogs is the proper size. That is the underhood fuse box it is a 15A fuse. If everything checks out i would suggest you disconect the power to one of the 2 fog hid ballasts and see if your problem persists. If it consists try unconecting that side an reconecting the other side. It is possible that one of the aftermarket ballasts is causing a higher then normal current draw causing other things to go whack. In most cases the fuse usually blows but you never know. Please try these things and keep us posted

[Krakor]

Just to ask did the oem xenons come with the car or did you retrofit them like i did?
Also make sure the fuse for the fogs is the proper size. That is the underhood fuse box it is a 15A fuse. If everything checks out i would suggest you disconect the power to one of the 2 fog hid ballasts and see if your problem persists. If it consists try unconecting that side an reconecting the other side. It is possible that one of the aftermarket ballasts is causing a higher then normal current draw causing other things to go whack. In most cases the fuse usually blows but you never know. Please try these things and keep us posted

My car came with HIDs. I only upgraded the bulbs from 4300k to 6000k.

I added the HID fogs. 6000k as well.

Oakville Mazda says they did install a relay.

Not sure what else to do.

I think I might have to ask them to remove the fogs and give my money back if they can't come up with an answer this week.

I will let you know what happens.

[FLIPDADY]

Hmm weird never had an issue with my 6000K D2S bulbs. Maybe a crappy HID bulb James?

[Mazda3_06]

i think the problem is with your relay....the salt and all that other good stuff gets in the pins and oxidizes them....check the connection on your relay...and if it is green or white looking pull it out and try to clean the pins properly. try and get a bottle of Noalox and it on the pins before putting them in and it should help....well it helped for me.

[Krakor]

Hmm weird never had an issue with my 6000K D2S bulbs. Maybe a crappy HID bulb James?

I have the stock HID ballasts and changed them to 6000k bulbs, but I now have HID fogs at 6000k.

Oakville Mazda has now confirmed that they did not use a relay for the fogs. This may be the problem.

There is not enough power to run HID headlights and fogs.

I only got these done about a month ago.
No salt or crap in them.

I have an appointment for Friday to add the relay for the fogs. Let's see what happens.

[McGuyver_3]

That doesnt make sense as i myself had oem HID's retrofitted in my car with the leveling motors working and everything didnt use a relay for the fogs and everything worked fine. Try disconecting one or the other ballasts for the fogs and see if with 1 the problem consists. If it does try disconecting that one and conecting the other side if the problem goes away it could be a bad aftermarket ballast or hid bulb

[FLIPDADY]

No relay used on my fogs either. Sometimes my one side fog doesn't fire up unless I turn the switch on and off. My guess just like Dan mentioned either a bad HID ballast or bulb.

[Krakor]

No relay used on my fogs either. Sometimes my one side fog doesn't fire up unless I turn the switch on and off. My guess just like Dan mentioned either a bad HID ballast or bulb.

From what I understand the 08.5 and up do not have enough power to run HID fogs as well as the headlights.

The relay is to help stop the pulsing. My one headlight pulses several times then goes out.

And same for the fogs. 1 started then went out. Then I turn it of and on again and they come back up. Also both fogs go out at the same time.

Driving me crazy. If it can't be rectified this week, I am going to have to ask for my money back.

I will let you know what happens.

[Krakor]

That doesnt make sense as i myself had oem HID's retrofitted in my car with the leveling motors working and everything didnt use a relay for the fogs and everything worked fine. Try disconecting one or the other ballasts for the fogs and see if with 1 the problem consists. If it does try disconecting that one and conecting the other side if the problem goes away it could be a bad aftermarket ballast or hid bulb

Do you have HID fogs as well as HID headlights?

My HID headlights were standard with the vehicle. I changed my fogs to HIDs.

[insaini]

just installed HIDs on both fogs and headlights .... has been working fine ever since.. only problem is the auto function doesnt work properly since it cant turn on everything at once so i just turn it on and off manually .. but otherwise ... everything is working great ..... WITHOUT ... a relay ...

07 hatch

btw mine didnt come with oem hids ... i have 4 ballasts running

[McGuyver_3]

Do you have HID fogs as well as HID headlights?

My HID headlights were standard with the vehicle. I changed my fogs to HIDs.

Yes i installed OEM xenon headlights in my car and had xenon fogs

[Krakor]

Does anyone think that if they add the relays for the fogs (Because they didn't when the HID fogs were installed) that would help?

I am at a complete loss as to why this is happening.

I do notice that no issues when I just run the headlights.
When I turn on the fogs, the crap starts to happen.

[cwp_sedan]

Does anyone think that if they add the relays for the fogs (Because they didn't when the HID fogs were installed) that would help?

I am at a complete loss as to why this is happening.

I do notice that no issues when I just run the headlights.
When I turn on the fogs, the crap starts to happen.

You should install one anyway. If it still happens then you are not destined to have HID fogs lol...

[Krakor]

You should install one anyway. If it still happens then you are not destined to have HID fogs lol...

I will get it installed on Friday.

I don't understand what could be happening. I want the HID fogs!!!!

I hope that fixes my issues. If not, I guess the next thing would be to repalce the entiure fog kit.

[007]

I had the same problem when I initially installed my HID fogs.
I figured I just need to turn the switch on and off when it happens.

But after installing my Turbo Timer, I noticed that the misfire only occurs when the battery voltage reading is below 12V (just after engine startup).
So, after I start the car, I always wait about 15-20 secs before switching the fogs on. Never had a misfire after using this approach.


Sometimes my one side fog doesn't fire up unless I turn the switch on and off.

[Krakor]

I had the same problem when I initially installed my HID fogs.
I figured I just need to turn the switch on and off when it happens.

But after installing my Turbo Timer, I noticed that the misfire only occurs when the battery voltage reading is below 12V (just after engine startup).
So, after I start the car, I always wait about 15-20 secs before switching the fogs on. Never had a misfire after using this approach.

I could be driving for an hour and it still gives me the issues. Almost immediately when the fogs are turned on.

When the car is not on, the fogs won't power very often. I tried it at the meet last night to show Andrew, and they wouldn't come on. I started the car and they finally did come on, but kept shutting off and caused my left headlight to pulse as well.

[Noisy Crow]

Bottom line: Your fogs aren't wired up correctly. Possibilities:They are pulling power from a feed that can't manage the amperage; the relay is flaky/triggered off of the wrong place.....

[Krakor]

Bottom line: Your fogs aren't wired up correctly. Possibilities:They are pulling power from a feed that can't manage the amperage; the relay is flaky/triggered off of the wrong place.....

Thanks.

I am hoping Oakville Mazda will be able to fix it.

Andrew seems confident that they can.

I am so looking forward to being able to use them finally.

[philipfreire]

Hey krakor,

I hope they figure this out too! I want to get mine done as well and I have a 2009 Mazda3 GT.

I also have a question - is your hi-beams HID's? Because I changed mine and its a yellowish color on top of the HID's.

[insaini]

highbeams is a HB5 bulb which is yellow .. same bulb as the DRL

[Krakor]

Hey krakor,

I hope they figure this out too! I want to get mine done as well and I have a 2009 Mazda3 GT.

I also have a question - is your hi-beams HID's? Because I changed mine and its a yellowish color on top of the HID's.

No I didn't change my Hi-beams. However I do want to change my DRL's to a brighter white to look closer to my HIDs.

Any suggestions on bulbs for those?

[Thrizzl3]

No I didn't change my Hi-beams. However I do want to change my DRL's to a brighter white to look closer to my HIDs.

Any suggestions on bulbs for those?

why not just get hyper yellow bulbs..

[Krakor]

why not just get hyper yellow bulbs..

Because that would be too easy... I seem to like doing things the hard way!

I will be at Oakville Mazda by around 1:30pm today.

I will let you know what happens.

[Thrizzl3]

Because that would be too easy... I seem to like doing things the hard way!

I will at Oakville Mazda by around 1:30pm today.

I will let you know what happens.

so you want to blind people huh:chuckle i know my Low-beam bulbs blind people when im driving behind them. im upgrading my hi beams this summer maybe.

[Krakor]

so you want to blind people huh:chuckle i know my Low-beam bulbs blind people when im driving behind them. im upgrading my hi beams this summer maybe.

Not blinding at all. The fogs only point about 5 to 6 feet ahead. The Headlights are quite nice... when they work!

[philipfreire]

Hey man, did they figure this out?

[Krakor]

Hey man, did they figure this out?

Seems that he problem has been solved.

The tech at Oakville Mazda said 2 possible issues.

1) There was a slightly loose ground on the battery. He didn't feel that would cause all the issues.

2) The HID fog kits come with 2 extra sets of extensions (at least my kit did). They are used just in case they don't reach properly. They were installed with my car because I bought the kit so they were mine. The tech thought he was doing the right thing. I appreciated that.

However it looks like the 2 extensions were casusing the current to drop.

Once they removed them, they tried running the lights together for over 20 mins and not a flicker.

I was driving home last night from a friend's place and tested them.

I turned the headlights on first and waited about a minute before turning the fogs on. Obviously this was after starting my car.

I drove for about 30 minutes last night and not a flicker! So far so good.

I do have another question though...

Am I able to aim my fogs myself without going back to the dealer?
They seem to be a little bit lower then before it went in on Friday.

I am very pleased so far!

Oakville Mazda managed to "help a brother out"!
Jason even expressed concern that I was there so many times. 3 times in the last month to get these working.

All seems good now. Thanks to Andrew and Tiffany and the team at Oakville Mazda.

Andrew - Tell Alvin not to feel bad. I think he was getting frustrated seeing me back there so often! I don't blame him.

I also got 2 dents removed from my car. Wow! That dent guy is good!

Call Andrew if you need any dents removed. His guy is great.

I will keep you all posted as I drive and use the lights more.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

[FLIPDADY]

James glad everything worked out for you buddy.

Just wondering why you chose a dealer and not one of the members to install your kit? I have personally installed at least 8 HID kits without any issues. Dan has probably done a lot more and a few other guys as well.

Could have saved you the headache of going back and forth. No offense to the tech at Oakville Mazda.

[omalak]

Good to hear problem solved..

Now, does anyone want to help me do my HID fogs? :D

I'm piss poor lol i can offer you a box of donuts and a large coffee :bana2

[philipfreire]

Im happy you got the issue resolved. I bet the lights look hot now! I want to do the same. Flip will you help out?

[Krakor]

James glad everything worked out for you buddy.

Just wondering why you chose a dealer and not one of the members to install your kit? I have personally installed at least 8 HID kits without any issues. Dan has probably done a lot more and a few other guys as well.

Could have saved you the headache of going back and forth. No offense to the tech at Oakville Mazda.

I really didn't know anyone could help me.
My fault because I didn't research it.

I bought them from Oakville Mazda, Andrew and they installed them for me. I purchased a few other things as well.

I am glad, I hope, it is finally resolved. I will trying them again tonight to verify it wasn't just a fluke.

I also think that I have more faith in the dealers because if they screw something up they can fix it at no extra cost to me.

I didn't know you did them. I would probably have asked you.

Oh well.

I will keep you posted.

Do you know how I can adjust the ain of the fogs?
Maybe I can do that myself?

[KenYork]

Do you know how I can adjust the ain of the fogs?
Maybe I can do that myself?

Just a screw/nut to turn and adjust the height on the fog lamp housing.

[Krakor]

Just a screw/nut to turn and adjust the height on the fog lamp housing.

Hey Pat.

Is that easy?

Any pics?

[Krakor]

Well... I might have spoken too soon.

As I was leaving the meet last night, had the car running for about 15 mins with headlights and fogs on to show a few people. All was going well. No flicker or anything. They looked good.

As I was ready to leave, I got into the car, put it in drive and as I was pulling out, the lights started to pulse again.

I shut the fogs off and then the headlights. Powered the headlights back on within a few seconds and then a minute later as I was driving I put the fogs back on.

I drove about 17 mins without any other issues.

This was so dissappointing.

I don't know what else to do.

:bang

[skunk2]

this might be another lose connection somewhere. might be better to get one of the members like flippy have a look at it.

[Krakor]

this might be another lose connection somewhere. might be better to get one of the members like flippy have a look at it.

I am ready to scrap the HID fog idea altogether.

I have been back too many times. And just now coming back from lunch, my left headlight would not come on. I was driving without the fogs even!

Man am I pissed off.

:flaming

[skunk2]

there's a lot of people running hid fogs and lows including myself and never had this trouble. like i said get a member to have a look at it.

[cwp_sedan]

+1. I would like to see how everything is wired up with the bumper off.

[skunk2]

exactly what i was thinking....this might be a 10 minute fix for somebody who has done it before.

[Krakor]

exactly what i was thinking....this might be a 10 minute fix for somebody who has done it before.

I had the dealership do it.

I was told they did quite a few of them with no issues.

I hate to have them keep taking the bumper off. I am worried about damage to it and my lip.

Who can I get to check this out to see if all is good?

[S.F.W.]

I had the dealership do it.

I was told they did quite a few of them with no issues.

I hate to have them keep taking the bumper off. I am worried about damage to it and my lip.

Who can I get to check this out to see if all is good?

McGuyver would be your best bet if he has time.

[Krakor]

Ok so here's where we stand...

McGuyver came over on Friday evening (Thanks for doing that! Much appreciated).

We found one of the headlight bulbs (the one that flickers) had a broken "stick".
So we swapped sides and the flicker followed the bulb.

Problem one solved, sort of.

He found that a connector between the fogs and the car had a reversed polarity (Dan correct me if I am wrong).
He sorted that out.

However we still find that the fogs go on and off randomly.

The passenger side fog comes on bright for a second or two then dims slightly.

I have mentioned all of this to Oakville Mazda and they have been more than willing to work it out.

I will be there Friday morning at 8am to leave the car while the guys (and girl - Tiffany), replace the fog kit and the headlight bulbs.

I am hoping this fixes my issues, otherwise I gotta get them pulled and get my cash back.

I really want these to work!

I am also going to get my DRL's changed to the bright white bulbs to match the HID headlights and Fogs.

I will keep you all posted.

So if anyone has their headlight or lights flickering, I would recommend to replace the bulb first. We did the ballast on mine and thought that would fix the flickering but it did not. The bulb is to blame.

I am confident that Oakville Mazda will take care of me.

That's why it pays to buy from the dealer! They warranty what they sell!

[Thrizzl3]

nice james. glad you found out the problem. so with the fogs "working" how much brighter is the road?

[Krakor]

nice james. glad you found out the problem. so with the fogs "working" how much brighter is the road?

They fogs only throw bright light about 4 or 5 feet ahead of the car.

They do not point up.

But looks great.

[wluu]

Kinda sounds like not enough power... but would your fuses have anything to do with it?

[McGuyver_3]

I think the relay installed for the HID fogs is not necesary but we shall see what the dealer has to say. I have already mentioned to Krakor that my next suggestion would be to remove the relay and hook up the fogs straight to the stock connectors. But i was hoping that switching the polarities would have fixed the issue. Unfortunatly it did not help. After the dealer investigates on friday i am sure he will inform me of what has happened

[FLIPDADY]

I think the relay installed for the HID fogs is not necesary but we shall see what the dealer has to say. I have already mentioned to Krakor that my next suggestion would be to remove the relay and hook up the fogs straight to the stock connectors. But i was hoping that switching the polarities would have fixed the issue. Unfortunatly it did not help. After the dealer investigates on friday i am sure he will inform me of what has happened
I skipped the relay all together. So far no issues at all with the stock Xenons and fogs. Just some condensation on the left fog housing.:complain

[McGuyver_3]

I skipped the relay all together. So far no issues at all with the stock Xenons and fogs. Just some condensation on the left fog housing.:complain

Try using the stock seal from your stock bulbs as this has been mention before and often times solves the problem. As for the fogs i have installed several kits w/o the extra relay w/o issues hence my reasoning fro removing it but I would rather have the dealer put their input in before i void his warranty from the dealer on aftermarket accessories

[Krakor]

Thanks guys!

I will make sure to let the dealer know about the relay.

I will keep you guys posted.

[Krakor]

UPDATE!!!

Ok people. So here is where we are now!

Oakville Mazda changed my entire fog kit and installed a new kit minus the relay.

They replaced the one bulb that had a broken stem which caused it to flicker.

Everythng is working great!!!

The only issue so far is that they only changed one headlight bulb instead of pairs as you should with HID's to make sure the color temps match.

So the new headlight is really blue and the old one is a bright white.

But everything else is working fine!!!

Thanks to Jason, Tiffany, Andrew and the techs at Oakville Mazda for getting this resolved.

They took care of everything because it was all udner warranty.

Thanks again.

[McGuyver_3]

The one bulb being a different colour from the other is normal as bulbs have to "burn" in. Basically what that means is like a break in period. Over time the bulb goes more white but do to the fact that you have both bulbs the same colour you do not tend to notice. Then when the one gets replaced you notice a huge difference. I have seen it many times at work and have asked the same question before

[Krakor]

The one bulb being a different colour from the other is normal as bulbs have to "burn" in. Basically what that means is like a break in period. Over time the bulb goes more white but do to the fact that you have both bulbs the same colour you do not tend to notice. Then when the one gets replaced you notice a huge difference. I have seen it many times at work and have asked the same question before

I am hoping in the next few weeks the color gets better.
I guess that's why they say you should repalce the bulbs in pairs.

Talk to you soon.

[Pereira11]

damn relay!

[Krakor]

Maybe it was the relay. Still not 100%.

But all seems to be good now.

Hoping the bulb is actually a 6000K and not an 8000K.

[huyzel]

glad to hear that you got this sorted out.

[Krakor]

glad to hear that you got this sorted out.

Thanks. Yeah now I hope to only see everyone at Oakville Mazda for regular maintenance items... Until I decide to mod something else...

:AH